"Empty," he said; "postman hasn't come yet. Perhaps there's such a lot it delayed him, or they're sending it in a special sack."
"Maybe the Colonel's already got it," suggested Van Dorn.
They ran up the stairs like boys. Colonel Hazard sat at his desk, his assistants ranged about a long table behind him. Some of them were idle. The others were entering a few belated lists of names.
"Mail come?" panted Livingstone, breathlessly.
The Colonel nodded.
"Came just as I did. Met the postman in the hall. Several lists of twenty names each, and two subscriptions—two very nice subscriptions, gentlemen, one from a sample copy, one from the advertisement in the 'Home.' We shall do nicely, gentlemen, when we get to going. It takes patience, of course, and capital; but we shall succeed with time and perseverance."
They dragged up the next flight to the studios. When they were inside, and the door closed, Van Dorn said:
"Do you know, the Colonel's getting so he makes me tired!"
"I guess he never heard of a man named Frisby," said Livingstone.
"I'll tell you," said Perner, "it's too soon. The paper just got out yesterday. People have to have a chance to read it, first, then to buy a money-order and a stamp. Even those that live nearest couldn't get their subscriptions in much before to-night."