“I know it now. The fact is, friend Clinton, you ought to be shut up in a glass case, and put on exhibition in a dime museum.”
“How awfully horrid!” protested Clinton.
“You’re more fit for ornament than use.”
“You’re awfully sarcastic, Mr. Stickpole, don’t you know?” said Clinton, edging off cautiously. “I must bid you good morning, Mr. Vane, as I have to buy a new necktie. I will go to the tailor’s any day.”
“What was such a critter made for, anyway?” queried Obed, when Clinton was out of hearing. “He looks for all the world like a tailor’s dummy.”
CHAPTER XX
THE BOYS SECURE POSITIONS
BEFORE leaving New York, Harry Vane decided to call upon the nephew to whom Mr. Woolson of Melbourne had given him a letter of introduction. Upon inquiry, he found that John Woolson & Co. (the style of the firm) were large importers in the lower part of the city.
Accompanied by Jack, he called one morning Mr. John Woolson, a courteous gentleman, about forty years of age, received him with politeness, which changed to cordiality when he had read his uncle’s letter.
“My uncle writes here that you two young gentlemen recently rendered him an important service.”