tickets. Do you think he will
come back?"

"Yes. He wouldn't be satisfied with that small sum."

"Tell me about your adventure with him."

"I will do it later. The theater is so near that he might come back and
surprise us together. I think he would recognize me."

"Do you advise me to go to the theater?"

"Yes, but be on your guard."

"Where can I see you again?"

"Are you staying at this hotel?"

"Yes. Here is my card."

Rodney read this name on the card:

JEFFERSON PETTRIGREW.

"I wish you were going to the theater with us."

"It wouldn't do. Mr. Wheeler would remember me."

"Then come round and breakfast with me tomorrow--at eight o'clock,
sharp."

"I will, sir. Now I will take a back seat, and leave you to receive your
friend."

"Don't call him my friend. He seems to be a mean scoundrel."

"Don't let him suspect anything from your manner."

"I won't. I want to see him expose his plans." Five minutes afterwards
Louis Wheeler entered the hotel.

"I've got the tickets," he said, "but I had to buy them of a speculator,
and they cost me more than I expected."

"How much?"

"Two and a half apiece. So there is no change coming back to you."

"Never mind! As long as you had enough money to pay for them it is all
right."

As a matter of fact Wheeler bought the tickets at the box office at one
dollar and fifty cent each, which left him a profit of two dollars.
When he saw how easily the Western man took it he regretted not having
represented that the tickets cost three dollars each.

However, he decided that there would be other ways of plundering his new
acquaintance. He took his seat again next to the miner.

"It is not very late," he said. "Would you like a run out to Central
Park or to Grant's Tomb?"

"Not today. I feel rather tired. By the way, you did not mention your
name."

"I haven't a card with me, but my name is Louis Wheeler."

"Where do you live, Mr. Wheeler?"

"I am staying with an aunt on Fifth Avenue, but I think of taking board
at the Windsor Hotel. It is a very high toned house, and quite a number
of my friends board there."

"Is it an expensive hotel?"

"Oh, yes, but my income is large and----"

"I understand. Now, Mr. Wheeler, I must excuse myself, as I feel tired.
Come at half past seven and we can start for the theater together."

"Very well."

Wheeler rose reluctantly, for he had intended to secure a dinner from
his new acquaintance, but he was wise en