"He's a green one," murmured Norris, as he brushed past. "Don't you think we have it cozy up here?" he continued, turning to Richard.
Richard was not prepared to answer in the affirmative. His introduction into the place, even though his curiosity has been small, was a disappointment. The room had been nicely furnished once, but the carpet and the furniture showed signs of much wear, and the pictures of which Norris had spoken proved to be several of a remarkably "loud" sort, but of no real artistic value or excellence.
"Many of the boys here to-night, Springer?" asked Norris.
"Foley, Nichols and two or three others. Will you take a hand in?"
"Maybe; I'll see in a little while."
"My night at the door," growled Springer. "I hate it."
"Never mind; as long as we can't pay a porter some one has got to do it among us. I'll get my book," added the shipping-clerk, glancing at Richard.
He entered the next room, closing the door carefully behind him. Richard thought he heard the clinking of glasses within, but he was not sure.
In a few moments Norris reappeared.
"Come in!" he said. "The boys would like to know you."