Neither Mr. Perkins nor Chester was taken in by Ralston's assumption of
the character of a capitalist. The Western man had already a shrewd
suspicion of the gambler's real business, and being a cautious and
prudent man, did not care to cultivate him.

"Good-morning!" said Mr. Perkins. "I must not take up any more of your
time. Will you allow Chester to go out with me for five minutes?"

"Certainly."

David Mullins would have liked to refuse, but had no good excuse for
doing so.

"Don't stay long!" he said, rather sharply.

"I won't keep him long."

When they were in the street Mr. Perkins said: "I don't like the looks
of that bookkeeper of yours."

"Nor do I," returned Chester.

"I wouldn't trust him any further than I could see him. Who was that
Ralston? Have you ever seen him before?"

"Once. He doesn't come into the office when Mr. Fairchild is at home."

"Do you know anything about him?"

"I know--that is, I have heard that he is a well-known gambler."

"By the great horn spoon, if I didn't think so! He seemed very anxious
to show me round the city."

"He would probably have taken you to a gambling house."

"Not if I was in my senses. I don't gamble, and I hope you don't."

"I shouldn't know how," answered Chester, with a smile.

"Have you any engagement for this evening?"

"No, sir."

"What time do you leave the office?"

"At five o'clock."

"Then come round to the hotel and take dinner with me. I don't know
anyone in the city, and I shall be glad to have your company this
evening. We will take a walk together, and you can show me what's worth
seeing."

"Are you not afraid that I will take you to a gambling house?" asked
Chester, with a smile.

"I'll risk it."

"You would find Mr. Ralston a better guide."

"But not so safe a one. I shall be satisfied with you."

When Chester returned to the office Mullins asked, sharply: "What did
Perkins want to say to you?"

"He asked me to dine with him to-night at the Fifth Avenue Hotel."

"Speak a good word for me, Chester," said Ralston, with unusual
affability. "I would like to become better acquainted with him."

"What shall I say, Mr. Ralston?"

"Tell him I am a prominent man, and expect to be nominated for Congress
next fall."

This he said with a wink. Chester and the bookkeeper laughed.

"I'll tell him," said Chester.

CHAPTER XXII.

DICK RALSTON'S FATHER.

When Chester followed Mr. Perkins into the great dining ro