"I am here by appointment.

Three o'clock, Mrs.Ryder's note said.

I am Miss Green." "_You_--Miss Green ?" echoed the financier dubiously.
"Yes, I am Miss Green--Shirley Green, author of 'The American Octopus.' You asked me to call.

Here I am." For the first time in his life, John Ryder was nonplussed.

He coughed and stammered and looked round for a place where he could throw his cigar.