Hiram had visited New York on two several occasions when a boy, in company with his mother, but latterly had not found any opportunity to do so. Lauding from the boat, he made his way to the then leading hotel, 'The Franklin House,' and entered his name, and presently went in to breakfast. After he had finished, he stepped out on the sidewalk. He beheld a continuous stream of human beings pouring along this extraordinary thoroughfare. Omnibuses, carts, wagons, and vehicles of every description already filled the way. Hiram stood and regarded the scene. 'What a field here!' he said to himself. 'Look at this mass of people. Every other man an idiot--and of the rest, not one in a thousand has more than a medium share of brains. What a field, indeed, to undertake to manage and direct and control these fellows! What machinery though! Not too fast. This is the place for me. Burnsville-pho! Now, friend Joslin, * * * * Hiram made his way to the store of H. Bennett & Co., in Pearl street. Mr. Bennett was in; glad to see Hiram, but wonderfully busy. He invited his relative to dinner--indeed, asked him why he had not come direct to his house. Then he turned away to business. All this did not fluster Hiram in the slightest. He waited a few minutes; then took occasion to interrupt Mr. Bennett, and say he wished to speak with him on something of importance. 'Certainly,' replied the other. 'What can I do for you?' 'I come to New York on special business,' said Hiram. 'It is necessary I should know just what kind of a person Elihu Joslin is--the large paper dealer in Nassau street. I have not your facilities for ascertaining, and I ask you, as a particular favor, to find out for me.' 'Joslin!' exclaimed Mr. Bennett. 'I hope none of your people are in his clutches. He is a very hard case to deal with, so they say.' 'Is he rich?' 'Yes, worth a couple of hundred thousand, easy.' 'How does he stand with the trade?' 'Oh, unpopular enough, I should imagine. Can't tell you particularly--is not in my line, you know; but if the matter is really pressing, you shall learn all you wish to in an hour.' 'Thank you. I must know all about him prior to a personal interview, which I am to have.' 'I see. Call in at twelve o'clock, and the information will be ready for you.' 'One word more. Do you know the house of Orris & Tweed, auctioneers?' 'Orris & Tweed? Never heard their name before.' 'It is in the directory.' 'I dare say. That don't amount to anything.' 'Please let me know something of them, too. I am sorry to give you this trouble; but I am a greenhorn in New York, and have a difficult matter on my hands.' 'No trouble--at least, I don't count it such to help a friend in the way of business. Besides, if you are a greenhorn, you act as if you know what you are about.'