For the fact that he had a little ready money and could promise more before harvest upon which the people might live--however miserably was no concern of his--made it possible for him to drive a bargain little short of robbery.

It was Bob's part of the business to float the stock company in the East among his father's rich friends.

John was to furnish the money to keep Bob in New York, and the Hendricks' connections in banking circles were to furnish the cash to float the proposition, and the Hendricks' bank--if John could get it opened again--was to guarantee that the stock subscribed would pay six per cent interest.

So there was no honeymoon for John Barclay.

When he dropped the reins and helped his bride out of the buggy the next morning in front of the Thayer House, he hustled General Ward's little boy into the seat, told him to drive the team to Dolan's stable, and waving the new Mrs.Barclay good-by, limped in a trot over to the bank.