d Company, and not by Bennington Cole
individually. However, the mischief was already done, for he could
hear Charles' cheerful voice greeting the two men in the other office.
Rather reluctantly he followed.

He found Wilkinson sitting easily on the arm of a chair, talking
rapidly and confidentially to Mr. Osgood, who regarded him with
indulgence but wonder, as one who might come suddenly on a charming
lady lunatic.

"I don't think I know your friend," Wilkinson was saying, _sotto voce_,
in Mr. Osgood's ear. Then, as Cole entered, Smith rose to shake hands,
and the introduction was made.

"Mr. Smith, General Agent of the Guardian of New York--Mr. Wilkinson."

"Delighted to meet you, Mr. Smith." He turned to the elder man. "Mr.
Osgood, I've come to see you on a matter of business--an important
matter upon which I wish your advice. And I not only wish it, but I
need it, as you will appreciate when I tell you that my occupation for
the next few weeks, months, or years--as the case may be--will consist
in endeavoring to extort a little money from Mr. John M. Hurd."

Cole coughed.

"A most expressive cough, my dear Benny, and the interpretation is
clearly that there is no innovation about such a battle of wits. But,
Mr. Osgood, there is a difference." He looked inquiringly at Cole.
"By the way, is there any reason why we should not speak freely before
Mr. Smith?"

"Mr. Smith is a Company man; he will do nothing to disturb your plan,"
said Cole. "Go ahead, now you've started."

Wilkinson proceeded.

"I am about to take charge of insuring all the properties of the
Massachusetts Light, Heat, and Traction Company, John M. Hurd,
President," he announced.

Mr. Osgood permitted himself a slight smile.

"My dear young friend," he said, "you have given yourself a life
sentence at hard labor."

Wilkinson sat down.

"All the better reason why I need assistance," he rejoined. "I need
everybody's assistance. But only to get started. When I'm started
properly I can look after myself."

"My boy," said the veteran underwriter, kindly, "I have known John M.
Hurd since he was thirty years old. I knew him when what is now the
Massachusetts Light, Heat, and Traction Company consisted of two cars,
four horses, and three miles of single track. And he never carried a
dollar of insurance then, and he never has since. I have seen the
brightest brokers in Boston go into his office and come out in anywhere
from three t