“Oh, I see.” The man had been looking rather sharply at Dave. “May I ask where you come from?”
“We come from New England. I live in a town called Crumville. My friend here is the son of United States Senator Morr.”
“Oh, indeed!” William Jarvey showed increased interest. “The son of a United States senator, eh? Well, that ought to help you a great deal. The Mentor Construction Company often has to ask the government for favors, you know,” and he laughed lightly.
“I’m not going to trade on the fact that my father is a United States senator,” remarked 212 Roger, somewhat shortly. “I am going to make my own way.”
“And I guess you will. You look like a pretty bright young man,” returned William Jarvey, hastily.
“Are you a civil engineer?” questioned Dave.
“Oh, no! No such luck for me. I am connected with the bookkeeping and the blue-print department. I wish I were a first-class civil engineer. I might be earning a much larger salary;” and the man drew down his mouth as he spoke. Evidently he was a fellow who was not at all satisfied with his position in life.
“We are to report to a Mr. Perry Watson at San Antonio,” explained Roger. “He is to tell us where to go and what to do.”
“Perry Watson, eh?” and the man scowled and showed his teeth in an unpleasant manner.
“What’s the matter––don’t you like Mr. Watson?” asked Dave.