Barton & Rogers evidently did business in a large way. They occupied an imposing-looking building of five stories, the greater part being used to store goods. Dan entered and looked around him. A spare, dark-complexioned man of about thirty-five, with a pen behind his ear, was issuing orders to a couple of workmen.

 

Dan approached him.

 

"Is Mr. Rogers in?" he asked.

 

"No, he is not," said the dark man, curtly¹.

 

"Will he be in soon?"

 

"I don't know."

 

"You might be more civil," thought our hero.

 

He stood his ground, feeling authorized² to do so because he had come by appointment.

 

Observing this, the book-keeper turned and said, sharply:

 

"Didn't you hear? I said Mr. Rogers was out."

 

"I heard you," said Dan, quietly.

 

"Then why do you remain? Do you doubt my word?"

 

[Pg 118]

 

"Not at all, sir; but Mr. Rogers asked me to call this morning. I can wait."

 

"You can tell me your business."

 

"Thank you, but I don't think that would do."

 

The book-keeper eyed him sharply, and his face lighted up with a sudden discovery.

 

"I know you now," he said. "You sell papers in front of the Astor House, don't you?"

 

"That has been my business."

 

"I thought so; I have bought papers of you."

 

"Thank you for your patronage³."

 

"What can you want of Mr. Rogers?"

 

"Mr. Rogers wants me, I suppose, or he would not have asked me to call," returned Dan.

 

"You are a cool hand."

 

"Not always," said Dan, with a smile. "Some hot days I am far from cool."

 

"I suppose Mr. Rogers wishes you to supply him with an evening paper?"

 

"Perhaps he does," returned Dan, with a smile.

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