Then coming back to the railing, he said, with less firmness than formerly:
"If you, please, sir, I had rather you would not leave my case in Mr. Minturn's hands."
"So Mr. Minturn knows you?" asked the railroad king, sharply, vexed at this second interruption.
"He does not like me, and he would never give me a situation. I—"
"Well, that is no fault of mine. But I haven't any more time to lose with you."
Seeing it was useless to say more, the boy made his departure, trying to feel hopeful, but fearing the worst.
CHAPTER II.
Scarcely had the youth left the railroad company's headquarters, when a tall, spare man, with faultless dress and cleanly-shaven face, entered the apartment, going straight to the superintendent's desk, smiling and nodding to the clerks as he passed them.
He was Donald Minturn, the assistant superintendent, who had a smile for every one, but as treacherous as the charm of the serpent.