"Haven't I told you so before? Now, don't disturb me again." And with this Sam Pepper slammed the door shut and locked it.
Nelson was nonplused, not so much by what Pepper had said as by the man's manner.
"He wanted to get rid of me in a hurry," he mused. "Somehow, this affair doesn't look right to me."
While our hero was standing near the curb, speculating upon where next to look for Gertrude, he was surprised to see Paul Randall come down the street.
"Why, Paul, how is it you are out so late?" he asked.
"Got stuck on some sporting extras and was bound to sell 'em," answered Paul. "Say, I hear you've bought out a stand."
"George Van Pelt and I have bought out a stand."
"Hope you make lots of money. If you need a clerk, don't forget me."
"I won't forget you, Paul. We have a boy now who delivers papers for us. He talks of leaving. If he does, I'll let you know. But, I say, have you been around here long?"
"Most all the evening."