The old couple looked
questioningly at Mr. Neal. The little clerk was somewhat embarrassed.
"I--I wanted to see the gentleman who just came in here," he said.
The white-bearded old man seemed surprised.
"Why, nobody has come in here," he said in a gentle voice. "Not since I
came home over an hour ago."
"Oh, the tall man, with--with--"
"But nobody has come in, sir," reiterated the old man.
"Just now, you know," insisted Mr. Neal. "A tall man--"
A shadow crossed the old man's face--a shade of alarm. The woman
withdrew a little. Some of the happiness seemed to leave their faces,
allowing the wrinkles of age to show themselves.
"I don't know what you mean, sir," the old man said slowly, "but we two
are alone here. There is no tall man here, I assure you. Please--"
"But haven't you a lodger?" asked Mr. Neal hopefully. "This was a very
tall man; that was the reason I could see him so well in the subway. He
has a good face--a really wonderful face--"
Mr. Neal hesitated a moment, realizing that he had been led to reveal
his secret to one who might not understand.
Pity came into the old gentleman's eyes.
"Ah," he said, and nodded. "If I could be of any help to you--Would you
come in?"
"Didn't he come in here, really? Hasn't a tall man been here?"
"Nobody is here, sir, but us.
Pages:
462
463
464
465
466
467
468
469
470
471
472
473
474
475
476
477
478
479
480
481
482
483
484
485
486