“There’s only one place for that flat,” remarked Balcomb, musingly. “That’s old Dameron’s place on the creek at High Street. The malaria is all drained out of there now and it’s getting more valuable every day. The extension of the park system along the creek and the building of the boulevard will give the region a whirl. It’s only a country-town idea that apartment houses must be built on the court-house square; but we’ll show them, all right.”
He opened a plat book and pointed out to Van Cleve the location of the Dameron ground.
“I suppose the old man will throw a fit when I ask him for a price on the strip. Everybody seems to be afraid of Ezra Dameron; but I’m not half as much afraid of him as I am of his daughter, who’s a pleasant rest for tired eyes, all right. Ezra’s a queer old party, with a chilly manner and an alluring smile; but I rather flatter myself that I know how to handle difficult customers.”
“I guess you can handle them if anybody can,” said Van Cleve, admiringly.
“I’ve mastered a few--just a few--of the arts of persuasion. In fact, I prefer a tough case--something that gives a little resistance. It’s more satisfactory.”
Balcomb stretched himself and yawned. He was not averse to Van Cleve’s admiration, but sunned himself in it.
“I’ll drop around and see the old man just about now. There’s nothing like keeping things going after you get started. Let me consider. I’m not sure just what shade of gloves I ought to put on for this interview. Perhaps ox-blood red would do just as well as anything.”
There was a file case in the corner, with many drawers bearing neat labels inscribed with such titles as “Greene County Coal”; “Cement Reports”; “Bank Statements”, and “U. S. Treasurer”. He pulled out a drawer labeled “U. S. Treasurer” and carelessly turned over its contents--several pairs of gloves in a variety of shades.
“Rather a neat thing in chiffonniers,” he remarked.
Van Cleve was staring at him in amazement. He never ceased to wonder at Balcomb.
“This, my friend, is designed for the edification of rubbernecks. The titles are rather impressive, and they are not all a sham. But if you’re in a hurry to change your necktie at any time come in, old man, and try on one of mine. You’ll find an assortment of new spring shades under ‘Missouri Zinc.’”