“Come in!” called out Walter.
A man of about thirty-five entered briskly. He was rather shabbily dressed, and his red face indicated possible indulgence in intoxicating liquor. “Is Mr. Locke in?” he asked.
“No, sir.”
“I wanted to see him.”
“I am his confidential clerk,” said Walter proudly. “Are you an agent?”
“Yes, I am an agent. I suppose I ought to see him.”
“He will be back at one o'clock.”
“I can't stop, as I have been away for some weeks and want to go out and see my family at Barrington.”
“If you wish to leave any message I will give it to Mr. Locke as soon as he returns.”
“Perhaps that will do. My name is Jerome Grigson. Tell Mr. Locke I have met with excellent success in Ohio. In the last four weeks I have sold goods to the amount of four hundred and seventeen dollars.”