that for once the education of a Crown Prince, in
the matter of languages at least, had its uses.

"That is very much in your favour," said Mr. Brockford, "and now,
perhaps, you will have no objection to telling me your name? I have not
heard it yet."

"My name is Mortimer," Max returned, with a momentary hesitation, that
was not lost on his companion--"Max Mortimer."

"Well then, Mr. Max Mortimer, I am prepared to tell you that although I
never saw you until a few moments ago, although you have held a
commission in a cavalry regiment in England, and have seen fit to give
it up in order to take to clerking in Brazil, and last, but not least,
although you call yourself Mortimer, which I feel quite certain is not
your name, as I say, I am prepared----"

"Pardon me," said Max, interrupting him. "Since you have such a poor
opinion of my character, it would perhaps be better that I should look
elsewhere for employment."

He had risen and was going to leave the office, when the other signed to
him to sit down again.

"Hoighty-toighty," he said, "what is the matter with you now? Why are
you so thin-skinned? Surely you are not foolish enough to be offended
because I speak my mind plainly to you when you want assistance? Leaving
everything else out of the question, it is a poor return you are willing
to make me for trying to help you."

Max saw the mistake he had made, and was quick to apologise for his
apparent rudeness.

"Forgive me," he said. "I'm afraid I've a hasty temper. To be candid
with you, I haven't quite shaken down yet to my lot in life."

Brockford blew a cloud of smoke before he answered.

"I was going to say, when you interrupted me, that although I cannot
help you myself, I think I know of a man who may be able to do so. He is
a Spaniard, but none the worse for that. His name is Senor Jose de
Montezma. I happen to know that he is in want of an English
corresponding clerk. We are on friendly terms, and I shall be very happy
to take you along with me and introduce you to him at once; that is, of
course, providing you think the position is likely to suit you."

It seemed to Max as if his luck were going to change at last, and,
needless to say, he gladly accepted the invitation. Lighting another
cigar, the senior partner led him from the office into the street, where
they made their way along the pavement in the opposite direction to
which Max had come. At length they reached the office of Montezma & Co