"Yes, sir. What can I do for you?"
"I am Mr. William Philander Tubbs, from Brill College," was the lofty answer. "Perhaps you have heard of me. I came in to meet two gentlemen, Mr. Carr and Mr. Beckwith. Are they here?"
"Not yet, Mr—er—Mr. Phillips?"
"No, no, Mr. William Philander Tubbs. When will they be here, may I ask?"
"I expect 'em any moment, Mr—er—Mr. Tubbs."
"Then I'll wait for them," answered the dude, and sank down in a chair.
"Have you got an interest in that show?" asked the druggist, as he continued to compound the prescription.
"Not yet, but I may have," answered William Philander, calmly. "It will be quite a grand affair, I presume."
"They say it will be the best Ashton ever had."
"Is that so! Then I am very glad I came to take part," went on William Philander, warming up. "I am sure I can be of great service to Messrs. Carr and Beckwith. I have had a great deal of experience, you know."