im that there was a gentleman
outside who would not take "No" for an answer. In no very gracious
mood he snatched the card from the girl's hand; but the name meant
nothing to him and he flung aside his gloves in resentment of the
interruption.

"Show'm in," he growled, unlocking the desk and shoving back the lid
with a bang.

The big young man who entered in answer to the summons enquired for the
President. Everybody who came into that anteroom began the same way
and Podmore tilted back in his chair and appraised the other coldly,
noting two things particularly--the young man's athletic build and the
very marked discoloration of his left eye. Another job hunter!

"State your business, please."

"You will excuse me," said Kendrick, "but the matter is entirely
personal between Mr. Wade and myself. Is he in?"

It was a little thing to arouse Podmore's ire. Ordinarily Hugh Podmore
was an excellent secretary; but the caller's refusal to state his
business or produce his credentials for inspection angered him. He was
used to this extreme anxiety of visitors to see the Chief in person; it
was a characteristic of the job-hunting crowd.

"The President's out of town," he said irritably. "Besides, he
wouldn't see you until you had told me your business anyway. What do
you think he keeps a secretary for?"

"To be civil to the public," said Kendrick evenly. "When do you expect
him back?" and there was a directness in his look which Podmore found
unexpectedly disconcerting.

"Hard to say. He's on the go continually. If your business is
important----"

"It is important."

"Then, if you'll give me particulars----," suggested Podmore, reaching
for his memorandum pad.

"Be good enough to answer my question, please. When will Mr. Wade be
in his office?"

"Sorry, but it's impossible to say, Mr."--he glanced at the card
deliberately--"Kendrick. If you are looking for a job----"

"I want to see Mr. Wade personally and as soon as possible," repeated
Kendrick, keeping his temper with difficulty. "When will he be
available?"

"He's gone on a trip--to the Hot Springs," snapped Podmore. "Come back
in a month or six weeks and perhaps you can see him then. Good day,
sir."

For a few minutes after the big young man had bowed himself out with
mock humility, Mr. Podmore stood fingering the card and frowning at the
window. It was an engraved card, his fingers told him. He did not
like feeling that he had made a