Part 5 (2/2)
”As what for instance?”
”In board and lodging.”
”Good. That is even more necessary than real estate.”
”How long have you been in the business, sir?”
”About six months.”
”And how does it pay?”
”Very well, if you know how to talk.”
”I should think you might do well, then.”
”Thank you. I appreciate the compliment. What business are you going into, that is, if you are going to the city?”
”I am going to the city, but I have no idea yet what I shall do.”
”Perhaps you may like to become an agent for our lots. I shall be ready to employ you as sub agent if you feel disposed.”
”Thank you, sir. If you will give me your card, I may call upon you.”
The short man drew from his card case a business card. It bore the name
ADIN WOODS. ROYAL BUILDING. Na.s.sAU ST. Morton Park Lots.
”Come to see me at any time,” he said, ”and we will talk the matter over.”
Here the train boy came along and Rodney bought a copy of Puck, while the agent resumed the perusal of a copy of a magazine. For an hour the cars ran smoothly. Then there was a sudden shock causing all the pa.s.sengers to start to their feet.
”We're off the track!” shouted an excitable person in front of Rodney.
The instinct of self preservation is perhaps stronger than any other.
Rodney and his seat mate both jumped to their feet and hurried to the door of the car, not knowing what was in store for them.
But fortunately the train had not been going rapidly. It was approaching a station and was ”slowing up.” So, though it had really run off the track, there was not likely to be any injury to the pa.s.sengers.
”We are safe,” said Adin Woods. ”The only harm done is the delay. I hope that won't be long. Suppose we go back to our seat.” They returned to the seat which they had jointly occupied.
Then Rodney made an alarming discovery. ”My casket!” he exclaimed.
”Where is it?”
”What did you do with it?”
”Left it on the seat.”
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