"He had been giving an entertainment in a town near by, in connection with a variety actor. Our committee, finding that he gave satisfaction, invited him to play here this evening." "Do you pay him anything?" "Certainly," answered Dr. Thorp, with surprise. "We couldn't expect to obtain a performer of so much talent gratuitously." Kirby opened his eyes in surprise at hearing his quondam secretary spoken of in such terms. "Do you know how much he is to be paid?" "I believe he agreed to come for five dollars, considering that the entertainment was for a charitable purpose." Kirby could scarcely refrain from whistling, so great was his surprise. He recognized Dean some time before his former secretary's glance fell upon him. Dean's start showed that the recognition was mutual. "I am going to speak to this boy—Dean Dunham," said he to Dr. Thorp, when the entertainment was at an end. "Mr. Gunnison will introduce you. Shall I ask him?" "I need no introduction. The boy and I have met." Dean was standing on the platform watching the departing audience, when he saw Mr. Kirby approaching. He felt a little nervous, not knowing what the intentions of his old employer might be. Kirby paused a moment, and a peculiar smile overspread his countenance. "I presume you remember me?" he said. "Yes," answered Dean, coldly. "I am rather surprised to meet you again under such circumstances." "I am rather surprised myself—at the circumstances." "You have become quite a star!" said Kirby with a sneer. Dean answered gravely, "I had to make a living in some way. It was an accident, my trying this way." "Would you like to return to me—as my secretary?" "Thank you, Mr. Kirby, I prefer to travel independently." "Suppose I should tell why I discharged you? That might prove inconvenient to you." "Then I should have a story to tell that might prove inconvenient to you, Mr. Kirby." Dean looked Kirby straight in the face, and the latter saw that he no longer had an inexperienced country boy to deal with, but one who might prove dangerous to his plans. "On the whole," he said, after a pause, "suppose we both keep silence as to the past." "I will do so, unless I should have occasion to speak." No one was near enough to listen to this conversation. Now Dr. Thorp came up, and Kirby said with an abrupt turn of the conversation, "I am glad to have met you again, my young friend. I wish you success." Dean bowed gravely, but didn't speak. He was not prepared to wish success to Peter Kirby, knowing what he did of him. During the evening Dr. Thorp called at the house of Mr. Gunnison, but unaccompanied by his guest. Dean had heard meanwhile at whose house Kirby was staying, and he felt that he ought to drop a hint that would put the unsuspecting host on his guard. He finally decided that it was his duty to do so. "May I speak with you a moment in private, Dr. Thorp?" he asked, as the guest arose to go. "Certainly," answered the doctor, in some surprise.