"This is really none of my business, Mr. Fordham," broke in Mr. Passmore. "But as this man is so well known to these young gentlemen, and he has proved himself to be so unworthy, I would go slow about investing in stocks that he may offer." "Yes! yes! Certainly!" cried the elderly gentleman. "But--er--why should these young men take such an interest in me, a stranger?" "We don't want to see Job Haskers get the best of any one!" answered Phil, bluntly. "My opinion of it is, that he ought to be in jail." "I see, I see! Well, if he did what you say he did, I don't blame you." "I wouldn't sign for any stock until I had some outside advice about it," cautioned Mr. Passmore. "Why not wait until your son gets back?" he suggested. "I'll do it. Mr. Haskers wanted the deal closed at once. But now I won't sign for the stock. I'll wait. My son will be here day after to-morrow at the latest, and he can look into the matter for me. And I am very much obliged to you all for this warning. I think----" At that moment came a knock on the door, which had been closed. A bell-boy was there with a card, which he handed to Mr. Fordham. "Bless me! He is certainly on time!" murmured the old gentleman. "It is Mr. Haskers." He looked helplessly at the others. "I--I don't exactly know what to do." "We'll get out, if you say so," answered Roger, quickly. "Oh, say, can't we stay and face him?" asked Phil, eagerly. "We'll give him the surprise of his life!" "Certainly, you can stay!" exclaimed Mr. Fordham, with sudden energy. "I want you to stay. You should not be afraid to say to his face what you have said behind his back." Dave looked around the apartment. A bathroom was handy, the door standing ajar. "Supposing we step in there for a few minutes, while you and Mr. Passmore meet Mr. Haskers," he cried. "We'll come out when you say so." "A clever idea!" cried the rug dealer. "Maybe we'll be able to catch him in a trap!" "Mr. Passmore, I'll leave this matter to you," answered the elderly gentleman. "You know those young men better than I do." "So I do, and I'll vouch for Roger Morr and his friends," was the answer. "Show the gentleman up," he added, to the bell-boy. "Don't tell him who is here--we want to surprise him." As the bell-boy left, the three chums crowded into the bathroom, leaving the door on a crack. Soon there came another knock, and Job Haskers presented himself, silk hat and cane in hand. He was well dressed and evidently groomed for the occasion. He had expected to find Mr. Fordham alone, and was somewhat annoyed on beholding a visitor ahead of him. "Good-morning, Mr. Haskers," said the elderly gentleman, politely. "This is my friend, Mr. Passmore." "Happy to know you, sir," responded the former teacher, with pretended warmth. "A lovely morning after the storm," he went on, as he drew off the gloves he was wearing.