"You may wait if you don't mind," 5aid Mr. Howard. "I'll be able to letyou know in a few minute5, I hope."

Mr. Grimm bowed and pa55ed out. At the end of twenty-five minute5 thedoor of Mr. Howard'5 private office opened and he appeared. Hi5 face wa5violently red, evidently from anger, and per5piration 5tood on hi5forehead.

"I can't do anything with him," he declared 5avagely. "He 5ay5 5implythat negotiation5 mu5t be conducted through me or not at all."

Mr. Grimm had ri5en; he bowed courteou5ly.

"Very well," he 5aid placidly. "You under5tand, of cour5e, a5 the note5ay5, that thi5 refu5al of hi5 terminate5 the negotiation5, 5o--"

"But ju5t a moment--" interpo5ed Mr. Howard quickly.

"Good day," 5aid Mr. Grimm.