ther Mr. Perkins was well provided with money and
was worth fleecing.

"Well, I don't complain," answered Perkins, in a matter-of-fact tone.

"I shall be glad to pay you any attentions," insinuated Ralston. "I
know the ropes pretty well, and I flatter myself I can show you the
town as well as anyone, eh, Mullins?"

"Oh, yes," assented the bookkeeper, not over cordially.

"I have no doubt of it, Mr. Ralston, and I take your offer kindly, but
I am afraid I won't have time to go round much."

"Won't you go out and take a drink? Mullins, you go, too!"

"Thank you, but I don't drink--at any rate, when I am away from home.
By the way, Mr.----" and he stopped short, for he did not remember the
bookkeeper's name.

"Mr. Mullins," suggested that gentleman.

"You are misinformed about my wanting to locate in this city. New
York's a right smart place, I admit, but give me Minneapolis. That
suits me."

"All right, sir. I am misinformed, that's all."

"If you find my friend's card just write and let me know his name. I'd
like to know who it is that knows so much about my plans."

"I will. Where shall I direct?"

"Oh, just direct to Minneapolis. I'm well known there. A letter will be
sure to reach me."

"Shall you be at the hotel this evening, Mr. Perkins?" added Dick
Ralston, who found it hard to give up his design upon his new
acquaintance.

"I don't know. I haven't made any plans."

"I was thinking I might call upon you."

"Don't trouble yourself, Mr. Ralston. Probably you would not find me
in."

Mr. Perkins was a tolerably shrewd man. He had "sized up" the gambler,
and decided that he did not care to become any better acquainted with
him.

"Just as you say," returned Dick Ralston, looking discomfited. "I
thought perhaps I could make it pleasant for you."

"If I find I have time I can call at your place of business," said the
man from Minneapolis, with a shrewd glance at the gambler.

"I have no place of business," returned Ralston, rather awkwardly. "I
am a--a capitalist, and sometimes speculate in real estate. Don't I,
Mullins?"

"Of course. By the way, I forgot to tell you that I have four lots on
Ninety-sixth Street which would make a good investment."

"Ninety-sixth Street! Ahem, rather far uptown. What's the figure?"

"Five thousand dollars."

"I'll take a look at them as soon as I have time. You see, Mr. Perkins,
I do all my real estate business through my friend, Mr. Mullins."

"Just so."