ting behind the information desk in the reception room. He dropped the tabloid newspaper he was reading, shifted his gum for action and stared inquiringly at the visitor.
"I wish to see the president of this company," Jane said boldly, not knowing whom else to ask for.
"Won't I do?" asked the office boy impudently, Jane's ill-at-ease manner and plain clothes assured him that he was safe in having a little fun with her.
"Of course not," replied Jane patiently. "This is very serious. I have to see him at once."
"Well, he ain't in," said the boy. "And if he was, it would take an Act of Congress to get to him today."
"Then I'll wait," insisted the girl.
"Suit yourself," yawned the Mercury of information and lazily indicated the three or four chairs grouped around his desk.
Jane obediently sank into one of them. There she sat, shifting her position uneasily at intervals, for a solid hour. From time to time the office boy cast mischievous, jeering glances at her.
Finally the red-headed girl behind the telephone switchboard had mercy on her. The hello lady had been casting quizzical glances at her, between pluggings, and now could restrain her curiosity no longer.
"Were you waiting for somebody?" she called over to Jane.
"Yes, I wanted very much to speak to the president," replied Jane wearily. "It's very important."
