hat I have
something that I wish you to do."

Stephen regarded his uncle in surprise.

"Are you going to open an office in Chicago?" he asked.

"No; the service is of a different nature. It is--secret and
confidential. It is, I may say, something in the detective line."

"Then I'm your man," said his nephew, brightening up.

"The service is simple, so that you will probably be qualified to do
what I require."

"I've read lots of detective stories," said Stephen, eagerly. "It's
just the work I should like."

"Humph! I don't think much is to be learned from detective stories.
You will understand, of course, that you are not to let anyone know
you are acting for me."

"Certainly. You will find that I can keep a secret."

"I leave Chicago to-morrow morning, and will give you directions
before I go. Where can we have a private conference?"

"Here is an oyster house. We shall be quiet here."

"Very well! We will go in."

They entered a small room, with a sanded floor, provided with a few
unpainted tables.

Stephen and his uncle went to the back of the room, and seated
themselves at the rear table.

"We must order something," suggested Stephen.

"Get what you please," said Browning, indifferently.

"Two stews!" ordered Stephen. "We can talk while they are getting them
ready."

"Very well! Now, for my instructions. At the corner of Clark and
Randolph Streets every morning and evening you will find a newsboy
selling papers."

"A dozen, you mean."

"True, but I am going to describe this boy so that you may know him.
He is about fifteen, I should judge, neatly dressed, and would be
considered good-looking."

"Do you know his name?"

"Yes, it is Luke Walton."

"Is he the one I am to watch?"

"You are to make his acquaintance, and find out all you can about his
circumstances."

"Do you know where he lives?"

"No; that is one of the things you are to find out for me."

"What else do you want me to find out?"

"Find out how many there are in family, also how they live; whether
they have anything to live on except what this newsboy earns."

"All right, Uncle Thomas. You seem to have a great deal of interest in
this boy."

"That is my business," said Browning, curtly. "If you wish to work for
me, you must not show too much curiosity. Never mind what my motives
are. Do you understand?"

"Certainly, Uncle Thomas. It shall be as you say. I suppose I am to be
paid?"

"Yes. How much salary did you