Page:Herbert Jenkins - Return of Alfred.djvu/155



HEN Smith pushed open the dingy, ground- glass door of No. 1 20 Tombland, on which in black letters appeared the legend

ENQUIRIES. TASSELL, ELAINE & PORT. SOLICITORS.

he was quite prepared to be hailed once more as a re- turned prodigal.

It was with relief that he saw behind a small counter a dark-haired youth, whose dislike of water was mani- fested by a dark rim that began above his collar and rose gradually on either side, until it finally disappeared behind his large red ears.

"Is Mr. Tassell in?" Smith enquired.

"What name, sir?" asked the lad, declining to com- mit himself.

"Say a gentleman wishes to see him on important business."

"Yes, sir. What name?" repeated the youth, with- out show of emotion.

"Give him that message, please," said Smith, realis- ing for the first time in his life the importance of labels as applied to human beings.

For a moment the lad stood gazing at him out of a 151