"No, sir."
"What's the matter? Is he sick?"
"His clerk didn't say."
Taking up his hat, Wilkinson left his store hurriedly. In a few minutes he entered that of his friend.
"Where is Mr. Ellis?" he inquired.
"I don't know, sir," was answered by the clerk.
"Has he been here this morning?"
"No, sir."
"He must be sick. Have you sent to his house to make inquiry?"
"Not yet. I have expected him all the morning."