Tom was spirited, and in the habit of standing up for his rights. He decided, upon the moment, to go in.
“I have as much business here as you,” he retorted, and followed the clerk in.
“Have you, indeed?” sneered the clerk.
“I have,” said Tom quietly. “Is Mr. Armstrong in?”
“Yes, he is; but he can’t see you.”
“How do you know?”
“He’s busy.”
“I think he’ll see me,” said Tom. “Please hand him that card and let me know what he says.”
The clerk was half-inclined to refuse, but in spite of his reluctance, he felt constrained to obey.
“It’s likely Mr. Armstrong will allow himself to be interrupted by an errand-boy,” he said sneeringly.