orning mail. Some of them he turned over
to his confidential clerk to answer. Others, more important, he
reserved to reply to with his own hand.

"Busy, Wainwright?" asked a gentleman, Arthur Henderson, entering
without ceremony.

"I always have something in hand, but I have time enough for an old
friend."

"By the way, have you heard anything of the bonds you lost some time
since?"

"I know where they are."

"You do?"

"Yes, they are in Canada."

Henderson laughed.

"That means that you will never get them back."

"I don't know. I have sent a messenger to recover them."

"Who is it?"

"My office boy."

Henderson stared.

"I suppose that is a joke."

"By no means."

"What is the age of your office boy?"

"I should judge from his appearance that he is sixteen."

"Do you mean to say that you have intrusted a boy of sixteen with so
important a commission?"

"I do."

"Really, Wainwright, I don't like to criticise, but it appears to me
that you have taken leave of your senses."

The banker laughed good-humoredly.

"Perhaps I ought not to be surprised at that."

"Then you acknowledge your lack of wisdom?"

"By no means. What I have done I would do again."

"Couldn't you find a more suitable messenger?"

"Not readily."

"It would have been worth while to go yourself, as the amount is
considerable."

"That would never have answered. I should be recognized, and excite
suspicion."

"Do you really expect that boy to recover the bonds?"

"I think it possible, at any rate."

"Suppose he does, what is to hinder his keeping them himself?"

"His honesty."

"Pardon me, Wainwright, but I have had a pretty extensive experience,
and I would be willing to wager ten to one that you will never see your
bonds again."

"I never bet, and hold that betting is no argument. But I too have had
some experience of men and consider my chance of recovering the stolen
property fairly good."

"How long since your messenger started on his expedition?"

"About two weeks."

"Have you heard from him?"

"Yes, once. There are reasons why it is imprudent for him to write too
often."

Henderson smiled significantly.

"I dare say he is having a good time at your expense. What was the
amount of your loss?"

"About fifteen thousand dollars."

"Since you won't bet, I will make you a proposal. If the boy recovers
your bonds and restores them to you I will offer him a place in my own
counting-room at twenty