ipher can
read them. I don't know the cipher. At night I take them down, number
them, and file them away. They have served their purpose. They have been
seen by the person whose business it is to carry out his instructions,
and the rest you must guess. His brokers know the secret, but it is
never discussed by us. The least word and the next cablegram would read
in good plain English, 'Fire him!' I've had that experience. I've had to
fire three since he went away two months ago."

"That's good."

"Why good?"

"That cuts out three from your list. _The person is not among the ones
dismissed._"

"That's so." New life seemed to spring up in Fellows. "You'll do the
job," he cried. "Somehow, I never thought of going about it that way.
And I know another man that's out."

"Who?"

"Myself, for one. There are only seven more."

"Counting all?"

"All."

"Stenographers included?"

"Oh, stenographers!"

"Stenographers must be counted."

"Well, then, seven men and one woman. Our stenographer is a woman."

"What kind of a woman?"

"A young girl. Ordinary, but good enough. I've never noticed her very
much."

"Tell me about the men."

"What's the use? You wouldn't take my word. They're a cheap lot, beneath
contempt in my estimation. There's not one of them clever enough for the
business. Jack Forbush comes the nearest to it, and probably is the
one. The way he keeps his eye on me makes me suspect him. Or is he, too,
playing my game?"

"How can I tell? How can I tell anything from what you say? I'll have to
look into the matter myself. Give me the names and addresses and I'll
look the parties up. Get their rating, so to speak. Leave it to me, and
I'll land the old man's confidential clerk."

"Here's the list. I thought you might want it."

"Where's the girl's name?"

"The girl! Oh, pshaw!"

"Put her name down just the same."

"There, then. Grace Lee. Address, 74 East ---- Street. And now swear on
the honor of a gentleman----"

Beau Johnson pulled the rim of Fellows's hat over his eyes to suggest
what he thought of this demand.

CHAPTER V

"_I've business with him_"

Next day there appeared at the offices of Thomas Stoughton, in Nassau
Street, a trim, well-looking man, who had urgent business with Mr.
Fellows, the manager. He was kept waiting for some time before being
introduced into that gentleman's private room; but this did not seem to
disturb him. There was plenty to look at, or so he se