“So he says.”
The young man smiled with serene satisfaction. “I'm not surprised,” he observed complacently. “We ARE a busy house, Mr—er—”
“Hammond's my name. Are you Mr. Barker?”
“No-o, my name is Prince.”
“So? Silent partner in the firm, hey?”
“No-o, not exactly.” Mr. Prince was slightly embarrassed. “No, I am a—a salesman—at present. Was the matter you wished to see Mr. Stone about a very private one?”
“Middlin'.'”
“Well, I asked because Mr. Stone is a busy man and we like to save him all the—the—”
“Trouble you can, hey? That's nice of you, you must save him a lot, Mr—er—King, was it?”
“No, Prince.”