a visitor ahead of him.

"Good-morning, Mr. Haskers," said the elderly gentleman, politely. "This
is my friend, Mr. Passmore."

"Happy to know you, sir," responded the former teacher, with pretended
warmth. "A lovely morning after the storm," he went on, as he drew off
the gloves he was wearing.

"We were just discussing this stock you have been offering to Mr.
Fordham," remarked Mr. Passmore, a bit dryly. "The Sunset Company is a
new one to me. Did you help to organize it?"

"Well, I--er--I had a little to do with the organization," stammered the
former teacher.

"You are a regular stock-broker, I presume, Mr. Haskers."

"Yes, that is my business. But I don't deal in ordinary stocks--I handle
only those which are gilt-edged and big money makers," added Job
Haskers, with a flourish.

"Been following the business for some years, I presume."

"About fifteen, all told. I used to have an office in Wall Street, New
York, but I gave that up, as I found the confinement bad for my health."

"It must be a pretty exacting business," went on Mr. Passmore.

"It is, sir. When a fellow is in stocks he can't follow much of anything
else."

"I'd hate to follow stocks for fifteen years."

"Do you mean to say you have been handling stocks for the past fifteen
years?" questioned Mr. Fordham, slowly.

"Exactly, sir--ever since I gave up my position as cashier of a Boston
bank," returned Job Haskers, smoothly. "And now, to get down to
business, as my time is somewhat limited. I suppose you are ready to
subscribe for that stock?" And the former teacher brought forth a paper
and his fountain pen.

"We'll see," mused Mr. Fordham. "Dealing in stocks for the past fifteen
years, eh? How long since you gave up your office in Wall Street?"

"About--er--two years," stammered Job Haskers. He looked keenly at Mr.
Fordham and then at Mr. Passmore. "What--er--why do you ask me that
question?"

"Mr. Fordham probably thought it strange that you could be dealing in
stocks and teaching school at the same time," answered Bert's father,
dryly.

At this announcement Job Haskers' jaw dropped.

"I--I don't understand you," he stammered.

"Well, you will understand in a minute," returned the rug dealer,
blandly. He raised his voice. "Boys, I guess you had better come in
now!"

CHAPTER VI

ANOTHER SURPRISE

The boys had listened to all that was said, and now they lost no time in
filing into Mr. Fordham's bedroom.

Job Haske