further proof that I'm in Chicago or some place
in the Middle West. The effect will be definitely to transfer the search
from New York."

"Yes, I see," repeated Miss Sherwood. "Go ahead and do it; I'll
help you. But for the present you've got to remain right here in the
apartment, as I said. And later, when you think the letters have had
their effect, you must use the utmost caution."

"Certainly," agreed Larry.

"Now as to your making a start in business. I suspect that my affairs
are in a very bad shape. Things were left to my brother, as he told you.
I have a lot of papers, all kinds of accounts, which he has brought to
me and he's bringing me a great many more. I can't make head or tail
of them, and I think my brother is about as much befuddled as I am. I
believe only an expert can understand them. Mr. Hunt says you have
a very keen mind for such matters. I wish you'd take charge of these
papers, and try to straighten them out."

"Miss Sherwood," Larry said slowly, "you know my record and yet you risk
trusting me with your affairs?"

"Not that I wouldn't take the risk--but whatever there is to steal, some
one else has already stolen it, or will steal it. Your work will be to
discover thefts or mistakes, and to prevent thefts or mistakes if you
can. You see I am not placing any actual control over stealable property
in you--not yet.... Well, what do you say?"

"I can only say, Miss Sherwood, that you are more than good, and that I
am more than grateful, and that I shall do my best!"

Miss Sherwood regarded him thoughtfully for a long space. Then she said:
"I am going to place something further in your hands, for if you are as
clever as I think you are, and if life has taught you as much as I think
it has, I believe you can help me a lot. My brother Dick is wild and
reckless. I wish you'd look out for him and try to hold him in check
where you can. That is, if this isn't placing too great a duty on you."

"That's not a duty--it's a compliment!"

"Then that will be all for the present. I'll see you again in an hour or
two, when I shall have some things ready to turn over to you."

Back in his bedroom Larry walked exultantly to and fro. He had security!
And at last he had a chance--perhaps the chance he had been yearning for
through which he was ultimately to prove himself a success!...

He wondered yet more about Miss Sherwood. And again about her and Hunt.
Miss Sherwood was clever, gracious, everything a