"I came to see Mr. Kelsey," he said, to the clerk who greeted him.
"Mr. Kelsey is out, sir. What can we do for you?"
"I will wait until Mr. Kelsey comes in, please. My business is with him personally."
"I'm afraid you'll have to wait a long time," smiled the clerk. "Mr. Kelsey is out of the city."
Ralph's heart sank at this announcement. He had felt sure that assistance was close at hand.
"When do you expect him to return?"
"I can hardly say, perhaps to-day, perhaps to-morrow or the day after. It depends on when he finishes up the business on hand."
Ralph heaved a sigh. The clerk saw that he was greatly disappointed.
"Can't you come in to-morrow and see if he has returned?" he asked.
"I guess so," faltered the boy. "But I expected sure to meet him to-day," he went on.