Mr. Bennett caught the general idea on the instant. The two exchanged looks, such as are only current between very 'cute, knowing, sharp-witted men. Hiram was betrayed into returning Mr. Bennett's leer before he was aware of it. It was a spontaneous recognition, and he felt ashamed at being thus thrown off his guard. He colored slightly, and said something about his duty to his employer. 'There's where you're right,' replied Mr. Bennett. 'A man who does not serve his employer well will not serve himself well in the long run; that you may be sure of.' The conversation ended here. Hiram strolled out again for half an hour; and when he returned, Mr. Bennett was able to give him a daguerreotype of Elihu Joslin's character, which agreed with that with which we have already favored the reader. As to 'Orris & Tweed, auctioneers,' they were not much better than Peter Funks--lived by acting as stool pigeons, and cheating generally. Hiram left the store rejoicing at this intelligence, and took his way direct to Joslin's place. Inquiring if that personage was in, he was told yes, but specially engaged. Hiram sat for a full hour, waiting patiently: then he was told to go into the private counting room. Entering, he beheld a large, overgrown, rough-looking man, about five and thirty, with black hair and eyes, and a coarse, florid complexion, who looked up and nodded carelessly on his entering. 'This is Mr. Joslin, I presume?' Yes.' 'My name is Meeker, I come from Burnsville--am in the employ of Mr. Burns.' 'Well?' 'I have come down to take a look at York, and knowing you owned half the paper mill, guessed you was a friend of Mr. Burns, and might not object to let some of your folks show me about a little.' 'You don't belong in the mill, then?' 'No; but I've been all over it. It's curious work--paper making.' 'How long are you going to stay here?' 'Well, I want to make a little visit and see the place. In fact, I've a notion to come here by-and-by, and I would like to look about first. Don't you want a clerk yourself?' 'What can you do?' 'I can tend store first rate.' 'What do you want to leave Burns for?' 'I didn't say I wanted to leave him. He's a first-rate man, if he was only a little sharper--got too many soft spots: that's what I hear folks say. But I think I should like New York.' 'Well, Nicker--' 'Meeker, if you please.' 'All right, I say, Meeker; we are pretty busy now, but if you want to see the elephant--and I suppose you do--I will introduce you to one of my boys, who will give you a chance.' He stepped out, beckoning Hiram to follow. 'Hill! Tell Hill to come here, some of you. Hill, this is Mr. Meeker, in the employ of our particular friend, Mr. Burns, of Burnsville. He wants to see something of the city. You must do what you can for him. I would not wish to slight any one, you know, who belongs with Mr. Burns.'