“But I do,” rejoined Bolton with emphasis.
“I have very little time at my disposal,” said Ray, pulling out an elegant gold watch and consulting it.
“I think it may be well for you to spare me a little time,” went on Bolton quietly.
There was something in his tone that sounded like a threat, and Stephen Ray could not wholly conceal his uneasiness.
“Well,” he said, “I will give you ten minutes. Get through your business, whatever it is, as soon as possible.”
“Hadn’t you better send your son away?” suggested Bolton significantly.
“Why should I?”
But on second thoughts Mr. Ray concluded to act on the hint, and turning to Clarence he said: “Clarence, you might take another spin on your wheel.”
This did not suit Clarence at all. His curiosity had been excited by his father’s change of front toward the objectionable stranger, and he counted on finding out the reason for it.
“Why can’t I stay?” he grumbled.