And this was the man Otis Clymer had cultivated as a friend.
The acquaintance began when Otis went into the billiard-room to play pool.
Then he made himself solid by treating the crowd frequently.
Finally Plunkett suggested that he come there to board.
Clymer fell in with the idea, and that settled whatever little reputation Otis had not already lost.
Dr. Fox put up with a great deal from his clerk, but he couldn’t stand for that, and so he discharged the foolish young man.
It is probable Plunkett was playing Otis Clymer for a good thing, and would give him the bounce as soon as his funds ran out.
It was close on to three o’clock when Clymer reached the Plunkett House, all out of breath from his run.
As far as appearances went, Plunkett’s was closed for the night.
But it wasn’t really so.