But the departure of several of the men drew his attention to the supreme obligation of a guest.
"Well," he said, rising.
"Look in on us again some day," urged the Pitcher cordially.
"Thanks, I surely will," said Bean. "I like to forget business this way, now and then. Good day!"
They waved him friendly adieus, and he was out where Paul waited.
"Forget business!" He had indeed for two hours forgotten business and people. Not once had he thought of those waiting directors.
Well, they could do their worst, now. He was ripe to laugh at any fate. What was prison? "The prisoner," he seemed to read, "betrayed no consciousness of the enormity of his crime, and had, indeed, spent the morning at the Polo Grounds, chatting with various members of the Giants, with which team he is a great favourite."
Let them bring their gyves. Let the barred door clang shut!
"Office!" he said to Paul. There was no doubt in Paul's mind as to the quality of his patron. He had at once recognized the Greatest Pitcher. He ceased to speculate as to whether this assured young man owned the high office-building. That was now of minor consequence.
On the way downtown he tried to remember what day it was. He thought it was Friday, but again it seemed to be Monday. He stopped the car and bought an afternoon paper to find out.
