Still he was reluctant to part with a hundred and fifty dollars, for this seemed to him a good deal of money. Yet if it would secure his son a position in the city with a large income it would be worth while. At any rate he would lay the matter before Rupert, and ask his advice. During the afternoon he had a chance to speak with the bell-boy. "I've got something to tell you," he said. "All right, sir." "I've seen the young man I spoke to you about." "Did he make you any offer?" "Yes; he promised to give my son a place in his office at seventy-five dollars a month." "Where is his office?" "In Wall Street. It's big and fine. He must do a raft of business." "He is very kind to give your son a place." "Yes, but he wants a premium of a hundred and fifty dollars. That's what bothers me. A hundred and fifty dollars is a pile of money. What do you think of it?" "If you could really get a place for your son at seventy-five dollars a month--a permanent place--it would be worth the money." "So 'twould, so 'twould. Then you'd advise me to pay the money?" "He wants it in advance, doesn't he?" "Yes." "Did you get into the office?" "Yes." "How do you know it is his?" "He told me so," answered Mr. Onthank, in surprise. "Is that all the evidence you have?" "He went and spoke to one of the men--his cashier, he told me. You don't think there's anything wrong, do you?" "I think, Mr. Onthank, the man is trying to swindle you." "You don't say!" ejaculated the farmer. "Have you given him any money?" "No. Yes, come to think on't, I have. I gave him five dollars for a refusal of the place. He said another man was after it." "You haven't lost much yet. If you should give him a hundred and fifty dollars you would lose it all." "What makes you think so? He seems like a gentleman." "My information comes from a private detective." "Well, well, I guess I've been a fool," said the farmer, in a tone of disappointment and mortification. "What do you advise me to do?" "I will consult with the detective first, and tell you." The next day Clarence Clayton made his appearance. Though, not quite so sanguine as at first, he still hoped to carry out his original plan and obtain possession of the bulk of the farmer's money. He found Mr. Onthank waiting for him in the reading room. "Well, my friend," he said, "I presume you have made up your mind to secure a position for your son?" "You don't think you could let me have it for less?" asked Mr. Onthank, who had been instructed what to say. "I don't see how I can. Nor can I give you long to decide. The other party is waiting for me at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, and if you don't come to terms he will." "You see it's rather a risk," said the farmer. "Suppose I pay my money and you don't keep your part of the agreement." "You seem to be very suspicious, Mr. Onthank," returned Clayton, assuming indignation. "I am well known in the city as a man of the highest honor."