“Just a whole lot,” agreed McClintock.
“I think I can pick up contracts enough to keep us busy through the summer. I understand you've always had to shut down.”
“Yes, or half-time,” disgustedly.
“I guess we can worry through without that; at any rate, I want to,” observed Oakley.
“I'll go see how I can manage about our own repairs,” said McClintock.
He went out, and from the window Oakley saw him with a bunch of keys in his hand going in the direction of a line of battered day coaches on one of the sidings. The door opened again almost immediately to admit Griff Ryder. This was almost the last person in Antioch from whom Dan was expecting a call. The editor's cordiality as he greeted him made him instantly suspect that some favor was wanted. Most people who came to the office wanted favors. Usually it was either a pass or a concession on freight.
As a rule, Kerr met all such applicants. His manner fitted him for just such interviews, and he had no gift for popularity, which suffered in consequence.
Ryder pushed a chair over beside Oakley's and seated himself. By sliding well down on his spine he managed to reach the low sill of the window with his feet. He seemed to admire the effect, for he studied them in silence for a moment.
“There's a little matter I want to speak to you about, Oakley. I've been intending to run in for the past week, but I have been so busy I couldn't.”
Oakley nodded for him to go on.