"As I understand, he is too young, Señor Scott. I had rather meet men older and wiser. I cannot tell why, but the youth of Señor Merriwell has somehow prejudiced me against him."
"When you meet him, if you do, you'll find him wise far beyond his years and as keen as a rapier."
"No doubt you are right, señor; but I do not care to make an effort before him to establish my responsibility. I should feel that the situation ought to be reversed and that he should be seeking to satisfy me."
"I believe I understand your feeling on that point, Mr. Lazaro; but you feel that way because you do not know him. However, we'll leave him out to-night. Good day. Look for me at the time set."
"Thank you, señor. Good day."
Alvarez Lazaro bowed himself out of the office with the grace of a Frenchman.
Old Gripper stood quite still a number of moments, frowning deeply.
"Confound it!" he cried. "The impression that I have met that man grows stronger and stronger. But where—where?"