Dale now and then glanced with much interest into the street through the glass of the doors. He leaned forward at length and spoke to the proprietor.
“Your place,” said he, “appears to attract much attention, sir.”
The man seemed greatly pleased and smiled broadly.
“I have often marked that,” he said. “It increases business, sir, to make one’s shop bright and attractive.”
“You have much custom among the sailors in the district, I suppose?”
The pastry cook pursed up his mouth and shook his head doubtfully.
“No,” he said, “I think not. The grog shops attract them most.”
“I have noticed,” said Dale calmly, his gaze once more directed toward the street, “that there are many sailors about just now, and they all, somehow, seem to feel much interest in this place.”
AN ANGRY LOOK CAME INTO HATFIELD’S
EYES