"Good-evening, boys," he said. "I—er—I wonder if I might speak to you just a moment, Edwards."
"Certainly, sir."
"I'll get out, Mr. Daley," said Tom, rising.
"Er—well, if you don't mind, Hall; just for a minute. Thank you so much."
Tom went out, closing the door behind him, and Mr. Daley cleared his throat.
"Will you sit down, sir?" asked Steve.
"Er—thanks, yes, just for a minute. I—er—I believe you called this evening when I was out, Edwards."
"Yes, sir, about eight."
"Yes, yes. Sorry I was not in. I wonder if—if you happened to see a blue-book on my table when you were there, Edwards."
"Yes, sir, there was one there," replied Steve after an instant's hesitation.