am sorry to hear it. Another chance gone, Mullins."

The bookkeeper looked warningly at Ralston. He did not care to have him
speak so freely before the office boy.

"I don't suppose we are likely to have any business with Paul Perkins,"
he said. "I offered to sell him a house, but he doesn't care to locate
in New York."

Things went on as usual for the rest of the day. Mr. Mullins, if
anything, treated Chester better than usual, and the office boy began
to think that he had done the bookkeeper injustice. Felix spent
considerable of his time in the office, spending his time in reading
nickel libraries, of which he generally carried a supply with him.

On the next day, about three o'clock in the afternoon, Chester was sent
downtown on an errand. He was delayed about ten minutes by a block on
the Sixth Avenue car line. When he entered the office, Mullins
demanded, sharply, "What made you so long?"

Chester explained.

"That's too thin!" retorted the bookkeeper. "I have no doubt you
loitered, wasting your employer's time."

"That isn't true, Mr. Mullins," said Chester, indignantly.

"You won't mend mattters by impertinence. It is clear to me that you
won't suit us. I will pay you your wages up to this evening, and you
can look for another place."

"Mr. Fairchild engaged me, Mr. Mullins. It is only right that you
should keep me till he returns, and report your objections."

"I don't require any instructions from you. You are discharged--do you
understand?"

"Yes," answered Chester, slowly.

"You needn't wait till evening. Here is your money. Felix will take
your place for the present."

"Yes, Cousin David," returned Felix, with alacrity.

"I protest against this sudden discharge," said Chester, "for no fault
of my own, Mr. Mullins."

"You have said enough. I understand my business."

There was nothing for Chester to do but to accept the dismissal. It
took him by surprise, for though he anticipated ill treatment, he had
not expected to be discharged.

"Well, Felix," said the bookkeeper, "you've got the place at last."

"Yes," smiled Felix, complacently. "Didn't Chester look glum when you
bounced him?"

"I don't know and I don't care. I have no further use for him. He's too
fresh!"

CHAPTER XXIV.

INTRODUCES MR. SHARPLEIGH, THE DETECTIVE.

Chester was not so much disturbed by his discharge, so far as it
related to his own welfare, as by the thought that Mr. Fairchild's
interests were thre