“We got a good many good citizens here from your part o’ the world.  They like it.”

“Oh yes.”  And Herr Favre laughed deprecatingly.  “The first generation, they bring their Germany with them; then, after that, they are Americans, like you.”  He tapped his host’s big knee genially.  “You are patriot; so are they.”

“Well, I reckon you must be a pretty hot little patriot yourself, Mr. Farver!” Sheridan exclaimed, gaily.  “You certainly stand up for your own town, if you stick to sayin’ you’d rather live there than you would here.  Yes, sir!  You sure are some patriot to say that—­after you’ve seen our city!  It ain’t reasonable in you, but I must say I kind of admire you for it; every man ought to stick up for his own, even when he sees the other fellow’s got the goods on him.  Yet I expect way down deep in your heart, Mr. Farver, you’d rather live right here than any place else in the world, if you had your choice.  Man alive! this is God’s country, Mr. Farver, and a blind man couldn’t help seein’ it!  You couldn’t stand where you do in a business way and not see it.  Soho, boy!  Here we are.  This is the big works, and I’ll show you something now that’ll make your eyes stick out!”

They had arrived at the Pump Works; and for an hour Mr. Favre was personally conducted and personally instructed by the founder and president, the buzzing queen bee of those buzzing hives.

“Now I’ll take you for a spin in the country,” said Sheridan, when at last they came out to the car again.  “We’ll take a breezer.”  But, with his foot on the step, he paused to hail a neat young man who came out of the office smiling a greeting.  “Hello, young fellow!” Sheridan said, heartily.  “On the job, are you, Jimmie?  Ha!  They don’t catch you off of it very often, I guess, though I do hear you go automobile-ridin’ in the country sometimes with a mighty fine-lookin’ girl settin’ up beside you!” He roared with laughter, clapping his son upon the shoulder.  “That’s all right with me—­if it is with her!  So, Jimmie?  Well, when we goin’ to move into your new warehouses?  Monday?”

“Sunday, if you want to,” said Jim.

“No!” cried his father, delighted.  “Don’t tell me you’re goin’ to keep your word about dates!  That’s no way to do contractin’!  Never heard of a contractor yet didn’t want more time.”

“They’ll be all ready for you on the minute,” said Jim.  “I’m going over both of ’em now, with Links and Sherman, from foundation to roof.  I guess they’ll pass inspection, too!”

“Well, then, when you get through with that,” said his father, “you go and take your girl out ridin’.  By George! you’ve earned it!  You tell her you stand high with me!” He stepped into the car, waving a waggish farewell, and when the wheels were in motion again, he turned upon his companion a broad face literally shining with pride.  “That’s my boy Jimmie!” he said.