Far better would it have been for both, however, if they had taken their information to the firm at once. Later happenings will explain why.
CHAPTER XX.
TROUBLE BREWING.
In the morning Richard went to work as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. It was not until after dinner that business called him down to the packing-room, and then there were several others besides Norris present.
Yet the shipping-clerk evinced a strong desire to talk to Richard privately, and finally accosted him just as he was going up the stairs.
"Say, I hope you'll let what happened last night pass," he said in an undertone. "I only wanted to show you a little of life here, and didn't dream you'd resent it as you did."
"Well, next time you will understand that I mean what I say," returned
Richard sharply.
"I know I was to blame," went on Norris humbly. "But to tell the truth
I'd had a glass of champagne at supper time, and my head wasn't as
clear as it should have been. If you say anything of it here, though,
I may be discharged."
"Well, I won't say anything unless something more happens," Richard replied. "I don't want to get any one into trouble. But I'll tell you, Mr. Norris," he went on, "I think you're on the wrong track. Take my advice, even if I am younger than you, and steer clear of the Laurel Club."
"I'll think of it," replied the shipping-clerk, turning away.