Mr. John J. Clayton wanted Whit to call at his office to discuss a business matter. Whit didn't know Mr. John J. Clayton from Joe Doakes, and he would rather not have to discuss anything the Saturday morning following a strenuous Christmas holiday, but Mr. Clayton sounded like someone who was used to having his way and he made it clear over the telephone that he wanted to see Whit that morning and not next week. He didn't say what his business was, but Whit knew from experience that people who talked like John J. Clayton had money, and people who had money were Whit's meat because they always had income tax troubles. Whit was a good tax man. So he put on his raincoat, left his office, and walked up Montgomery Street to call on Mr. Clayton.