lf. Keep mum, and lead him on. Then let me know what
you find out. I will write again soon.

"Your affectionate friend,
"Ben Bradford."

"It's a mean trick, and just like Sam," ejaculated James when he
read Ben's letter. "I'll follow Ben's instructions. Sam will be
coming round making inquiries pretty soon. I'll manage him."

James was right in his supposition. Sam eagerly awaited the
upshot of his trick. He concluded that Ben would come back
Monday night depressed and humiliated, and he was on the street
near Ben's house when the afternoon train got in, ready to feast
his eyes on his rival's unhappiness. But he waited in vain.

The next morning, about ten o'clock, he met James Watson on the
street. James had received the letter from Ben the evening
previous.

"How are you, James?" said Sam.

"I'm all right," said James rather coolly.

"Have you heard from Ben Bradford?"

"I heard last night."

"What does he say?' asked Sam eagerly.

"He hadn't been in his situation long enough to tell how he should
like it," answered James.

"Is he in a situation?" demanded Sam in surprise.

"What do you think he went to Boston for?"

"Where is he working?" asked Sam incredulously.

"He is with Jones & Porter, of course. Didn't you know they sent
for him?"

"Ha! ha!" laughed Sam.

"I am on the track," thought James.

"I don't know what you mean," said he quietly. "Jones & Porter sent
for Ben, and he is in their employ."

"I'll bet you a dollar Ben Bradford will be back here within a week,"
said Sam, in a ton of great confidence. "I don't believe Jones &
Porter ever wrote him a letter."

"I saw the letter."

"Suppose you did; it might have been a hoax."

"Then whoever wrote it did Ben a good turn, for he has got a place
at Jones & Porter's."

"I don't believe it," said Sam uneasily.

"Ben writes me that he is there."

"Will you let me see the letter?"

"No, I won't."

"That convinces me that it's all a humbug."

"You think the letter a hoax?"

"Yes, I do."

"What reason have you for thinking so?"

"I decline to state."

"Who do you think wrote it?"

"How should I know?"

"As you know so much, I don't mind telling you that you are right.
The letter was a hoax."

Sam laughed heartily.

"I thought so," he said.

"And I know who wrote it."

Sam didn't laugh now.

"Who?" he asked uncomfortably.

"You did it."

"What do you mean?" blustered Sam.

"Exactly what I say.