"We were just discussing this stock you have been offering to Mr. Fordham," remarked Mr. Passmore, a bit dryly. "The Sunset Company is a new one to me. Did you help to organize it?" "Well, I--er--I had a little to do with the organization," stammered the former teacher. "You are a regular stock-broker, I presume, Mr. Haskers." "Yes, that is my business. But I don't deal in ordinary stocks--I handle only those which are gilt-edged and big money makers," added Job Haskers, with a flourish. "Been following the business for some years, I presume." "About fifteen, all told. I used to have an office in Wall Street, New York, but I gave that up, as I found the confinement bad for my health." "It must be a pretty exacting business," went on Mr. Passmore. "It is, sir. When a fellow is in stocks he can't follow much of anything else." "I'd hate to follow stocks for fifteen years." "Do you mean to say you have been handling stocks for the past fifteen years?" questioned Mr. Fordham, slowly. "Exactly, sir--ever since I gave up my position as cashier of a Boston bank," returned Job Haskers, smoothly. "And now, to get down to business, as my time is somewhat limited. I suppose you are ready to subscribe for that stock?" And the former teacher brought forth a paper and his fountain pen. "We'll see," mused Mr. Fordham. "Dealing in stocks for the past fifteen years, eh? How long since you gave up your office in Wall Street?" "About--er--two years," stammered Job Haskers. He looked keenly at Mr. Fordham and then at Mr. Passmore. "What--er--why do you ask me that question?" "Mr. Fordham probably thought it strange that you could be dealing in stocks and teaching school at the same time," answered Bert's father, dryly. At this announcement Job Haskers' jaw dropped. "I--I don't understand you," he stammered. "Well, you will understand in a minute," returned the rug dealer, blandly. He raised his voice. "Boys, I guess you had better come in now!" CHAPTER VI ANOTHER SURPRISE The boys had listened to all that was said, and now they lost no time in filing into Mr. Fordham's bedroom. Job Haskers stared at them in amazement, and his face dropped in consternation. "Porter!" he gasped. "And Morr and Lawrence! Wha--what does this--er--mean?" "Perhaps you know as well as we do," answered Dave, sharply. "You have been spying on me!" "We are here by permission of Mr. Fordham," returned Roger. "How did you know I was to call?" "Never mind about that," put in Phil. "We are here, and that is enough." "And we know all about what you are trying to do," added Dave. "This is a plot--a plot against me--to ruin me!" spluttered the former teacher of Oak Hall. "Oh, you needn't try to disguise it! I know all of you!" "We have no plot against you, Mr. Haskers," replied Dave, calmly. "If your business is perfectly legitimate----"