“Better not see ME?” he repeated. “Why shouldn't he see me?”
Captain Zelotes handed the card to Albert.
“Better let me talk with him first, Al,” he said. “You can have your chance later on.”
The card bore the name of Mr. Fletcher Story Fosdick.
Albert read the name on the card. He was too astonished to speak. Her father! He was here! He--
His grandfather spoke again, and his tone was brisk and businesslike.
“Go on, Al,” he ordered. “Out through this side door and around to the front. Lively, son, lively!”
But the young man's wits were returning. He scowled at the card.
“No,” he said stoutly, “I'm not going to run away. I'm not afraid of him. I haven't done anything to be ashamed of.”
The captain nodded. “If you had, I should ASK you to run away,” he said. “As it is, I just ask you to step out and wait a little while, that's all.”
“All right, I want you to--but not until he and I have talked first. Come, boy, come! I've lived a little longer than you have, and maybe I know about half as much about some things. This is one of 'em. You clear out and stand by. I'll call you when I want you.”
Albert went, but reluctantly. After he had gone his grandfather walked to the door of the outer office and opened it.
“Step aboard, Mr. Fosdick,” he said. “Come in, sir.”
Mr. Fletcher Fosdick was a large man, portly, and with a head which was rapidly losing its thatch. His smoot-shaven face was ruddy and his blue eye mild. He entered the private office of Z. Snow and Co. and shook the hand which Captain Zelotes proffered.
“How do you do, Captain Snow?” he asked pleasantly. “You and I have had some business dealings, but we have never met before, I believe.”
The captain waved toward a chair. “That's a fact, Mr. Fosdick,” he said. “I don't believe we ever have, but it's better late than by and by, as the feller said. Sit down, sit down, Mr. Fosdick. Throw off your coat, won't you? It's sort of warm in here compared to out door.”
The visitor admitted the difference in temperature between the interior and exterior of the building, and removed his overcoat. Also he sat down. Captain Zelotes opened a drawer of his desk and produced a box of cigars.
Mr. Fosdick glanced at the label on the box.
“Why--why, I was rather hoping you would smoke one of mine,” he said. “I have a pocket full.”