"I didn't suppose it was worth coming back for, after I got into the
street. And, besides, you were busy."

"Yes, yes, you were right: you are not to come--of course, of course."

The King of the Street looked at me curiously, and then said smoothly:

"But this isn't business." And he plunged into the papers once more.
"There were over nine thousand shares sold this afternoon, and I got
only five thousand of them."

"I suppose Decker picked the others up," I said.

The King of the Street did me the honor to look at me in amazement.

"Decker!" he roared. "How did you--" Then he paused and his voice
dropped to its ordinary tone. "I reckon you're right. What gave you the
idea?"

I frankly detailed my conversation with Wallbridge. As I went on, I
fancied that the bushy brows drew down and a little anxiety showed
beneath them.

I had hardly finished my account when there was a knock at the door,
and the servant appeared.

"Mrs. Knapp's compliments, and she would like to see Mr. Wilton when
you are done," he said.