"No, sir. He cannot see anybody at all this evening," insisted James, confident in being within his authority.
"Why, he told me to come and bring his books! I suppose he meant—!"
"No, sir. He is not very well this evening."
Mr. Clark's hands dropped to his side.
"Not well! Why, he left the office only an hour or two ago."
"Yes, sir; but he walked up, and seemed very tired when he arrived. He did not eat anything, and—the doctor is coming to see him."
Mr. Clark's face expressed the deepest concern.
"He has been working too hard," he said, shaking his head. "He ought to have let me go over those accounts. With all he has to carry!"
"Yes, sir, that's it," said James, heartily.
"Well, don't you think I'd better go up and see him?" asked the old clerk, solicitously. "I might be able to suggest something?"