Burt L. Standish

“ Tweedy acknowledged the introduction with the best grace he could summon, in view of the fact that he was burning to get Bob by himself, and find out something of where the firm stood. He knew Sears by reputation as an influential and powerful capitalist, and it was his policy always to be agreeable to moneyed men. But even that, combined with the Boston man’s undoubted charm of manner, did not prevent Tweedy from being a trifle austere. He only thawed completely when Sears presently announced that he would have to tear himself away at once, or else miss the Boston train. ”

“ Tweedy said, as Bob returned from seeing Sears to the door. “Let’s go over here where there’s less crowd.”
“Couldn’t have a better man,” said Bob, falling into step with his partner. “He’s one of the best ever, John, and has been a good friend to me.”
“Of course, of course!” returned Tweedy, with a nervous sort of pettishness. “That’s all very well, but we don’t want anybody else around just now. Tell me about the mill. Complete loss, I suppose?”
Bainbridge nodded. “Just about. Saved a few hundred thousand feet of pine stacked at the upper end of the yard. Everything else went.” ”