Mr. Johnson and Mr. Applerod exchanged glances.
The door just to the right there, said Mr. Johnson, leads to a room which is at present filled with old files of the credit department. No doubt those could be moved somewhere else.
Bobby walked into that room and gaged its possibilities. It was a little small, to be sure, but it would do for the present.
Just have that cleared out and a phone put in. Ill get right down to business this afternoon and see about the fittings for it. Then he looked at his watch once more. By George! he exclaimed, I almost forgot that I was to see Nick Allstyne at the Idlers Club about that polo match.
Just have one of your boys stand out at the curb along about twelve, will you, and tell my chauffeur to report at the club.
Johnson eyed the closed door over his spectacles.
Hell be having blue suits and brass buttons on us two next, he snorted.
He dont mean it at all that way, protested Applerod. For my part, I think hes a fine young fellow.
Ill give you to understand, sir, retorted Johnson, violently resenting this imputed defection, that he is the son of his father, and for that, if for nothing else, would have my entire allegiance.
Bobby, meanwhile, feeling very democratic and very much a man of affairs, took a street-car to the Idlers, and strode through the classic portals of that club with gravity upon his brow. Flaxen-haired Nick Allstyne, standing by the registry desk, turned to dark Payne Winthrop with a nod.
You win, he admitted. Ill have to charge it up to you, Bobby. I just lost a quart of the special to Payne that since youd become immersed in the cares of business youd not be here.
Bobby was almost austere in his reception of this slight.
Dont you know, he demanded, that there is nobody who keeps even his social engagements like a business man?
Thats what I gambled on, returned Payne confidentially, but I wasnt sure just how much of a business man youd become. Nick, dont you already seem to see a crease in Bobbys brow?
No, thats his regular polo crease, objected lanky Stanley Rogers, joining them, and the four of them fell upon polo as one man. Their especially anxious part in the tournament was to be a grinding match against Willie Ashlers crack team, and the point of worry was that so many of their fellows were out of town. They badly needed one more good player.
I have it, declared Bobby finally. It was he who usually decided things in this easy-going, athletic crowd. Well make Jack Starlett play, but the only way to get him is to go over to Washington after him. Payne, youre to go along. You always keep a full set of regalia here at the club, I know. Here, boy! he called to a passing page. Find out for us the next two trains to Washington.
Yes, sir, said the boy with a grin, and was off like a shot. They had a strict rule against tipping in the Idlers, but if he happened to meet Bobby outside, say at the edge of the curb where his car was standing, there was no rule against his receiving something there. Besides, he liked Bobby, anyhow. They all did. He was back in a moment.
One at two-ten and one at four-twenty, sir.
The two-ten sounds about right, announced Bobby. Now, Billy, telephone to my apartments to have my Gladstone and my dress-suit togs brought down to that train. Then, by the way, telephone Leatherby and Pluscher to send up to my place of business and have Mr. Johnson show their man my new office. Have him take measurements of it and fit it up at once, complete. They know the kind of things I like. Really, fellows, he continued, turning to the others, after he had patiently repeated and explained his instructions to the foggy but willing Billy, Im in serious earnest about this thing. Up to me, you know, to do credit to the governor, if I can.
Bobby, the Boy Bargain Baron, observed Nick. Well, I guess you can do it. All you need to do is to take hold, and Ill back you at any odds.
Well all put a bet on you, encouraged Stanley Rogers. More, well help. Well all get married and send our wives around to open accounts with you.
In spite of the serious business intentions, the luncheon which followed was the last the city saw of Bobby Burnit for three days. Be it said to his credit that he had accomplished his purpose when he returned. He had brought reluctant Jack Starlett back with him, and together they walked into the John Burnit Store.
New office fitted up yet, Johnson? asked Bobby pleasantly.
Yes, sir, replied Johnson sourly. Just a moment, Mr. Burnit, and from an index cabinet back of him he procured an oblong gray envelope which he handed to Bobby. It was inscribed:
I have seen a business work up to success, and afterward add velvet rugs and dainty flowers on the desk, but I never saw a successful business start that way.
looked around him with a grin. There was a velvet rug on the floor. There were no flowers upon the mahogany desk, but there was a vase to receive them. For just one moment he was nonplussed; then he opened the door leading to the dingy apartment occupied by Messrs. Johnson and Applerod.