e corner of Dearborn, in front of the 'Saratoga.'"

"Well, I hope he'll make out well," said Luke.

Luke had the five-dollar bill in his pocket, but he knew that it was
too early for the offices on La Salle Street to be open.

Luke's stock of morning papers included the Chicago _Tribune_, the
_Times_, _Herald_, and _Inter-Ocean_. He seldom disposed of his entire
stock as early as ten o'clock, but this morning another newsboy in
addition to Tom was absent, and Luke experienced the advantage of
diminished competition. As he sold the last paper the clock struck
ten.

"I think it will do for me to go to Mr. Afton's office now," thought
Luke. "If I don't find him in I will wait."

La Salle Street runs parallel with Clark. It is a busy thoroughfare,
and contains many buildings cut up into offices. This was the case
with No. 155.

Luke entered the building and scanned the directory on either side of
the door. He had no difficulty in finding the name of Benjamin Afton.

He had to go up two flights of stairs, for Mr. Afton's office was on
the third floor.

CHAPTER VI

MR. AFTON'S OFFICE

Mr. Afton's office was of unusual size, and fronted on La Salle
Street. As Luke entered he observed that it was furnished better than
the ordinary business office. On the floor was a handsome Turkey
carpet. The desks were of some rich dark wood, and the chairs were as
costly as those in his library. In a closed bookcase at one end of the
room, surmounted by bronze statuettes, was a full library of
reference.

At one desk stood a tall man, perhaps thirty-five, with red hair and
prominent features. At another desk was a young fellow of eighteen,
bearing a marked resemblance to the head bookkeeper. There was besides
a young man of perhaps twenty-two, sitting at a table, apparently
filing bills.

"Mr. Afton must be a rich man to have such an elegant office," thought
Luke.

The red-haired bookkeeper did not take the trouble to look up to see
who had entered the office.

"Is Mr. Afton in?" Luke asked, in a respectful tone.

The bookkeeper raised his eyes for a moment, glanced at Luke with a
supercilious air, and said curtly, "No!"

"Do you know when he will be in?" continued the newsboy.

"Quite indefinite. What is your business, boy?"

"My business is with Mr. Afton," Luke answered.

"Humph! is it of an important nature?"

"It is not very important," he answered, "but I wish to see Mr. Afton
personally."

"Whose of