business concerns. Force was, indeed, the dominant quality of
the man. His tall figure was proportionately broad, and he was
heavily fleshed. In fact, the body was too ponderous. Perhaps,
in that characteristic might be found a clue to the chief fault
in his nature. For he was ponderous, spiritually and mentally,
as well as materially. The fact was displayed suggestively in
the face, which was too heavy with its prominent jowls and
aggressive chin and rather bulbous nose. But there was nothing
flabby anywhere. The ample features showed no trace of weakness,
only a rude, abounding strength. There was no lighter touch
anywhere. Evidently a just man according to his own ideas, yet
never one to temper justice with mercy. He appeared, and was, a
very practical and most prosaic business man. He was not given
to a humorous outlook on life. He took it and himself with the
utmost seriousness. He was almost entirely lacking in
imagination, that faculty which is essential to sympathy.

"Take this," he directed presently, when he had disposed of the
matters before him. Forthwith, he dictated the following letter,
and now his voice took on a more unctuous note, as of one who is
appreciative of his own excellent generosity.

"THE EDITOR,

"The New York Herald.

"DEAR SIR: Inclosed please find my check for a thousand dollars
for your free-ice fund. It is going to be a very hard summer for
the poor, and I hope by thus starting the contributions for your
fine charity at this early day that you will be able to