Patty knew she would waste her breath if she did . A man with a mouth like that would never tell anything he did n't want to tell . `` Good afternoon . What can I do for you , madam ? '' inquired Mr. Reefer with the air and tone of a man who means to be courteous , but has no time or information to waste . Patty was almost overcome by the `` Madam . '' For a moment , she quailed . She could n't ask that masculine sphinx questions ! Then the thought of her mother 's pale , careworn face flashed across her mind , and all her courage came back with an inspiriting rush . She bent forward to look eagerly into Mr. Reefer 's carved , granite face , and said with a frank smile : `` I have come to interview you on behalf of the Chronicle about the railroad bill . It was my brother who had the assignment , but he has missed his train and I have come in his place because , you see , it is so important to us . So much depends on this assignment . Perhaps Mr. Harmer will give Clifford a permanent place on the staff if he turns in a good article about you . He is only handyman now . I just could n't let him miss the chance -- he might never have another . And it means so much to us and Mother . '' `` Are you a member of the Chronicle staff yourself ? '' inquired Mr. Reefer with a shade more geniality in his tone . `` Oh , no ! I 've nothing to do with it , so you wo n't mind my being inexperienced , will you ?
I do n't know just what I should ask you , so wo n't you please just tell me everything about the bill , and Mr. XXXXX can cut out what does n't matter ? ''
Clifford Harmer Mother Mr. Patty Reefer geniality member mind tone