'Yes, worth a couple of hundred thousand, easy.'
'How does he stand with the trade?'
'Oh, unpopular enough, I should imagine. Can't tell you particularly—is not in my line, you know; but if the matter is really pressing, you shall learn all you wish to in an hour.'
'Thank you. I must know all about him prior to a personal interview, which I am to have.'
'I see. Call in at twelve o'clock, and the information will be ready for you.'
'One word more. Do you know the house of Orris & Tweed, auctioneers?'
'Orris & Tweed? Never heard their name before.'
'It is in the directory.'
'I dare say. That don't amount to anything.'
'Please let me know something of them, too. I am sorry to give you this trouble; but I am a greenhorn in New York, and have a difficult matter on my hands.'