hanic;
"perhaps I'd better wait, and sell it in the city."

"As you please, my friend," said the young man. "I only made the
proposal thinking I might accommodate you."

"Is that your business--buying bonds?" asked the mechanic.

"In the city, yes. I am a member of the well-known firm of Chase &
Atkins. Of course, you have heard of them."

"Ye-es," answered the mechanic, doubtfully.

"I am Mr. Chase. We do a general banking and brokerage business. Let me
see, what is the denomination of your bond?"

"Eh?"

"I mean, of what size? Is it a fifty, or a hundred?"

"It's only a fifty, sir. It was a present to my wife. Now she wants to
use a little money, and so she has got me to sell it."

"We give rather higher prices than most brokers," said Chase, smoothly.

"How can you do that?" asked the mechanic, who was a man of good common
sense.

"Well, you see, we ship 'em to Europe, and make a handsome profit. It
would be for your advantage to sell to me; but you must act your own
will."

The mechanic began to think more favorably of the proposal, and asked
one or two more questions. Finally he said:

"Well, I don't know but I might as well. Have you got money enough with
you?"

Chase took out a plethoric pocketbook, stuffed with bills, and called
attention to it, smilingly:

"We bankers always have to be well provided with money."

The mechanic looked respectfully at the owner of so much money.

"I dare say it's more than I could earn in a year," he said.

"I dare say you are right, my friend," said the young man.

"Very well. Count out the money, and the bond is yours."

The exchange was made, and both parties seemed well satisfied.

Chase deposited the bond in an inside pocket and then, saying,
carelessly, "I'll go into the smoking car for a few minutes," rose from
his seat.

But in the meantime Harry had returned to his own seat, and whispered a
few words in the ear of the detective.

The latter sharply scrutinized the young man who called himself Chase,
and said, in a low voice:

"I know him now. He's an old offender. I thought there was something
familiar in his appearance. I'll look after you, my fine fellow."

He waited till the exchange had been effected, and the young man was on
the point of leaving the car.

Then he rose, and, hurrying forward, placed his hand on the young man's
shoulder.

"A word with you, sir," he said.

"Really, sir, I don't remember you."

"Perhaps not. I remem