noon
There was a little room back of the offices where some papers and books were kept , such as the big safe could not accommodate , and here the two would often sit and chat as they disposed of their luncheon . Pliny Kassam was a diligent fellow , who meant to make his mark some day ; he had a mother and a raft of little sisters at home , for whom he seemed to entertain a sincere affection . It was the similarity in their conditions that first drew the boys together ; for each of them had lost a good father , though Kassam 's people were in comfortable circumstances . It was one noon hour when Dick had been with the bank about three weeks , that his friend for the first time mentioned a subject that had a distinct bearing on the messenger 's personal affairs . In the course of the general talk Dick chanced to mention the name of the cashier , as having sent him upon a certain errand . Pliny glanced around and unconsciously lowered his voice as he said : `` I 'd advise you to keep your eye on Mr. Goodwyn , Dick , and when he asks you to do anything make sure that you carry out his wishes to a dot . He has it in for you on account of his disappointment about this position he wanted for that nephew of his . ''