In one corner was a small room, used as a more private office, the door of which was closed. In the larger room the only one whom he saw, was a boy, apparently about his own age, who was standing at a desk and writing.
This boy looked around as Paul entered, and he at once recognized in him an old acquaintance.
“George Dawkins!” he exclaimed in surprise.
The latter answered in a careless indifferent tone, not exhibiting any very decided pleasure at meeting his old schoolmate.
“Oh, it's you, Prescott, is it?”
“Yes,” said Paul, “I haven't met you since you left our school.”
“No, I believe we have not met,” said Dawkins, in the same tone as before.
“How long have you been in this office?” asked our hero.
“I really can't say,” said Dawkins, not looking up.
“You can't say!”