I tell you, suh, I shall apologize. Fitz, kindly
inquire outside if there is any news of Mr. Klutchem."
Fitz opened the door, and sent the inquiry ringing through the office.
"Yes!" came a voice from around the "ticker." "Went to the races two
days ago, got soaking wet, and has been laid up ever since at a friend's
house with the worst attack of gout he ever had in his life."
The colonel started as if he had been stung, put on his hat, and with
a determined air buttoned his coat over his chest. Then, charging
Yancey and the judge not to leave the office until he returned, he
beckoned Fitz to him, and said:--
"We have not a moment to lose. Get Mr. Klutchem's address, and order
a caarriage."
It was the custom with Fitz never to cross the colonel in any one of
his sudden whims. Whether this was because he liked to indulge him,
or because it gave him an opportunity to study a type of man entirely
new to him, the result was always the same,--the colonel had his way.
Had the Virginian insisted upon waiting on the offending broker in a
palanquin or upon the top of a four-in-hand, Fitz would have found the
vehicle somehow, and have crawled in or on top beside him with as much
complacency as if he had spent his whole life with palanquins and
coaches, and had had no other interests.
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