e table. I suppose he found it and
kept the money," he added, bitterly.

"But that would be a mean thing to do," said Chester, startled.

"Nothing is too mean for Mullins," said Long. "He's a hard man and a
tricky one."

"He will come in soon if you can wait."

"I can't. I am at work, and this is my noon hour."

"I will tell him what you say----"

"Perhaps I may have a chance to call in this afternoon. I feel worried
about this matter, for, although it is only ten dollars, that is a good
deal to a man with a family, and earning only twelve dollars a week."

Presently Mr. Mullins returned.

"Has anybody been in?" he asked.

"Yes," answered Chester. "A man named James Long."

A curious expression came into the bookkeeper's eye.

"Well, did he pay his rent?"

"No; he said he had paid it already."

"Oh, he did, did he?" sneered the bookkeeper. "In that case, of course
he has the receipt."

"No; he said he had left it here on the table, and did not think of it
till some time afterwards."

"A likely story. He must think I am a fool. Even a boy like you can see
through that."

"He seemed to me like an honest man."

"Oh, well, you are from the country, and could not be expected to know.
We have some sharp swindlers in New York."

Chester was quite of that opinion, but he was beginning to think that
the description would apply better to David Mullins than to James Long.

"By the way, Chester," said Mr. Mullins, with unusual blandness, "this
is my cousin, Felix Gordon."

"Glad to meet you," said Felix, with an artificial smile.

Chester took the extended hand. He was not especially drawn to Felix,
but felt that it behooved him to be polite.

"You boys must be somewhere near the same age," said the bookkeeper. "I
will give you a chance to become acquainted. Chester, I want you to go
to number four seventy-one Bleecker Street. I suppose you don't know
where it is?"

"No, sir."

"Felix, go with him and show him the way."

Chester was quite amazed at this unusual and unexpected kindness on the
part of a man whom he had regarded as an enemy. Was it possible that he
had misjudged him?

The two boys went out together.

When they were fairly in the street, Felix produced his package of
cigarettes.

"Have one?" he asked.

"No, thank you; I don't smoke."

"Don't smoke!" repeated Felix, in apparent amusement. "You don't mean
that?"

"I never smoked a cigarette in my life."

"Then it's high time y