“That’s the column you mean, isn’t it?”
“Yes, sir.”
“The idea is preposterous. I can’t give you an interview on that subject.”
The reporter looked dismayed.
“It means a lot to me, sir,” he said. “It’s too late for me to see any one else. I have to get the interview, Mr. Graham. I’ll quote you accurately — “
A look of mild sympathy came over the millionaire’s face as he saw the worried expression of the reporter. He arose from his chair, placed his hands behind his back, and strolled to the large open window. There he pressed one knee against the low sill, and looked out at the city.
Finally he turned and faced the reporter.
“I’ll give you a short interview, my boy,” he said, in a kindly tone. “I don’t like the subject, and I would ignore it under ordinary circumstances.
“But I’ll help you out. I’ll tell you just what I would do if I had one hour to live.”
Instinctively, the reporter glanced at his watch and saw that it registered exactly four o’clock.