`` I ca n't remember his name , but I 've come to interview him on behalf of the Chronicle . Is he in ? '' `` If you mean Mr. Reefer , he is , '' said the maid quite respectfully . Evidently the Chronicle 's name carried weight in the Reid establishment . `` Please come into the library . I 'll go and tell him . '' Patty had just time to seat herself at the table , spread out her paper imposingly , and assume a businesslike air when Mr. Reefer came in . He was a tall , handsome old man with white hair , jet-black eyes , and a mouth that made Patty hope she would n't stumble on any questions he would n't want to answer . 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 XXXXX the staff if he turns in a good article about you .
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