Sam set his elbows upon the desk, took the small end of his pen-holder in his hands and teeth, and, looking up, said:—
“I don’t know; you might—try him.”
“What did you say your name was?” asked the other, again facing Richling. “Ah, yes! Who are your references, Mr. Richmond?”
“Sir?” Richling leaned slightly forward and turned his ear.
“I say, who knows you?”
“Nobody.”
“Nobody! Where are you from?”
“Milwaukee.”
The merchant tossed out his arm impatiently.
“Oh, I can’t do that kind o’ business.”