"Good morning, sir," said Rupert.
The man turned.
"Volmer, Volmer Holm, is it you?"
"Rupert Ames, I'm pleased to see you. When did you come to town? Have a chair."
"Are you in the real estate business?"
"I can't hear very well, and you'll have to speak at close range, Rupe."
So they put their chairs close together, and Rupert repeated his last question.
"Yes, a man must do something; but there's nothing going on now—nothing in our line."
Rupert looked in pity at his friend. Quite shabbily dressed he was, and a careworn expression on his face made him look ten years older. He wore glasses, which he pushed up on his forehead, and then took a good look at Rupert.
"Well, well, Rupe, and where have you been keeping yourself? An' I've had luck, I tell you—you haven't heard, perhaps?"