"Why, sir, I can't—"
The great man put out his hand kindly.
"There, there, run along! I'm busy," he said. "Don't forget my message to your father."
"No, sir."
Then he added hurriedly:
"I don't know how to thank you, Mr. Carter."
"That's all right," nodded the publisher, cutting him short. "I've always had the greatest respect for your father. Tell him from me that he needn't be ashamed of his son."
With these parting words he waved Paul out of the office and the door closed.