"I am sure Mrs. Delancy will not be so unkind as to leave me after I've
had so much trouble in getting an audience. Here is my card, Mrs.
Delancy." Crosby tossed a card from his perch, but Swallow gobbled it up
instantly. Mrs. Delancy gave a little cry of disappointment, and Crosby
promptly apologized for the dog's greediness. "Mr. Austin knows I'm
Crosby," he concluded.

"I know nothing of the sort, sir, and I forbid Mrs. Delancy holding
further conversation with you. This is an outrageous imposition, Louise.
You must hurry, by the way, or we'll miss the train," said Austin,
biting his lip impatiently.

"That reminds me, I also take the four o'clock train for Chicago, Mrs.
Delancy. If you prefer, we can talk over our affairs on the train
instead of here. I'll confess this isn't a very dignified manner in
which to hold a consultation," said Crosby apologetically.

"Will you be kind enough to state the nature of your business, Mr.
Crosby?" said the young woman, ignoring Mr. Austin.

"Then you believe I'm Crosby?" cried that gentleman triumphantly.

"Louise!" cried Mrs. Austin in despair.

"In spite of your present occupation, I believe you are Crosby," said
Mrs. Delancy merrily.

"But, good gracious, I can't talk business with you from this confounded
beam," he cried lugubriously.