“I must see him personally.”
The secretary shrugged his shoulders.
“I think that will be impossible,” he told the reporter. “It is late in the afternoon. Mr. Graham has urgent matters on his mind.”
“I made the appointment by phone this morning,” objected Stevens.
“I understand that well,” answered Berger. “But I attend to all matters such as newspaper interviews. You will have to talk with me.”
The door of the inner office opened, and a stout, gray-haired man entered the waiting room. He spoke to a stenographer seated at a desk; then he turned to go back into his office.
The reporter saw him and recognized him.
“Mr. Graham!” he exclaimed, darting away from the secretary. “I am from the Sphere, Mr. Graham. May I talk with you for a few minutes?”
The millionaire looked disapprovingly at Stevens. Then he pointed to his secretary.
“Mr. Berger will take care of you,” he said.