"Well, wouldn't that rattle your teeth!" exclaimed "Bricktop." "I've read about those confidence men and green-goods swindlers, but I never saw one before." "Me, either," remarked Frank Bender. "Say, this will be something to tell the folks back home," and, in the excitement of his spirits he tried to stand on his head in a washbowl on the stand. It was full of water, and his acrobatic feat was brought to an abrupt end as he lifted his head, dripping wet. "That's a new way to do it!" exclaimed Walter Mead, with a laugh. "Ugh! Burrrr! Wow! Whew! Give me a towel, quick!" yelled Frank. "The water had soap in it, and it's got in my eyes!" He groped around with outstretched hands, seeking a towel, which, after he was able to stop laughing, Dick handed him. "Did you know that Colonel Dendon was a swindler?" asked Walter of Simon, when the excitement had somewhat subsided. "Me? No, of course not!" exclaimed Simon hastily. "All I knew was that he sold bonds, and I thought it would be a good chance for Dick to make money. He said he wanted to learn business and make money. I--I was as much surprised as any of you," concluded Simon, with an injured air. "I hope you don't think, Dick, that I would have had anything to do with that man if I had known what he was?" "I'm not blaming you any," replied Dick. "Mistakes will happen in the best of regulated financial affairs. Glad that detective happened to come in when he did or I might have been badly stung." It was now too late to go out to any amusement and the boys, after discussing the recent happenings, went to bed, planning to visit many points of interest the next day. "Well, your scheme didn't work out, did it?" said Guy to Simon, as they went to their rooms. "Not exactly," was the answer. "But I give you my word I didn't know the colonel was such a swindler as that. Never mind, though, I'll make money out of Dick--somehow." Dick and his chums had scarcely finished their breakfast the next morning, and were preparing to go out, when the bell boy brought up a card reading: +------------------------+ | LAWRENCE DEXTER | | | | _New York Leader_ | +------------------------+ "Who is it?" asked "Bricktop," "another man to sell bonds?" Dick handed over the card. "_New York Leader_, eh? I wonder what he leads, a band or some political party?" "That's a reporter," said Walter. "Going to let him in, Dick?" "Yes, I guess so. I'm tired of having stuff in the papers about me; but these reporters have to get the stories they're sent after, and it's no use making it any harder for them than they have it. Tell him to come up," he said to the waiting bell boy. A tall, good-looking youth, with a pleasant, manly air, entered the room.