A. M. Chisholm

“ That night he and Crooks went carefully over the list of directors. They found several names whose owners were more or less connected with lumber interests, though just how they benefited by the new rate was not apparent, unless they received rebates in some form, as doubtless they did.
“As to Carney it's plain enough,” said Crooks. “His business is over on the O. & N. The rise won't touch him and will cut us out of his markets.”
“That's so,” responded Locke. “Now, take Ackerman. I know he's mixed up in about everything, but I never heard that he had lumber interests.” ”

“ These things move in cycles. Buoyant trade, optimism, expansion; over-expansion, falling trade, pessimism. We are on the down grade now, and have not nearly reached the lowest point. It may be one year or two or three before there is a revival. Those whose businesses are sound will weather the storm; but those who are unprepared will perhaps founder.”
“Well, I'll weather it all right, if that's what you mean,” said Joe.
“I hope so—I sincerely hope so,” said Mr. Ackerman in a tone which implied grave doubt. ”

“ He laid two papers side by side and ran his eye down them. “By the Lord Harry, Crooks, Ackerman is a director of the Peninsular Railway, of the Commercial Bank, and of the Northern Loan Company!”
“Is, hey?” Crooks did not see the connection. “He's in a lot of things besides.”
“Don't you get it?” Locke rapped out. “That bank was Joe Kent's till they tried to squeeze him and he changed. The loan company hold his mortgages and threatened foreclosure for an instalment of interest not much overdue. The railway makes a rate that loses money for him. ”