"Henry is in the old iron business, dad," explained Dick.

"Exactly," went on Mr. Darby. "The old metal business, to be more exact.
I am also in it with him. Between us we have formed a company--a
corporation to be more exact. I have called it The International and
Consolidated Old Metal Corporation. We have a capital stock of one
million dollars----"

"With two hundred and twenty-five paid in," interrupted Henry, with a
smile. "Dad took twenty-five of your two hundred and fifty, Dick, to get
himself some new clothes."

"Exactly," interrupted Mr. Darby. "As president of the International and
Consolidated Old Metal Corporation I felt that it was due to the public
to look the part. I don't mind old clothes myself, but the public is apt
to judge a man by them. So I bought these. I think it will go a great
way in impressing the public; do you not agree with me, sir?"

"Perfectly," answered Mr. Hamilton, trying not to smile.

"So you are president?" asked Dick.

"I am," replied Mr. Darby, with a grand air. "I am the president and
you, sir, are the treasurer," and he bowed to Dick. "It is with your
capital that we--my son and I--have been able to make this humble
beginning. But all things must have a beginning. The possibilities are
enormous, sir--_enormous_!" and once more Mr. Darby swelled up. "We are
going to begin active operations at once, sir; in fact, my son has
already begun them. We expect to do a large trade in metals of all
description. I shall devote my time to the market abroad in a few weeks,
as I shall have exhausted the possibilities on this side of the
Atlantic. Then, sir, we shall be truly what the name indicated,
_international_!"

"What do you do, Henry?" asked Dick.

"Me? Oh, I drive the wagon, collect the old iron and sell it again,"
said the lad, with just the suspicion of a smile, as he glanced in his
father's direction. "I bought out old Moses Cohen, and he had a horse
and wagon, which I took.

"At least, it's called a horse and wagon in the mortgage which I had to
sign," went on Henry, "but sometimes I have my doubts about both," and
he laughed a little. "However, it will do for a while--until I can make
money enough to get a better rig."

"Yes, we are going a bit slow at first," put in Mr. Darby. "As soon as I
get things in good shape I shall take a trip to England. I understand
they use a great deal of iron there. Perhaps I shall buy up a large
amount abroad and ship it here. I have a