or sale. Some are better than others. On
some he can make a large profit. They may not be quite as good as those
some other men have, but that's not the fault of Colonel Dendon, or you
or me. It's the fault of the market.

"He's often said to me that if I could introduce him to somebody with
money--somebody who'd buy some of his stocks--he'd give me twenty-five
per cent. of what he made. It's a regular business deal. It's done every
day. Colonel Dendon is a sort of a promotor. I'm only helping him. It's
perfectly honest--that is, as honest--well, it's as honest as lots of
things I know about. I wouldn't get you into any trouble, Guy."

"I hope not," answered the weak youth, who believed nearly all that
Simon told him. "But if these stocks are good ones won't Dick make money
on them? And if he does how is the colonel going to make any?"

"I didn't say for sure that the stocks were good," replied Simon. "They
may be good for all I know. Maybe Dick will have to hold them for some
time before he can realize on them. I don't bother with all those
details. The colonel has stocks to sell--all kinds--I simply introduce
Dick to him and he does the rest, and pays me and you for our trouble."

"Then I guess it's all right," assented Guy, a little doubtfully.

"Of course it is," declared Simon very positively.

That evening, as Dick and his friends sat in the private parlor of their
suite of rooms, there was a knock at the door. Simon, being nearest it,
answered, and, as soon as he had opened the portal, he exclaimed:

"Why, Colonel Dendon. Come right in. Richard, let me introduce you to
Colonel Dendon, an old friend of mine," Simon added with a grand air.
"Come right in, Colonel, I'm sure we're glad to see you," and Simon
winked at the man who entered. The colonel was not at all war-like
looking. He had shifty eyes, and a nervous manner. His white hair would
seem to have indicated that he was elderly, but his white beard, which
was stained by tobacco juice, did not tend to gain for him that respect
for which silver locks generally call.

"I'll come in just for a minute--can't stay long--very busy," said the
colonel jerkily, as he gave Dick a rather limp and flabby hand.

"I suppose you have some big deal on that won't keep," put in Guy, who
was playing his part in the plot.

"That's it. Yes, I've got an appointment with some bank directors for
seven o'clock, and one with the president of Pennsylvania Railroad at
eight. A