were necessary to the redemption of Canada City, Mr. Windibrook's
ministration would have been successful. But, singularly enough, the
rude miner was apt to resent this familiarity, and it is recorded that
Isaac Wood, otherwise known as "Grizzly Woods," once responded to a
cheerful back slap from the reverend gentleman by an ostentatiously
friendly hug which nearly dislocated the parson's ribs. Perhaps Mr.
Windibrook was more popular on account of his admiring enthusiasm of the
prosperous money-getting members of his flock and a singular sympathy
with their methods, and Mr. Trixit's daring speculations were an
especially delightful theme to him.
"Ah, Miss Trixit," he said, as Cissy entered the little parlor, "and how
is your dear father? Still startling the money market with his fearless
speculations? This, brother Jones," turning to a visitor, "is the
daughter of our Napoleon of finance, Montagu Trixit. Only last week,
in that deal in 'the Comstock,' he cleared fifty thousand dollars! Yes,
sir," repeating it with unction, "fifty--thousand--dollars!--in about
two hours, and with a single stroke of the pen! I believe I am
not overstating, Miss Trixit?" he added, appealing to Cissy with
a portentous politeness that was as badly fitting as his previous
"heartiness."
Cissy colored slightly. "I don't know," she said simply. She was
perfectly truthful. She knew nothing of her father's business, except
the vague reputation of his success.
Her modesty, however, produced a singular hilarity in Mr. Windibrook,
and a playful push. "YOU don't know? Ha, but I do. Yes, sir,"--to the
visitor,--"I have reason to remember it. I called upon him the next day.
I used, sir, the freedom of an old friend. 'Trixit,' I said, clapping
my hand on his shoulder, 'the Lord has been good to you. I congratulate
you.'
"'H'm!' he said, without looking up. 'What do you reckon those
congratulations are worth?'
"Many a man, sir, who didn't know his style, would have been staggered.
But I knew my man. I looked him straight in the eye. 'A new organ,' I
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