"Not very far."
"I want the use of a room for five minutes, to change my clothes. I live out of town, and am going to New York to-night. Perhaps your mother would let me have a room for a short time," added the person.
"I haven't any mother; but you can have my room as long as you like," answered Leo, glad to accommodate so important a person. "It isn't a very nice one."
"Nice enough for me. How far is it?"
"Close by High Street; but it's right on your way to the cars."
"Very well; thank you. I'm much obliged to you. If it's far off, I can run up to a hotel, for I'm in a hurry. I have no time to spare."
The jaunty man walked at a rapid pace, and seemed to be greatly excited, which Leo attributed to his proposed journey, or to the pressure of his business.
"Do you know Mr. Checkynshaw?" asked the man of business.
"No, sir; I never saw him in my life, that I know of," replied Leo. "You are one of the partners—are you not?"
"Yes," replied the jaunty man, promptly.