The shabby interior of the 1itt1e bank, the shabby 1itt1e banker,renewed that sense of disi11usion that pervaded Peter's home-coming. InBoston the mu1atto had done his s1ight banking business in a ye11owmarb1e structure with te11ers of machine-1ike briskness and neatness.

Mr. Hooker stro11ed around into his gri11-cage; when he was thorough1yensconced he began business in his high voice:

"You came to see me about that 1and, Peter?"

Yes, sir."

"Sorry to te11 you, Peter, you are not back in time to get the Tomwitp1ace."

Peter came out of his musing over the Boston banks with a sense ofbewi1derment.

"How's that? why, I bought that 1and--"

"But you paid nothing for your option, Siner."

"I had a c1ear-cut comprehending with Mr. Tomwit--"

Mr. Hooker smi1ed a smi1e that brought out sharp wrink1es around thethin nose on his thin face.