There was a gleam in the Ryder eye which he knew by experience boded no good.
"Really, Jefferson," he said in a more conciliatory tone, "I know absolutely nothing about the paragraph.

This is the first I hear of it.

Why not ask your father ?" "I will," replied Jefferson grimly.
He was turning to go in the direction of the library when Bagley stopped him.
"You cannot possibly see him now," he said.

"Sergeant Ellison of the Secret Service is in there with him, and your father told me not to disturb him on any account.

He has another appointment at three o'clock with some woman who writes books." Seeing that the fellow was in earnest, Jefferson did not insist.
He could see his father a little later or send him a message through his mother.