Their
reasoning is simple and direct. If a man who wheels scrap iron at a
blast furnace is competent to handle the--"
At this point the speaker was interrupted by Ashton-Kirk advancing to
the counter.
"Pardon me," said the investigator, "but can you tell me where I can
find Mr. Tobin? Is he in?"
A look of great dignity came upon the face of the other; and he drew
himself up stiffly.
"You are speaking to him, sir," replied he.
"I thought so," smiled Ashton-Kirk. "My old friend Dan O'Connor has
mentioned you so often that I felt sure that I recognized the manner."
The dignity vanished from Mr. Tobin's face, and the stiffness of
demeanor fell from him instantly.
"Do you know Dan?" asked he, eagerly. "Ah, there is the lad for you. A
credit to his country and to his name. Faith, he is the best judge of
whiskey in the city, and has a heart as large and as mellow as a
barrel of it."
"If it would not be putting you about in any way, we'd like a few
moments in private with you."
At once Mr. Tobin touched a button. A young man presented himself, and
to him the conducting of the house was transferred for the time being.
Then the two friends were led into a small sitting-room, where chairs
were placed for them, and Mr.
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