“Well, you'd better give it up before it is too late. Why, Tommy, I had planned a series of professional visits—Ha, that ends the succession of scratches, James.” And he left Tommy for the billiard-table.
Tommy looked at him, at Jim Rogers, at the other fellow-alumni about the other tables. A pleasant enough life, mild, wholesome amusements for decent chaps, who enjoyed one another's company—and didn't work. No life for him!
He recalled the oily odors of the shop. They made him almost homesick! No life for him, this!
“Remember,” he called to Rivington, “I'll come back for you in thirty-two minutes.”
“It would be a kindness to take him out now, Tommily,” remarked Jim Rogers.
Nice children, these, thought old Mr. Thomas P. Leigh as he left the billiard-room.
Rivington's luck had turned when Tommy called for him; but he only grumbled a little as they left the dub. He was very fond of his sister; and then there was his loyalty toward an unfortunate friend whose fortunes he had shared at college.
They found a table in a corner—selected by Tommy as far from the madding crowd as he could get it—and while they waited few Marion, who had promised not to keep them waiting, Tommy told Rivington all about his deal with Colonel Willetts. Rivington did not appear interested enough in the investment to suit Tommy, so young Mr. Leigh explained sternly what Thompson meant to do, and told him what manner of man Thompson was and all about the experiments, and why all the stockholders must be interested in the work and the experiments, until Rivington became quite excited.
“Say, that's some man, Tommy!”
Tommy smiled tolerantly and nodded.