he office and run
the business. The time was when I would have done so with confidence,
but the affair of James Long has made me distrustful. He thoroughly
understands my business, and it would be difficult for me to supply his
place. For the present, therefore, I feel obliged to retain him. During
my absence, however, I wish, if you see anything wrong, that you would
apprise me of it by letter. You may direct letters to Palmer's Hotel,
Chicago, and they will be forwarded to me from there. What is your
address?"

Chester gave it, and Mr. Fairchild wrote it down.

"It is rather unusual," continued Mr. Fairchild, "for a man in my
position to make a confidant of his office boy, but I have observed you
carefully, and I believe that you are not only intelligent, but are
faithful to my interests."

"Thank you, sir," said Chester, with genuine gratification. "I think I
can promise you that you will not be disappointed in me."

"Of course Mr. Mullins must not know of the understanding between us.
Don't breathe a hint of what I have said."

"No, sir, I will not."

"In case you think it necessary you may telegraph to me. I hope,
however, that no such emergency will arise."

Chester asked himself whether it was his duty to apprise Mr. Fairchild
of his seeing Mullins in intimate companionship with a gambler, but, on
the whole, decided not to do so. He did not wish needlessly to
prejudice his employer against the bookkeeper.

On Monday morning Mr. Fairchild left the office and took the Sixth
Avenue Elevated train to Cortlandt Street station, from which it is
only five minutes' walk to the ferry connecting with the train on the
Pennsylvania Railroad.

"How long shall you be away, Mr. Fairchild?" asked the bookkeeper.

"I cannot yet tell. It will depend on the success I meet with in my
business. I am afraid I may be absent four weeks."

"Don't hurry back," said Mullins. "I will keep things running."

"I rely upon your fidelity," said the broker, not without significance.

"You may be assured of that. I have been in your employ for over five
years."

"And of course understand all the details of my business. That is true.
Continue faithful to me and you will have no cause to repent it."

"Thank you, sir. You need have no anxiety."

"Chester," said Mr. Fairchild, "you may go with me as far as the
station and carry my grip."

When they were outside, the broker said:

"I could have carried the grip myself, but I wish