"Can you suggest any way in which I can recover my property?" "Yes, sir. Report the matter to the police, and ask to have Richard Darke, a well-known detective, put on the case. I will give you a line to him. He will know at once who it is." "I will do so. Where can I find you again?" "At the Somerset Hotel, on Broadway." "Thank you. If I receive it I will gladly compensate you for your suggestion." "I thank you, but do not wish any compensation. If I can defeat this man's dishonest scheme I shall feel well repaid." "Our cunning friend will soon be overhauled, I suspect," said the cattleman. "Did you say you were off this afternoon?" "Yes, sir." "I am new to the city and want a guide. Are you open to an engagement?" "Yes, sir," answered Rupert, with a smile. "But I don't care for pay." "Then we don't go. Business is business, and there is no reason why I should take up your time without paying you a fair sum." "Just as you like, sir." The two spent the next three or four hours in visiting different objects of interest in New York. The Colorado man seemed much pleased with his young companion. "You must come out to Colorado some time, Rupert," he said. "You are a boy who would succeed there, or indeed anywhere. We have some men come out there who are failures at the East, and they are surprised that they don't succeed in the West. But I tell you that it takes as much brains to win success in Colorado as in New York." "Is that always the case? I have heard of men getting rich in the West who were poor at home." "That is true. Perhaps they were in the wrong business. I don't mind saying that was the case with me. I was in the insurance business in Hartford, but I wasn't particularly well adapted for it. I couldn't talk. Out in Colorado I have learned to understand cattle, and they have made me rich." "Mr. Clayton can talk." "Yes, a little too well. Unfortunately he is not honest, and a dishonest man ought not to thrive anywhere. In Colorado he wouldn't live wrong. Thieves are summarily dealt with." About seven o'clock Mr. Packard invited Rupert to dine with him at Delmonico's. Rupert had heard a great deal about this celebrated restaurant, and was glad to accept the invitation. CHAPTER XVIII. A SCENE AT DELMONICO'S. The two friends entered Delmonico's on the Broadway side, and took seats at one of the windows. Rupert, after giving the order, looked about him. He was curious to see that famous restaurant. He was destined to a surprise. At the second table, sitting with his back to Mr. Packard and himself, was a person whom he had the best reason to remember. It was Clarence Clayton. He touched Mr. Packard's arm, and silently pointed to Clayton. "Well, I'll be jiggered!" exclaimed the cattleman, in surprise. "That fellow has got nerve."