lse reports to Roy's father.

But it was one thing to know this, and another to prove it. Roy left
the building, thanking the janitor for his trouble, and started back
toward Mr. Annister's office.

"I wonder what I had better do?" he thought.

CHAPTER XV

CALEB ANNISTER IS SURPRISED

Perhaps, if Mr. Bradner had known just the extent of the rascality of
his agent, he might not have sent Roy to investigate. But, at the
worst, he only imagined that perhaps the man might be careless in
collecting the rents, which would account for the small income from the
property.

Roy certainly had a difficult task before him, and he hardly knew how
to undertake it. Should he confront Caleb Annister with the evidence
of his dishonesty, or would it be better to wait a while? He had all
the proof he needed; but what would be the outcome? That was what
puzzled Roy.

Finally, with a decision characteristic of him, and following his
nature, which was influenced by the openness of action associated with
the West, he made up his mind.

"I'll go right back and see him," reasoned the boy, "tell him who I am,
show him that I know he's been cheating us, and demand that he make
good the money he has taken. Then I'll see how he acts. If he pays
back the rent money he has retained I guess dad will not be hard on
him. If he doesn't--"

Roy knew his father was a man who would have his rights if there was
any way of getting them. He had half a notion to telegraph his father
for instructions, but he wanted to do the work all alone, if he could.

When he got back to the office where Mr. Annister had his rooms, the
boy in the outer apartment did not stop Roy to ask him his business.
He at once announced him to the agent, who told Roy to come in. The
boy from the ranch nerved himself for what was coming. He felt just as
he used to when, for the first time, he mounted a new bucking bronco.
There was no telling just what the animal would do. Likewise he did
not know how Caleb Annister would act when he exposed his rascality.

"Well, did you see the offices?" asked the real estate man.

"Yes, sir."

"Did you like them? We think they are the best in New York."

"They are very fine. The rents are higher than I thought to find them."

"Perhaps, but you must know there is a good demand for offices in that
neighborhood. I could have rented them several times, since they were
vacant, but I wanted to get good tenants, who would