“Playing billiards in the other room—at least he was there a minute ago; but do you want us to-night?” inquiringly.
“Of course! did I not ask you to meet me here?”
“Yes, I know; but are you going to work so soon? What is the use of doing anything to-night? You know I have a partial engagement for this evening, and would like to keep it;” and Hathaway looked beseechingly toward his companion.
“To me this is business, and I cannot postpone it; if your social duties are so pressing, why, I will have to excuse you.”
Cobb showed the displeasure he felt at the apparent want of interest displayed by the other in what to him was the greatest undertaking a man could engage in.
“Oh, no,” quickly replied Hathaway, noticing the effect of his words upon Cobb; “you do not understand me. I am ready now and at all times to give you my earnest assistance. What shall I do?”
“Go and find Craft, and meet me here in ten minutes;” and Cobb turned on his heel, and passed down the street. Proceeding a few blocks, he hailed the driver of a passing express wagon, who pulled up his team at the curb-stone near where Cobb was standing.
“Are you engaged?” quickly asked Cobb.
“No,” the man replied.
“Do you wish to earn twenty dollars?”