Harris you are right," shouted several of the by-standers.
But Hugh Searles did not reply. Possibly because it was late or, it may
be, he did not wish to further antagonize Colonel Harris with whom he
hoped in the morning to drive a good bargain, and it may be that he hoped
some time in America to operate mills himself and make money under a
protective tariff.
Both Searles and Harris retired for the night with an agreement to meet
at nine o'clock in the morning and talk over business. Searles rose with
the sun, and after eggs, bacon, and tea, he walked to the Battery and
back, before nine, the appointed hour for his first business conference
with Reuben Harris.
A good sleep had refreshed Colonel Harris and at breakfast he appeared in
a joking mood. While he smoked, he glanced at the _Tribune_ and again
examined Searles's letter of introduction from Messrs. Guerney & Barring.
At nine o'clock promptly, Mr. Searles came and Colonel Harris exhibited
to him a brief statement of the business of the Harrisville Iron & Steel
Co., extending over the last ten years, and showing the company's annual
profits.
"A very good business your company did, and you made large profits,
Colonel Harris," said Searles.
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