"I have but fifty dollars here, Gerald," said the old gentleman, "but I will give you a check on the Park National Bank of New York for a hundred and fifty. Probably that will be sufficient for you till you reach your destination." "It seems to me a good deal of money, Mr. Nugent." "Traveling is expensive, and it is not necessary for you to be economical. I want you to be comfortable. It will be best for you to carry your money in different places, not all in your pocketbook. Have you an inside pocket in your vest?" "Yes, sir, but I never made any use of it." "I will get my housekeeper to attach a button and make a button-hole, for better security. You can wear one of my vests while she is doing it." "Shall I have any difficulty in drawing the money from the bank?" "No; I will indorse the check and make it payable to you." He drew a check for one hundred and fifty dollars, and indorsed it in this way. On the back he wrote: "Correct. John Nugent." "You will have no trouble now," he said. "You will reach New York before twelve o'clock, and may as well cash the check and buy your ticket to Chicago. For the balance of the day you can go about wherever you please. I advise you to be careful and prudent, as you will have a considerable amount of money in your possession." When Gerald reached the railroad station he found Abel on the platform. Abel followed him to the ticket office and listened while he called for a ticket to New York. "So you're going to New York?" he said. "Yes," answered Gerald. "I wish ma would let me go with you. I s'pose you'll be back before the end of the week?" "I don't know how long it will take to attend to Mr. Nugent's business." "When you get through that you'll be out of work," said Abel, with pleased anticipation. "I won't count so far ahead as that. Well, there is the train. Good-by!" "So long! Write to me, if you get a chance." "I can't promise." The train started, and Abel watched it till it was out of sight. "I wish I knew where Gerald is going, and what he is going to do. I wonder if there is work enough for two? I've a great mind to call on old Nugent, and ask him." Mr. Nugent was considerably surprised when the servant came up and told him a boy was below who wished to see him. "It can't be Gerald Lane come back!" he said to himself. When Abel entered the room Mr. Nugent was glad to find that this suspicion was unfounded. "Good morning, young man," he said. "Do you wish to see me?" "Yes, sir." "I don't think I know you." "I am Abel Tyler, stepbrother of Gerald Lane." "Oh, yes! I think I saw you yesterday in Mrs. Lane's pew." "I just saw Gerald off for New York." "And came to tell me of it? You are very kind." "Yes, sir. I suppose Gerald is goin' to attend to some business for you in New York?" "Yes," replied the old gentleman, quietly. "I thought perhaps there might be business enough for two persons. In that case I should be very glad to join him, and help."