I sat back in my chair and frowned. "Be good enough to pass the
rolls," said I.

"You've only had four, said Berry, pushing them across. "Mind
you get a good lunch at Lambeth. I'm told they do you very well
at 'The Three Balls.'

"When I'm choosing a bath," said I, " I always lunch at 'The
Rising Spray.' And now, here I was, afoot upon Westminster
Bridge bound for the warehouse of the firm we proposed to honour
with our patronage.

I passed on into the roar of the crowded streets, and a quarter
of an hour later I reached the place I sought.

Almost immediately the office-boy took me for a commercial
traveller and refused point-blank to announce my arrival. I told
him that I had an appointment.

"Yes," he said pleasantly. "They all 'as."

"Friend," said I, "I see that you are bent on gaining the
feathered fowl. In other words, if I'm kept waiting much longer
you'll get the bird."

"I don't think," he replied somewhat uneasily.

"That," said I, "is what I complain of."