"Well, Ferris, this is a pretty time to come around," said the broker, sharply.
"I couldn't help it," returned the boy, who was considerably older than Hal, and had coarse features and fiery red hair.
"Why not?"
"My aunt forgot to call me."
"That is a poor excuse."
Dick Ferris began to drum on the railing with his flat hands.
"Didn't I tell you to be here every morning at nine o'clock?" went on the broker. "I am sure that is not very early for any one."
"'Tain't my fault when it snows like this," returned the boy. "My aunt ought to call me."
"Did you arrange that file of papers yesterday afternoon after I left?" continued Mr. Sumner.
"I was going to do that this morning."