He rose at once, showing the interview was at an end. Gregory followed him to the door. In the out
side office he found his friend waiting. Hawkins, clad in outing clothes, was smiling broadly. The smile, however, quickly disappeared as he caught sight of his friend's face.
"Anything the matter?" he asked.
Gregory walked with him to the street before replying. Then he bought a copy of The Times and the two men read the account of the fight with the aliens.
"What of that?" Hawkins queried. "Your men licked them, didn't they?"
"Yes. But it cost me my chance with Winfield & Camby. Mr. Dupont called the whole thing off."
"The devil he did!"
Hawkins' smile returned.
"Why, the old fool," he ejaculated. "Can't he see that this will only be publicity for your brands. Why, darn his crinkled old hide, I'll show him. And I'll bet I'll have him eating out of your hand in less than a week."
He glanced curiously at the paper.