“What——”
“Ask no questions until we get there. Then you will understand all. Come along!”
Hartley knew there was no use in trying to argue the point. It was always best to give Clifford his own way. So he followed him.
Readestown was a neat little town on a river leading down to the sea. It was chiefly noted for the family of great inventors, the Reades, who had founded the place.
Frank Reade, Jr., himself, sat in his private office at the machine works looking over some plans.
He was a tall, handsome youth, with a certain bearing which distinguished him wherever he went.
Suddenly the door opened and a woolly head appeared in the space between the door and the frame.
A negro, black as a coal and with gleaming ivories, stood there.
“Well, Pomp,” said Frank, looking up, “what is it?”
“Suah, sah, two gentlemen as wants fo’ to see yo’, sah. Dey won’t take no, sah!”