CHAPTER XIV.
ANOTHER OBSTACLE.
As Basil Jerome left the office of Scott & Rand he came face to face with a thickset, florid-faced man and a slender, dark-eyed youth, who had just stepped from the elevator.
"Howdy do, Mr. Jerome! Is it yourself?" said the man, with just the slightest hint of an Irish brogue. "It's a bit glum you're looking. Anything wrong?"
"How do you do, Mr. Hagan," responded Jerome. "Didn't know you were in town. Haven't seen you for months."
"I've been moving around a bit, but I'm back again, large as life and just as natural. Saw you coming out of Old Gripper's den. I'm bound there myself, for I understand there's a little matter going on in which I'm a trifle interested."
"You don't mean that Mexican railroad affair, do you?"
"Why, yes, me boy, that's it; but how did you guess so quick?"
"I was invited to take a hand in that myself, but I prefer to keep out. In the manner they propose to do it, I want none in mine. If you're thinking of butting in, take my advice and stay out."
"As a friend, would you mind telling me why? You have aroused me curiosity."