"Is that so? Can you tell me who it was that was nearly killed by a crazy crank yesterday?" "I was the one." "You don't say so!" exclaimed Julian, in amazement. "Was he really so dangerous?" "He came near killing me." "Humph! That was rather unpleasant. Do you get good pay here?" "Yes, very good--enough to support me." "It isn't much of a position, though." "If you will find me a better one I will give this up," said Rupert, smiling. "I am expecting to go into a wholesale house soon." "I hope you will succeed in getting such a place. It is rather hard getting business positions now." "Oh, my father is well known in the city. He can find me one." "That will be in your favor." Here Rupert was called off by a summons from the office, and the interview terminated. He had not told Julian of the handsome gift received from the proprietor, as he knew that his old schoolfellow had no real interest in his welfare. One who is employed in an American hotel has an excellent opportunity to study human nature. It is free to all comers, and among those who sit in the lobby or use the reading room there are always some who are not guests. The larger proportion of these are respectable persons, but some are adventurers who may be on the lookout for victims. One young man, stylishly dressed and sporting an eyeglass and a cane, Rupert had more than once noticed. He came in from time to time, bought a sheet of paper and an envelope at the news stand, and wrote a letter at one of the tables in the reading room. Rupert, whose acquaintance with the city was limited, decided from his dress that he belonged to some prominent family. It was noteworthy, however, that he always entered alone. He sometimes, however, entered into conversation with one of the guests of the hotel. Those from the country seemed to have his preference. This surprised Rupert, who wondered what attraction rural visitors could have for a young man of his elegant appearance. One day an old man of sixty registered from a town in Orange County. His face was weather-beaten, and he looked like a farmer. His clothing was rusty, and appeared to have been worn for several years. He might have been taken for a poor man, but Rupert had seen him draw out a large wallet full of bills, and judged that, if not rich, he was in comfortable circumstances. It so happened that the young man already referred to had also seen the wallet, and he at once began to pay attention to the rural visitor. Watching his opportunity, he sat down beside him in the reading room one afternoon. "It is a pleasant day, sir," he said, sociably. "So 'tis, so 'tis," said the old man, feeling flattered by attention from a young man of such distinguished appearance. "I suppose you live in the country?" "Yes, I am from Orange County." "The finest part of the State. If my business did not keep me in the city I should like very much to make my residence there."