“Well, sir?” observed this person, with cheerful condescension. “Anything I can do for you?”
Captain Nat turned his gaze upon the side whiskers and the waistcoat.
“Hey?” he queried.
“I say, is there anything I can do for you?”
The captain shook his head. “No-o,” he drawled dryly, “I'm afraid not, son. I admit that don't seem scarcely possible, but I am afraid it's so.”
“Looking for something in our line, was you?”
“Well, I don't know. What might be on your line—clothes?”
The bewhiskered one drew himself up. “I am connected with Stone & Barker,” he said sharply. “And, seeing you standing in our doorway, I thought possibly—”
“Yes, yes. Beg your pardon, I'm sure. No, I don't want to buy anything. I come to see Mr. Stone on a personal matter.”
“He's busy, I suppose.”