"I find the old gentleman has a keen sense of humor," he said, still

smiling; "but some of his jokes are inclined to be a little ponderous at

times."

"His humor generally lies along the lines of sarcasm," Darrell replied.

"Ah, something of a cynic, is he?"

"No," said Darrell; "he has too kind a heart to be cynical, but he is

very fond of concealing it by sarcasm and brusqueness."

"He is quite original and unique in his way. I find him really a much

more agreeable man than I anticipated. You have very pleasant quarters

here, Mr. Darrell. I should judge you intended this as a sort of study

as well as an office."

"I do intend it so. Probably for a while I shall do more studying than

anything else, as it may be some time before I get any assaying."

"I think we can probably throw quite a bit of work your way, as we

frequently have inquiries from some of our clients wanting something in

that line."

"Walcott," said Mr. Underwood, re-entering suddenly, "Chapman is out

there; go and meet him. You can conduct negotiations with him on the

terms we agreed upon, but I don't care to figure in the deal. If he asks

for me, tell him I'm out."

"I see; as the ladies say, you're 'not at home,'" said Walcott, smiling,

as he sprang quickly to his feet. "Well, Mr. Darrell," he continued, "I

consider myself fortunate in having you for so near a neighbor, and I

trust that we shall prove good friends and our relations mutually

agreeable."

Darrell's dark, penetrating eyes looked squarely into the half-closed,

smiling ones, which met his glance for an instant, then wavered and

dropped.

"I know of no reason why we should not be friends," he replied, quietly,

knowing he could say that much with all candor, yet feeling that

friendship between them was an utter impossibility, and that of this

Walcott was as conscious as was he himself.

"Well, my boy," said Mr. Underwood, seating himself before Darrell's

desk, "I guess 'twas a good thing you took the old man's advice for

once. I don't know where you would find better quarters than these."

Darrell smiled. "As to following your advice, Mr. Underwood, you didn't

even give me a chance. You suggested my taking one of these rooms, and

then gave orders on your own responsibility for my paraphernalia to be

deposited here, and there was nothing left for me to do but to settle

down. However," he added, laying some money on the desk before Mr.

Underwood, "I have no complaint to make. Just kindly receipt for that."




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