hundred and fifty dollars there was no
escaping him, and Mullins felt very uncomfortable when he considered
what steps the gambler wanted him to take to get free from his debts.

At this moment a dignified-looking gentleman living on West
Forty-seventh Street entered the office. He was the owner of a large
building, of which Mr. Fairchild acted as agent. He looked askance at
Dick Ralston, whose loud dress and general appearance left little doubt
as to his character.

"Is Mr. Fairchild in?" the caller asked.

"No, sir; he started for the West yesterday."

"I am sorry."

"I can attend to your business, Mr. Gray."

"No, thank you. I prefer to wait. How long will Mr. Fairchild be
absent?"

"Probably six weeks."

The gentleman took his leave, with another side glance at Ralston.

When he had gone, Ralston said, "Who is that, Mullins?"

"Mr. Gray, a wealthy banker, living on Forty-seventh Street."

"So? Why didn't you introduce me to the old duffer? I might have made
something out of him."

"He is not your style, Dick. He wouldn't care to be introduced to a
stranger."

"So he puts on airs, does he?"

"No; but he is rather a proud, reserved man."

"Thinks himself better than his fellow men, I suppose," sneered the
gambler.

"I can't say, but it wouldn't have been policy to make you acquainted.
If you won't be offended, Dick, I will say that though I am personally
your friend, I am afraid that it isn't best for you to be here so
much."

"So you are getting on your high horse, Mullins, are you?"

"No; but you are too well known, Dick. If you were only an ordinary
man, now, it would be different, but your striking appearance naturally
makes people curious about you."

Dick Ralston was not insensible to flattery, and this compliment
propitiated him. He was about to go out when Chester entered, returning
from his errand.

"How are you, kid?" inquired Ralston.

"Very well, Mr. Ralston," answered Chester, coldly, for he could not
forget how the gambler had treated his old father.

"Well, did you pass the evening with that cowboy from Minneapolis?"

"I spent the evening with Mr. Perkins."

"Of course! That's what I mean. Has he got money?"

"He didn't tell me."

"He gave Felix money to go to the theater," interposed Mullins.

"Is that so? He seems to be liberal. I'd like to cultivate his
acquaintance. How long is he going to stay at the Fifth Avenue?"

"He left for Washington this morning."

"I