He had never thought of the latter.

At once he decided to look that up.
The firm in question was Alsbery & Co., whiskey brokers.
He was admitted almost at once to the manager on his appearance.
"Good-morning, sir," said the latter, thinking at first that he was encountering one of his out-of-town customers.
"Good-morning," said Hurstwood.

"You advertised, I believe, for a salesman ?" "Oh," said the man, showing plainly the enlightenment which had come to him.

"Yes.

Yes, I did." "I thought I'd drop in," said Hurstwood, with dignity.