Tom, handing the package across and accepting the bill proffered in payment, was plainly nonplussed. It sounded to him as though the two had gone quite crazy! He looked at Sam and then at the man in the Panama, and, finally, as he returned the change, he blurted: “You two have met, then!” “Oh, yes, indeed--violently,” replied the man. “Still, if you can introduce us properly----” “Why, I thought----” began Tom. Then he laughed. “Mr. Hall,” he said, “this is my friend Sam Craig. Sam is selling directories, and I think he was looking for you.” “He found me,” replied the other quizzically as he shook hands. “I’ve been trying to place you, Mr. Craig, ever since we bumped. I remember now that I saw you catch a game against Petersburg last spring. You’re still playing ball, I suppose?” “Yes, sir; that is, I--sometimes.” “I really feel honoured in possessing the acquaintance of two such talented players. I want to see you chaps in action again sometime.” “Better come to the game to-morrow, Mr. Hall,” said Tom. “We’re going to play Lynton at the school field at three.” “To-morrow? Why, I’m afraid--The fact is, I’m playing golf to-morrow afternoon. Sorry. Wish I might see the game. Now, what about these directories, Mr. Craig? I don’t believe I want to invest, but if you care to tell me what it is you’re handling----” “That’s only Tom’s joke, sir,” said Sam apologetically. “I’m not selling anything.” “Oh, then you weren’t looking for me?” “No, sir--yes, sir, I was, only----” “The plot thickens! Only what?” “I mean I was going to your office, but after I ran into you I thought there wouldn’t be any use going, and so I came in here. I didn’t know you were here, sir.” Tom was enjoying Sam’s embarrassment hugely. “Better confess everything, Sam,” he said soberly, “if you want Mr. Hall to help you.” “Eh?” said Mr. Hall. Sam frowned. “Cut it out,” he muttered. “Look here, Mr. Craig, your story interests me strangely,” declared the man. “You were looking for me, only you weren’t. Sounds a great deal as though you thought I was a dentist. By the way, how did you know who I was when we collided?” “Tom told me that--I mean, he described you.” “I’d like to have heard the description,” chuckled Mr. Hall. “What was it, Pollock?” It was Tom’s turn to be embarrassed. “I don’t just remember, Mr. Hall. This idiot was told to call on you by a friend of yours, and he’s too bashful to say so.” “A friend of mine? Really?” Mr. Hall turned to Sam interestedly. “Who was it, Mr. Craig?” “Mr. York said----” “John York?” demanded the other eagerly. “Yes, sir. He said when I got home I was to call and tell you he sent me. He said he would write to you about it.”