"At his home?"
"No; at his office."
"He must have a funny office if he can have lunch in it," observed Fred.
"He will have it sent in," smiled Mr. Markham. "You must remember you are in the city, son—where money can do anything."
"But why doesn't he take us to his house? That would save expense."
"Because the matter is very important, and he wants to be assured of absolute privacy. Besides, a man is not supposed to let his business affairs intrude upon his home."
His curiosity only whetted—instead of gratified—by these replies, Fred possessed himself in peace as best he could while he waited for his father.
At last Mr. Markham was ready, and the two soon arrived at the office of the distinguished lawyer, where they found Clothespin awaiting them with his father and two men who immediately went to another room.
Cordially Mr. Bronson greeted Fred, congratulating him on knocking the home run that beat Landon.
"I suppose you consider me very inconsiderate for insisting upon your presence here to-day," he said, smiling as they all seated themselves around the table which had been set in another room in the lawyer's offices.