"It's impossible, father; he can't see you now," said Jasper hurriedly, trying to draw his father off to a quieter corner.
"Impossible? Can't see me? What is there to prevent, pray tell?" cried the old gentleman irately.
[Illustration: "GOOD MORNING," SAID MR. MARLOWE QUICKLY. "BUSINESS ALL
RIGHT?">[
"He has business men with him; they'll be through in a quarter of an hour," Jasper brought out in distress that was by no means lightened by the knowledge that half of the clerks through the long salesroom were becoming acquainted with the conversation.
"It's atrocious. I never was kept waiting in my life," fumed Mr. King.
"He doesn't know I am here—I will announce myself."
He started forward.
"Father," cried Jasper, darting after him, "let me get you a chair over here by the table and some books to look at."
"I want no books," said the old gentleman, now thoroughly determined, by this time looking in the open window of the private office. "Good-morning, sir," stiffly to the middle-aged gentleman sitting before the desk.
This gentleman looked up, nodded carelessly and said, "Excuse me, but I am at present engaged."
"I am Mr. Jasper King's father," announced the old gentleman with extreme dignity; and again the look of being able to buy out this and several other such establishments, spread over his face.