“See here, young fellow,” said he, “I don’t stand for those tricks! Why didn’t you tell me Mr. Knowlson was in?”
“I’m very sorry, sir!”—the boy quailed beneath his glance—“but he won’t see any one who hasn’t an appointment.”
“Is there someone with him, then?”
“No.”
“Well, what’s he doing?”
“I don’t know, sir; I’ve never been in to see!”
“What! never been in that room?”
“Never!” declared the boy solemnly. “And I don’t mind telling you,” he added, recovering something of his natural confidence, “that I am leaving on the 31st. This job ain’t any use to me!”
“Too much work?” suggested Bristol.
“No work at all!” returned the boy indignantly. “I’m just here for a blessed buffer, that’s what I’m here for, a buffer!”