"I find the old gentleman has a keen sense of humor," he said, still
smiling; "but some of his jokes are inclined to be a little ponderous at
times."
"His humor generally lies along the lines of sarcasm," Darrell replied.
"Ah, something of a cynic, is he?"
"No," said Darrell; "he has too kind a heart to be cynical, but he is
very fond of concealing it by sarcasm and brusqueness."
"He is quite original and unique in his way. I find him really a much
more agreeable man than I anticipated. You have very pleasant quarters
here, Mr. Darrell. I should judge you intended this as a sort of study
as well as an office."
"I do intend it so. Probably for a while I shall do more studying than
anything else, as it may be some time before I get any assaying."
"I think we can probably throw quite a bit of work your way, as we
frequently have inquiries from some of our clients wanting something in
that line."
"Walcott," said Mr. Underwood, re-entering suddenly, "Chapman is out
there; go and meet him. You can conduct negotiations with him on the
terms we agreed upon, but I don't care to figure in the deal. If he asks
for me, tell him I'm out."
"I see; as the ladies say, you're 'not at home,'" said Walcott, smiling,
as he sprang quickly to his feet. "Well, Mr. Darrell," he continued, "I
consider myself fortunate in having you for so near a neighbor, and I
trust that we shall prove good friends and our relations mutually
agreeable."
Darrell's dark, penetrating eyes looked squarely into the half-closed,
smiling ones, which met his glance for an instant, then wavered and
dropped.
"I know of no reason why we should not be friends," he replied, quietly,
knowing he could say that much with all candor, yet feeling that
friendship between them was an utter impossibility, and that of this
Walcott was as conscious as was he himself.
"Well, my boy," said Mr. Underwood, seating himself before Darrell's
desk, "I guess 'twas a good thing you took the old man's advice for
once. I don't know where you would find better quarters than these."
Darrell smiled. "As to following your advice, Mr. Underwood, you didn't
even give me a chance. You suggested my taking one of these rooms, and
then gave orders on your own responsibility for my paraphernalia to be
deposited here, and there was nothing left for me to do but to settle
down. However," he added, laying some money on the desk before Mr.
Underwood, "I have no complaint to make. Just kindly receipt for that."