"See about it tomorrow," said Delmuth brusquely. "I'm a trifle nervous, Matthews. This unusual appointment is annoying me. Ah! Now I remember what I have forgotten." With no further words, Delmuth went into the inner office that bore his name on the door. There, he quietly unlocked a desk drawer and brought out a revolver. He examined the weapon to see that it was fully loaded. He placed it in his pocket and went out through the main office. Riding uptown in a cab, Sidney Delmuth was restless. He kept feeling for the envelope in his pocket. He was wearing his overcoat now, and he transferred the envelope to it. He looked out of the windows of the cab, and occasionally glanced through the rear window in a suspicious manner.
He was still anxious when he left the cab in front of Mayo's apartment house. There, he rested his hand against the inside pocket of his overcoat as he walked into the building. Sidney Delmuth was still looking for shadows. There were many of them here, and the fact annoyed him. In Mayo's apartment, an attendant took the visitor's overcoat. Delmuth saw the garment go into a closet; then he stepped there as soon as the servant had gone down the hall to announce his presence. For a moment, Delmuth fingered the envelope. Then he left it where it was. He also put his revolver in the pocket of the coat.
Sherwood Mayo was not present in the room which Sidney Delmuth entered. The advertising man saw two persons whom he knew, and was introduced all around.
He observed the coldness in the attitude of those who were meeting him, even though they pretended cordiality. This was even more evident when Sherwood Mayo entered.
The millionaire, usually genial, had a frown upon his face. He nodded curtly to Delmuth, who returned the greeting with a slight smile. The men sat down, and Mayo came quickly to the point.
"You know why we've asked you here tonight, Delmuth," he said. "We're starting a big campaign with Purple Blossom Lotions, and we don't want it copied by a competitor. Do you understand?"
"What have I to do with that?" asked Delmuth.
"You know well enough!" retorted Mayo. "You've spoiled business for me in other ways.
There's been too much of it!"
"I don't understand you," said Delmuth coldly.