Part 31 (1/2)
Amused, Burnham stepped into the breach. ”How are you?” he said with the proper nuance of cordiality, offering his hand.
Lockwood shook it unemotionally. ”How de do?” he said, perfunctory.
”I brought Mr. Burnham in to see Sam----”
”Yes,” Burnham interrupted Roland quickly; ”Barnette's been kind enough to show me round town a bit.”
”Here on business?” inquired Lockwood pointedly.
”No, not exactly,” returned Burnham with practised ease, ”just looking round.”
”Only lookin', eh?” Blinky's countenance underwent one of its erratic quakes as he examined Burnham with his habitual intentness.
The New Yorker caught the wink and lost breath. ”Ah--yes--that's all,”
he a.s.sented uneasily. And as he spoke another wink dumbfounded him.
”Why?” he asked, with a distinct loss of a.s.surance. ”Don't you believe it.”
”Don't see no reason why I shouldn't,” grunted Blinky. ”Hope you'll like what you see. Good day.”
”So long ... Mr. Lockwood,” returned Burnham uncertainly.
Lockwood paused outside the door. ”Come 'long, Roland.”
”Yes, sir; right away; just a minute.” Roland was lingering unwillingly, detained by Burnham's imperative hand. ”What d'you want? I got to hurry.”
”What was he winking at me for?” demanded Burnham heatedly. ”Have you----?”
”Oh!” Roland laughed. ”He wasn't winking. He can't help doing that.
It's a twitchin' he's got in his eye. That's why they call him Blinky.”
”Oh, that was it!” Burnham accepted the explanation with distinct relief, while Duncan, who had been an unregarded spectator, suddenly found cause to retire behind one of the show-cases on important business.
So that was the explanation!...
After his paroxysm had subsided and he felt able to control his facial muscles, Duncan emerged, suave and solemn. Roland had disappeared with Blinky, and Burnham was alone.
”Anything you wish, sir?” asked Nat.
”Only to see Mr. Graham.”
”He's out just at present, but I think he'll be back in a moment or so.
Will you wait? You'll find that chair comfortable, I think.”
”Believe I will,” said Burnham with an air. He seated himself. ”I can't wait long, though,” he amended.
”Yes, sir. And if you'll excuse me----?”
Burnham's hand dismissed him with a tolerant wave. ”Go right on about your business,” he said with supreme condescension.