She appeared dubious, and then said, thoughtfully: "Maybe you have some private reasons for not wishing to be identified as the author, but I feel positive that you are." She smiled appreciatively for a moment, as she surveyed him carefully. "I think you must be smart and know a great deal, to be able to write such a big book. I shall always recall with pleasure, that I had the honor--though he did not acknowledge the fact--of meeting a real author." She extended her hand, which he took, as she said: "I am glad to have met you; and if you write another book, please try to remember that I would like to have a copy of it. Goodbye." Slim was lolling in the office when Sidney returned. Mrs. Lautier, the clerk and ex-matron, found him very much to her humor, as did Sidney, and he was appreciated in the capacity of mirth. "Well," he said cheerfully, "I'm doing a little better now. Delivered six copies today," and almost took Wyeth's breath away by handing him $5.40. "Say," he cried suddenly, when they had settled up. "I happened upon something today in which I am deeply interested, and have been very anxious to tell you." He lowered his voice to a whisper, while Sidney looked surprised, but listened. "It's a grocery stock that can be bought at a bargain." "Well?..." "A chance for you and me to get in right...." "What do you mean?" "We'll buy it?" "But I am not in the grocery business. Books!" "But you are out to make money?" "I don't gather what you want or expect me to do." "Well, I'll explain." He seated himself comfortably, and then went on in that low tone of voice. "A fellow is in partnership with another who is up against it for cash, and offers to sell his share, which is a half interest, at a bargain." He paused again briefly, and then went on. "I, as you know, having recently quit working in a grocery, naturally know all about the conducting of one." Wyeth nodded understandingly, and remained silent and patient. "I see in this thing the chance I have been waiting for, and am ready to consider it favorably. Big money is to be made, can be made out of it for me, and I can, at the same time and in the same enterprise, become a man of affairs." "M-m," breathed his listener, "How do you propose to conduct it?" "Well," artfully, "first, it should, of course, be incorporated. And then a competent manager and treasurer are necessary." "M-m. Do you propose to increase the present stock?" "Not at once. I think the stock as it stands at the present, is quite sufficient to care for the trade which, I have observed, is good." "M-m." "I thought as a favor, I would tell you and give you a chance. You could put in an equal share along with myself, which would give you a fourth interest, and you could become vice president." "I suppose you will, of course, quit selling books, should you take over the affairs of this--er--corporation?" said Wyeth, with well feigned regret.