"Yes."
The boy did not care to be further questioned, and so quickly left the building.
"Reckon he's discharged," muttered Norris under his breath. "So far
Harrison's scheme works well. Now I must use my wits to clear myself."
"Norris does not act as if he had received bad news," thought Richard, with a shake of his head. "I can't make it out. There is something behind it all, but what it is, still remains to be seen."
Richard walked down Beekman Street and then turned the corners of several other streets. He had no definite plan in mind, and time seemed at that particular moment of no great value.
Finally he found himself in the neighborhood of the leather district, and determined to call upon Mr. Joyce.
He was not long in reaching the latter's warehouse, and a moment later found himself in the merchant's office. As usual Mr. Joyce was hard at work at his desk. He looked surprised at Richard's entrance, but finished the letter he was writing before he turned around and spoke.
"Well, Dare, dropped in to see me?" he said pleasantly. "Have a chair."
"Thank you, Mr. Joyce. Yes, I—I have come to see you," said Richard, hardly knowing how to begin. "I want your advice," he added.
"Yes? Well, you can have that, I'm sure. How are you making out at
Williams & Mann's?"