Howland uttered an exclamation.
"Oh, by the way," he said, "here is a note my daughter asked me to give
you. It will explain itself, I think; and since you are now serving
under the house flag of this company, I can say only that obedience to
orders contained therein is imperative. We all obey orders from that
source," and with a chuckle Mr. Rowland turned to his confreres and was
speedily immersed in other important affairs of the company.
Dan did not open the envelope in the office. First of all he wanted
fresh air. The quick, calm, business-like manner in which his
promotion had taken place; the noiseless, well-ordered, automatic
opening of another door leading to the future of his ambitions, so
utterly at variance with preconceived ideas in this regard, had all but
unnerved him. He had always held it as assured that some day he should
walk his own bridge. But until a half-hour ago, this day seemed still
to lie far ahead, a day to be attained, well, he could not say exactly
how--but at least with a sort of metaphorical roaring of guns and
waving of flags, and great spiritual exaltation.
But now--a few short sentences, a handshake, and presto! Captain
Merrithew, of the Coastwise line steamship _Tampico_, by your leave.
The wonder of it all dazed him; yet withal he knew he had never before
been so stirred to the very depths of his being.
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