"All right, Michael. _Business_ is the master we must serve first, and
best. Hoist out those bales there ready to ship."

"The devil 'll fly away wid that ould haythen some of these days! I
should like to know intirely if he ever hard of the day of judgment and
the Master that's to take an account of how _he's_ been sarved. I
reckon, bedad, he'll find out thin, if not sooner, that he's the one
that ought to had a little waitin' on," muttered Michael, rolling out a
heavy bale of cotton.

Ere long Mr. Jerrold, anxious to conciliate the millionnaire, and full
of curiosity, did not lose a minute after he read the note in going to
him.

"Good morning sir. I hope I have not kept you waiting," he said,
holding out his hand to Mr. Stillinghast.

"No, sir; you are in very good time," he replied, shaking hands, and
offering his guest a chair. "I see that you are not one who will let
grass grow under your feet."

"I have my fortune to make, sir," replied the young man, laughing; "but
can I serve you in any way, Mr. Stillinghast?"

"Michael! No, sir--no-- Here Michael!" cried Mr. Stillinghast.

"Here, sir," answered the porter at the door.

"I wish to have a private conversation with this gentleman, and do not
want to be interrupted; do you hear?"