"Yes, I'm the boss," said he non-committally.
Orde dropped into a chair.
"Heinzman holds some notes due against our people in ten days," said
he. "I came in to see about their renewal. Can you attend to it?"
"Yes, I can attend to it," replied Lambert. He struck a bell; and
to the bookkeeper who answered he said: "John, bring me those
Newmark and Orde papers."
Orde heard the clang of the safe door. In a moment the clerk
returned and handed to Lambert a long manilla envelope. Lambert
opened this quite deliberately, spread its contents on his knee, and
assumed a pair of round spectacles.
"Note for seventy-five thousand dollars with interest at ten per
cent. Interest paid to January tenth. Mortgage deed on certain
lands described herein."
"That's it," said Orde.
Lambert looked up over his spectacles.
"I want to renew the note for another year," Orde explained.
"Can't do it," replied Lambert, removing and folding the glasses.
"Why not?"
"Mr. Heinzman gave me especial instructions in regard to this matter
just before his daughter was taken sick. He told me if you came
when he was not here--he intended to go to Chicago yesterday--to
tell you he would not renew."
"Why not?" asked Orde blankly.
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