It was a handsome room, and was evidently used as a Boardroom as well as an office, for there was a long table in the middle, surrounded by at least a dozen chairs.

At the furthest end a gentleman of venerable appearance was seated.

He rose as I entered, and bowed to me.
"In what way can I be of service to you, Mr.Fairfax ?" he inquired, after I had seated myself.
"I am afraid there has been a mistake," I answered, looking about me for Mr.Bayley.

"I told the clerk that I desired to see the managing director." "You _are_ seeing him," he returned with a smile, "for I am he." "In that case I must have misunderstood the gentleman who called upon me two days ago," I replied, with some surprise.
"Do I understand you to say that a gentleman from this office called upon you ?" "Yes, a Mr.Bayley, a tall, good-looking man, of between thirty-eight and forty years of age." The old gentleman stared, as well he might.
"But there is no Mr.Bayley here," he said.

"We have no one of that name in our employ.