CHAPTER X.–Fred Buys a Seat in the Stock Exchange.
The accident in the banking house of Halsey & Company, by which a man lost his life, created a good deal of excitement in Wall Street. The prompt discovery of the forgery had the effect of convincing the Street that they were not to be victimized even if they were a couple of boys not yet out of their teens. The janitor of the building very promptly removed the blood stains and a glazier put up another glass in place of the one that was broken. The bank bad not been open an hour ere a carriage drove up in front and a tall, gray-haired man alighted and went in.
"Ah, you are Mr. Gaines!" said Fred, on seeing him. "Come into the little office and sit down. I am very glad to see you out again."
"Thank you, my young friend," said the old gentleman, following him into a little office and seating himself in a comfortable arm-chair. "I have called to thank you in person for the kind service you rendered me in the Stock Exchange that day. You saved my life!"
"Mr. Gaines, I am glad I was able to do as I did," said Fred. "You sent me a watch and chain, which I prize very highly. I am sure I don't deserve any more credit than what you have already given me."
"Well, I want to show my gratitude, for it is a pleasure to do so. Who is your broker in the Exchange now?"
"We have no regular broker. We have engaged a different one for each deal we have made."
"Would you like to have a seat there yourself?"
"Yes, sir, but I am too young, I guess."
"There is no limit as to age. If you are able to buy a seat you can have one."