Roland's consternation at this unexpected encounter was, in the mildest term, extreme. At sight of his employer he pulled up as if slapped. "Oh!" he faltered, "I didn't know you was here, sir."
"No," said Blinky with keen relish, "I guess you didn't."
"I—ah—come over to see Sam about that note," stammered Roland.
"Wal, don't you bother your head 'bout what ain't your business, Roly. Come on back to the bank."
"All right, sir." Roland grasped frantically at the opportunity to emphasise his importance. "Excuse me, Mr. Lockwood, but I'd like to interdoos you to a friend of mine, Mr. Burnham from Noo York."
Amused, Burnham stepped into the breach. "How are you?" he said with the proper nuance of cordiality, offering his hand.
Lockwood shook it unemotionally. "How de do?" he said, perfunctory.
"I brought Mr. Burnham in to see Sam——"
"Yes," Burnham interrupted Roland quickly; "Barnette's been kind enough to show me round town a bit."
"Here on business?" inquired Lockwood pointedly.