[CHAPTER XXI]
RENNEKER EXPLAINS
Leonard was still assimilating that fact when Renneker turned and recognized him in the light of the corner lamp. “Hello, Grant,” said the big fellow. There seemed to Leonard a tone of almost friendliness in that greeting.
“Hello,” he answered. He wanted to add something else, something about the weather, but it wouldn’t come. It was the other who supplied the conventional observation.
“Corking night,” said Renneker. “It looks like a fine day for the game to-morrow.”
They were side by side now. Leonard wondered whether he should go on, maintaining his own pace, or slow down and suit his steps to Renneker’s. It was sort of embarrassing, he thought. He agreed about the weather and Renneker spoke again.
“I suppose you’re trying to walk them off,” he said.
“Walk them off?” echoed Leonard. There seemed nothing to do save fall in step with the other.