He made his way to the office and knocked at the door,
which was partly open. A man was sitting at a desk, but he evidently did
not hear, so Rupert stepped into the room, at the same time giving the
door another loud rap. Still the man did not hear.
"Good morning, sir," said Rupert.
The man turned.
"Volmer, Volmer Holm, is it you?"
"Rupert Ames, I'm pleased to see you. When did you come to town? Have a
chair."
"Are you in the real estate business?"
"I can't hear very well, and you'll have to speak at close range, Rupe."
So they put their chairs close together, and Rupert repeated his last
question.
"Yes, a man must do something; but there's nothing going on now--nothing
in our line."
Rupert looked in pity at his friend. Quite shabbily dressed he was, and
a careworn expression on his face made him look ten years older. He wore
glasses, which he pushed up on his forehead, and then took a good look
at Rupert.
"Well, well, Rupe, and where have you been keeping yourself? An' I've
had luck, I tell you--you haven't heard, perhaps?"
"No; I haven't.
Pages:
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143