A call sounded on his instrument, and Allan laid down the book again to answer it. There was a short order to be taken, and just as he repeated it and snapped his key shut, he heard a step at the door behind him. He glanced around carelessly, then started suddenly upright, for on the threshold peering in at him stood Dan Nolan.
[CHAPTER X]
A PROFESSION OF FRIENDSHIP
For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then Nolan drew back as though to go away, but thought better of it, entered the little room slowly, and without waiting for an invitation, sat down in the remaining chair.
“Howdy,” he said, and smiled at Allan in a manner intended to be amiable.
“How are you?” Allan answered, striving vainly to guess what object Nolan could have had in coming here.
Nolan coughed dismally.
“You see I’m out,” he said, grinning sheepishly.