nt, as we
have plenty of capital offered. Indeed, we have had to limit
investments to five thousand dollars for each person. Why, a
millionaire, whose name would be very familiar to you if I could
venture to mention it, came here last week and wanted to invest fifty
thousand dollars in our bonds, but I firmly refused to take more than
five thousand."

"I don't see why you should," said Silas, puzzled.

"I will tell you why. We wish to give a chance to smaller investors,
like yourself, for instance. Rich men have plenty of ways in which to
invest their money to advantage, while you probably don't know where to
get over six per cent."

"No; I never got more'n that."

"I dare say you have considerable invested at that small interest."

"Well, mebbe."

"Think how much it would be for your advantage to get four per cent.
more."

"To be sure, sartin! Well, I'll think of it, Mr. Gripp. Mebbe I'll come
and see you ag'in soon."

Mr. Gripp smiled to himself. He saw that the bait was likely to prove
effective.

"Well, good-by, Mr. Gripp. You'll send me any information about the
bonds?"

"Yes, Mr. Tripp, with pleasure. Whenever you are in the city, even if
you have no business with us, make our office your home. Whenever you
have any letters to write, we will furnish you a desk and all
facilities."

"Thank you, Mr. Gripp; you're very obleeging."

So the old man went out, feeling very complacent over his new
investment, and much pleased with the handsome way he was treated by
Mr. Gripp.

"Lemme see," he reflected. "I've got five thousand dollars invested. At
ten per cent. it would amount to five hundred dollars, and with an
extra dividend of two hundred and fifty dollars more. I'll have to
think it over. All seems safe and square, and Mr. Gripp is a real
gentleman."

Silas Tripp looked at his watch. It was only half-past ten. How should
he occupy his spare time?

"I guess I'll go and see Chester Rand," he said. "His mother told me
where he was working. Perhaps he'll know of some cheap place where I
can get dinner. The last time I was in the city it cost me forty cents.
That's a terrible price."

Mr. Tripp knew the location of Mr. Fairchild's office, and after some
inquiry he found his way there. He felt so much like a stranger in the
big city that he anticipated with pleasure seeing a familiar face.
Perhaps Chester would invite him out to lunch, and Mr. Tripp, in his
frugality, would not have declined the of