“I must go and prepare for this affair. I shall leave you here to do as you see fit. If you desire to see me at any time, call a servant and send for me.”
He went out of the room. Nick took up a book and sat himself down to await the arrival of his assistants.
The first to arrive was Patsy, who, on appearing at the door, was at once taken to the room where Nick was waiting.
As he entered, Nick looked up in genuine surprise. Patsy had made the effort of his life, and would have been taken, in the care and correctness of his dress, for one of the fashionable swells of the city.
“You do me proud,” said Nick. “I was going to do something of that myself, but, after looking at you, I’m afraid I’ll never be able to get to that perfection.”
“Oh,” replied Patsy, a little embarrassed under his chief’s teasing, “I guess I know how to get myself up to do credit to my chief. I’m only obeying orders, though.”
“As you always do, Patsy,” replied Nick. “You’ve obeyed orders to the very letter.”
Nick now got up, and, taking his hat, said:
“I’m going away to try to rival your elegance. Now, Patsy, I leave you in charge, and you must keep a good watch over the house. Already an effort has been made by Lannigan——”
“What, is that man at work again?” cried Patsy. “I thought you had frightened him off.”