nce, and I
expect to get a lot of it while I'm in the East."

"What are your next plans?"

"Well, I hardly know. I have certain business to do for my father, but
I hardly know how to set about it."

"Perhaps I can tell you."

"I wish you could."

"If it is a secret don't tell me," said De Royster, noting that Roy
hesitated.

"It is a sort of a secret mission. I'm here to round up a man, and see
what sort of branding marks he has on him--that is, whether he's honest
or not."

"That is a queer mission for a boy like you to be sent on."

"Perhaps, but my father had no one else. I will tell you as much as I
can, and see what you have to say."

Thereupon Roy told his friend about the real estate matter, and Mr.
Annister's connection with it, though he mentioned no names.

"Let me consider it a bit," said the dude, when Roy had finished. The
latter began to think his friend was more capable than had at first
appeared, and, in spite of his rather affected talk, could be relied
upon for good advice.

"Here is what I would do, in your place," said De Royster, at length.
"I would get my hair cut, order a new suit of clothes or perhaps two
and appear as much as possible like a New Yorker, don't you know. You
say you don't want that man to know you are here from the ranch. Well,
he certainly would if you appeared before him as you are now. But, if
you--er--well, we'll say 'spruce up' a bit, you can be sure he'll never
connect you with the West. Then you can make whatever inquiries you
like."

"That's good advice. I'll follow it. I'm much obliged to you."

"Don't mention it, my dear chap. Now, old man"--(Roy thought it was
strange to be addressed as "old man")--"I've got to go. I'll leave you
my card, and address, and, if you get into trouble, why, telephone or
call on me. Now, good luck."

He shook hands with Roy and left. The boy from the ranch was a little
lonesome after De Royster had gone, but he knew he would from now on,
very probably have to rely on himself, and he decided to start in at
once.

After supper he went to the hotel barber shop, and had his hair cut to
the length it was worn by New Yorkers. He wanted to go out and get a
new suit, but he knew the clothing stores would not be open at night.

His trunk arrived the next morning, and, having arranged his things in
his room, the boy from the ranch set out to buy some new garments,
following De Royster's advice.

"Well, I certainly