strike me," mused Nat, as he laid down the paper. "Just
the thing, and no mistake. I'll go and see about it."

Our hero had acquired sufficient knowledge of New York to find the place
indicated in the advertisement without much trouble. It was a four-story
stone building, and he walked up two flights of stairs until he reached
Room 24. On the door was the sign:

HAMILTON DART
BROKERAGE AND COMMISSIONS

Entering the office he found it plainly but neatly furnished with two
desks and several chairs. In front of one of the desks sat a middle-aged
man, well dressed, and smoking a cigar.

"Is this Mr. Dart?" questioned Nat, taking off his hat.

"That is my name," responded Hamilton Dart, with a keen glance at our
hero.

"Did you advertise for a clerk. I saw an advertisement----"

"Oh, yes!" interrupted the man. "Pray be seated," and he motioned to one
of the chairs. "You came to see about the place, did you?"

"Yes, sir. You advertised that you would like somebody from the country,
and that hits me."

"You came from the country to try your luck?"

"Yes, sir. I got tired of the farm."

Hamilton Dart smiled good-naturedly, and blew a cloud of smoke toward
the ceiling of his office.

"I don't blame you. I got tired of the farm myself when I was about your
age, and came here with less than a hundred dollars in my pocket."

"Well, I came with just a little more than that," answered Nat,
innocently.

"Indeed! Then you are better off than I was. But I shan't complain, for
I have made money right along. But what do you think I am worth now?"

"I don't know, I am sure--five or ten thousand dollars maybe."

"Nearly fifty thousand dollars," and Hamilton Dart looked at Nat, coolly
and innocently.

"Fifty thousand!" cried the boy. "You've certainly been lucky. I wish I
could make that much."

"You have the same opportunities that I had. Let me see, what did you
say your name was?"

"I didn't say. It is Nat Nason."

"I am glad to know you. You have a bright and honest face, and faces
count a good deal with me."

This was gratifying to Nat, and he could not help but think that Mr.
Dart was a pleasant gentleman with whom to deal.

"I advertised for a country young man because I was that myself once,
and I like to help country young men along," continued Hamilton Dart.
"You are out of work at present?"

"Yes, sir. I worked for a firm, but they sold out to another firm."

"I see. Have you any recom