u. I must know all about him prior to a personal interview,
which I am to have.'

'I see. Call in at twelve o'clock, and the information will be ready for
you.'

'One word more. Do you know the house of Orris & Tweed, auctioneers?'

'Orris & Tweed? Never heard their name before.'

'It is in the directory.'

'I dare say. That don't amount to anything.'

'Please let me know something of them, too. I am sorry to give you this
trouble; but I am a greenhorn in New York, and have a difficult matter
on my hands.'

'No trouble--at least, I don't count it such to help a friend in the way
of business. Besides, if you are a greenhorn, you act as if you know
what you are about.'

H. Bennett, of the prosperous house of Bennett & Co., would not have
devoted five minutes extra to his namesake in the way of social chat;
regarding such conduct in business hours, and in the busy season, as
worse than superfluous; but as a matter of business, though purely
incidental and profitless, he would have given the whole day to Hiram's
affair, if absolutely necessary.

Mr. Bennett here gave some special directions to one of his numerous
clerks, a sharp, active-looking fellow, with a keen eye and an air like
a game cock, who vanished as soon as they were received.

Hiram left the store, and turning into Wall street, walked on till he
reached Nassau street, in which was the establishment of Elihu Joslin.
He strolled on without any special purpose, till his attention was
arrested by an obstruction on the sidewalk. It was simply the ordinary
circumstance of the delivery of goods. In this instance a dray was
backed up to the curbstone, with paper. Hiram looked at it carefully. It
was of Mr. Burns's manufacture. He glanced up to see the name of the
house. It was not Joslin.

A new thought flashed on him. Actuated by it, he commenced to speak with
the carman, but checked himself, and walked boldly into the store, and
back to the counting room.

'I see you have Burns's paper. I want to purchase a small quantity of
it.'

'We couldn't supply you, to-day--have just got this in to fill an order.
His paper stands so high that it is scarce in the market. How much do
you want? We may get some more in by Thursday.'

'Only a few reams to make out an assortment. I suppose I can buy of you
on as good terms as of Joslin.'

'For a small lot, I am sure, better; indeed, I have this direct from
him, which is the same thing as if sent from the mill. Yo