"Very well. Let me advise you to divide your money and not carry it all in your pocket-book. You know, of course, that in a city like this there are pickpockets and designing persons who would be glad to rob you." "Thank you for the suggestion. I will follow your advice." Bert borrowed an envelope, and put all his money, except about ten dollars in small bills, in the inside pocket of his vest. This was wise, for he had fifty dollars besides the sum which he had just been paid. It proved to be a prudent precaution. Outside the office a young man of rather flashy appearance had noticed Bert, and, following him in on some pretext that would avert suspicion, had seen that Mr. Green was paying him money. He went out quickly, and waited till Bert emerged into the street. He then quickened his steps, and overtook him. "Good-morning, young man," he said. "Good-morning," returned Bert, eyeing the stranger with some curiosity. "You must excuse the liberty I have taken in addressing you, but if you will favor me with a few minutes' conversation, I think I can make it worth your while." "Very well. I am ready to hear what you have to say." "By the way, are you staying at a hotel?" "No; I am boarding on Monroe Street." "Is it a good boarding-house?" "Excellent." "I am looking for one, and if you will allow me, I will walk round with you, and see what it is like." Bert knew that Mrs. Shelby had a room which she was anxious to let, and he readily agreed to introduce the stranger. "I am staying at a hotel just now," explained his companion, "but I prefer a boarding-house as more home-like. Are you a stranger in the city?" "Yes, sir." "Where from?" "From New York." "I am from San Francisco. I have only been here a week." They conversed upon indifferent topics till they reached Mrs. Shelby's. "I will go up and take a look at your room first, if you don't mind. That will give me an idea of the accommodations." "Very well, sir." Bert led the way to his own room, and both entered. "Very neat, on my word!" said the stranger. "Now I will allude to the little matter of business--and then you can introduce me to your landlady." "Just as you please, sir." "It is briefly this: Do you see this watch?" He took out a showy gold watch, and held it up before Bert. "I find myself unexpectedly short of funds, owing to the failure of a remittance to come to hand, and I am going to offer you this watch at a bargain. You have none, I see." "No, and I have no money to spare to buy one." "Wait till I offer you an inducement. This watch cost me a hundred dollars. I have had it only six months. I offer it to you for twenty-five." "I presume that is a good offer; but I have no money of my own that I can use for the purpose of buying a watch." "My young friend, it will pay you to borrow, for you can double your money on the watch. Any one will give you fifty for it." "Then why do you offer it to me for twenty-five?" asked Bert shrewdly.