"You will excuse me," said Kendrick, "but the matter is entirely personal between Mr. Wade and myself. Is he in?"
It was a little thing to arouse Podmore's ire. Ordinarily Hugh Podmore was an excellent secretary; but the caller's refusal to state his business or produce his credentials for inspection angered him. He was used to this extreme anxiety of visitors to see the Chief in person; it was a characteristic of the job-hunting crowd.
"The President's out of town," he said irritably. "Besides, he wouldn't see you until you had told me your business anyway. What do you think he keeps a secretary for?"
"To be civil to the public," said Kendrick evenly. "When do you expect him back?" and there was a directness in his look which Podmore found unexpectedly disconcerting.
"Hard to say. He's on the go continually. If your business is important——"
"It is important."
"Then, if you'll give me particulars——," suggested Podmore, reaching for his memorandum pad.
"Be good enough to answer my question, please. When will Mr. Wade be in his office?"
"Sorry, but it's impossible to say, Mr."—he glanced at the card deliberately—"Kendrick. If you are looking for a job——"
"I want to see Mr. Wade personally and as soon as possible," repeated Kendrick, keeping his temper with difficulty. "When will he be available?"