aid.

Luke seated himself in a luxurious armchair.

He looked about him and wondered how it would seem to live in such
luxury. He had little time for thought, for in less than five minutes
Mrs. Merton made her appearance.

"You have not yet told me your name," she said.

"Luke Walton."

"That's a good name--I am Mrs. Merton."

"I noticed that the servant called you so," said Luke.

"Yes; I am a widow. My married niece lives here with me. She is also a
widow, with one son, Harold. I think he might be about your age. Her
name is Tracy. You wonder why I give you all these particulars? I see
you do. It is because I mean to keep up our acquaintance."

"Thank you, Mrs. Merton."

"My experience this morning has shown me that I am hardly fit to go
about the city alone. Yet I am not willing to remain at home. It has
occurred to me that I can make use of your services with advantage
both to you and myself. What do you say?"

"I shall be glad of anything that will increase my income," said Luke,
promptly.

"Please call here to-morrow morning, and inquire for me. I will then
tell you what I require."

"Very well, Mrs. Merton. You may depend upon me."

"And accept a week's pay in advance."

She put a sealed envelope into his hand. Luke took it, and, with a
bow, left the room.

CHAPTER XII

A PLOT THAT FAILED

As the distance was considerable to the business part of the city,
Luke boarded a car and rode downtown. It did not occur to him to open
the envelope till he was half way to the end of his journey.

When he did so, he was agreeably surprised. The envelope contained a
ten-dollar bill.

"Ten dollars! Hasn't Mrs. Merton made a mistake?" he said to himself.
"She said it was a week's pay. But, of course, she wouldn't pay ten
dollars for the little I am to do."

Luke decided that the extra sum was given him on account of the
service he had already been fortunate enough to render the old lady.

Next to him sat rather a showily dressed woman, with keen, sharp eyes.
She took notice of the bank-note which Luke drew from the envelope,
and prepared to take advantage of the knowledge.

No sooner had Luke replaced the envelope in his pocket than this woman
put her hand in hers, and, after a pretended search, exclaimed, in a
loud voice: "There is a pickpocket in this car. I have been robbed!"

Of course, this statement aroused the attention of all the
passengers.

"What have you lost, madam?" inquired an