Hobson, Attorney." As he pushed open the door, a boy of about seventeen, who, with a cigarette in his mouth and his feet on a table, sat reading a novel, instantly assumed the perpendicular and, wheeling about, faced Scott with one of the most villainous countenances the latter had ever seen.

Something in Scott's appearance seemed to surprise him, for he stared impudently without speaking.

After silently studying the face before him for an instant, Scott inquired for Mr.Hobson.
"He is in, sir, but he is engaged at present with a client," said the boy, in tones which closely resembled Hobson's.

"I will take in your card, sir." The boy disappeared with the card into an adjoining room, returning a moment later with the most obsequious manners and the announcement that Mr.Hobson would be at liberty in a few moments.

Scott rightly judged that this ceremony was merely enacted for effect, and contented himself with looking about the small, poorly furnished room, while the office boy opposite regarded him with an undisguised curiosity, which betrayed that this client--if such he could be regarded--differed greatly from the usual class.