“Yes, I'm the boss,” said he non-committally.
Orde dropped into a chair.
“Heinzman holds some notes due against our people in ten days,” said he. “I came in to see about their renewal. Can you attend to it?”
“Yes, I can attend to it,” replied Lambert. He struck a bell; and to the bookkeeper who answered he said: “John, bring me those Newmark and Orde papers.”
Orde heard the clang of the safe door. In a moment the clerk returned and handed to Lambert a long manilla envelope. Lambert opened this quite deliberately, spread its contents on his knee, and assumed a pair of round spectacles.
“Note for seventy-five thousand dollars with interest at ten per cent. Interest paid to January tenth. Mortgage deed on certain lands described herein.”
“That's it,” said Orde.
Lambert looked up over his spectacles.
“I want to renew the note for another year,” Orde explained.
“Can't do it,” replied Lambert, removing and folding the glasses.