“Quite true. I am acting as his agent.”
“It happens that I have had dealings with a man by that same name,” resumed Mr. Parker. “Rather unpleasant dealings, I might add. I’m curious to learn if this property owner is the same fellow.”
“Very unlikely, I think,” Mr. Blake shrugged. “My client does not reside in Riverview.”
“Nor does the man I have in mind.”
“Can you tell us what he looks like?” Penny interposed eagerly.
“I am very sorry, but I can’t,” Mr. Blake returned. “I’ve never met Mr. Bowman.”
“Yet you act as his agent?” Mr. Parker inquired in astonishment.
“All our dealings have been by mail or telephone.”
“I see,” the editor commented reflectively. “Well, at least you can provide me with the man’s address.”
“I can’t do that either,” Mr. Blake declined. “Benjamin Bowman is a salesman with no permanent address. He communicates with me at fairly regular intervals, but until I hear from him, I have no idea where he will be the following week.”