u know that a boy's chance to get rich hardly ever comes to him
but once in his life?" continued old Gunwagner, undaunted.

"No, and I don't believe it is so, either."

"Another evidence of your inexperience. When you get older, you will
look back and see what I tell you is true; and if you miss this chance
you will never get another one like it."

"We don't want another one like it, so it's no use to talk about it any
more."

"That's so," said Bob; "he hain't got no interest in us; I can see
through his trick."

"You are mistaken, young man. If you don't want to go into the business
here yourselves, I'll give you an interest in it, if you will do nothing
to injure it. You see, you know about the business here now, and if you
should give it away to the police, why it would hurt it, don't you
understand?"

"Yes, we understand it too well, but do not want an interest in it,"
said Herbert.

"It would pay you well," persisted the old fence; "say about seven to
ten thousand dollars each every year, and you needn't come anear
it--just take your dividends every week, and that's all."

"Well, we don't want no such dividends," said Bob; "nor we couldn't get
'em if we did want 'em, that's all."

"You are mistaken again, for if you think the business don't pay as well
as I say, why I can show you the money."

"Got it with you?" said Bob.

This question pleased the old fence, and gave him renewed courage. He
thought now that perhaps there was yet hope for him.

"I have it in the house," said he.

"In cash?"

"Yes, and I can get it if you want to see it."

"Don't see how you're goin' to get it, the way you are fixed now,"
continued Bob.

"Well, if you will not let me go for it, I can tell you where to find
it."

"Can you? Well, where is it?"

"It is in my bedroom, in the further end of the house. You will find it
in the thick wallet, under my pillow."

"Well, we will take your word for it, seein' we don't need the money for
anything, and wouldn't take it nohow," said the young detective, who
divined the purpose of the old fence.

"But if you don't get it, how can I make you boys a present? You will
not allow me to go for it," said the fence, fearing his scheme had
failed him.

"We don't want no present, so don't worry yourself about that."

"We prefer taking you with us, rather than the present," said Herbert.

"Old man," continued Bob, "your game didn't work. All you wanted was to
get me out of the w