"What do you want to know that for?"
"If you've been here five years, I'll tell you."
"I haven't."
"Then I want to see Mr. Ferguson."
"It strikes me you are a young man of some importance."
"I am glad you have found it out," said our hero, coolly. "If you're not too much pressed by important business," (the clerk was leaning back, picking his teeth), "perhaps you wouldn't mind asking Mr. Ferguson if he will see a merchant from New York."
The clerk laughed.
"You're a hard nut to crack, young man," he said.
"Don't try to crack me, then."
The clerk went into the counting-room, and, returning quickly, told Tom he might go in.