"Mr. Johnson," said he quite severely, "you have been so careful and so faithful in all other things that I dislike to remind you of an overlooked duty." "I am sorry, sir," said Johnson. "What is it?" "You have neglected to make out a note for that five-thousand-dollar loan. Kindly draw it up now, payable in ten years, with interest at four per cent. _after_ the date of maturity." "But, sir," stammered Johnson, "the stock is worth par now." "Would you like to keep it?" "I'd be a fool to say I wouldn't, sir. But the stock is not only worth par,--it was worth that in the old Brightlight; and I received an exchange of two for one in the New Brightlight, which is also worth par this morning; so I hold twenty thousand dollars' worth of stock." "It cost me five thousand," insisted Bobby, "and we'll settle at that figure." "I don't know how to thank you, sir," trembled Johnson, but he stiffened immediately as Applerod intruded himself into the room with a bundle of papers which he laid upon the desk. "I beg your pardon, Mr. Burnit," began Applerod, "but I have five thousand dollars I'd like to invest in the New Brightlight Company if you could manage it for me." "I'm sorry, Applerod," said Bobby, "but there isn't a share for sale. It was subscribed to the full capitalization before the incorporation papers were issued." Applerod was about to leave the room in deep dejection when Johnson, with a sudden happy inspiration, called him back. "I think I know where you can buy five thousand," said Johnson; "but you will have to hurry to get it." "Where?" asked Applerod eagerly, while Bobby went to the window to conceal his broad smiles. "Just put on your hat and go right over to Barrister," directed Johnson; "and take a blank check with you. I'll telephone him, to save time for you. The stock is worth par, and that lonesome fifty shares will be snapped up before you know it." "You will excuse me till I go up-town, Mr. Burnit?" inquired Applerod, and bustled out eagerly. He had no sooner left the building than Johnson grabbed Bobby's telephone and called up Barrister. "This is Johnson," he said to the old attorney. "I have just sent Applerod over to you to buy fifty shares of New Brightlight at par. Take his check and hold it for delivery of the stock. I'll have it over to you within an hour, or as soon as I can have the transfer made. It is my stock, but I don't want him to know it." Hanging up the receiver old Johnson sat in the chair by Bobby's desk and his thin shoulders heaved with laughter. "Applerod will be plumb crazy when he finds that out," he said. "To think that I have fifteen thousand dollars' worth of this good stock that didn't cost me a cent, all paid for with Applerod's own five thousand dollars!" Johnson laughed so hard that finally he was compelled to lay his head on the desk in front of him, with his lean old fingers over his eyes. "Thanks to you, Robert; thanks to you," he added after a little silence.