“I think myself that it would be the safer plan,” said he, as soon as he had controlled himself so that he could speak with his usual steadiness of voice, “and it is the surest way, too.”
“It is a way I don’t like,” said Guy. “It is swindling.”
“But it brings in the money by the handful, and money is what makes the mare go in these times,” returned Mr. Jones. “We’ll go home and talk it over.”
“You must be very particular in your explanations,” said Guy. “It is a new business to me, you know, and I might spoil the whole thing.”
“Never fear. It is easily learned, and I will go over it so often that you can remember everything I say and do. This is your last chance, you know, for I leave the city on the eleven o’clock train to-night, to be gone at least three weeks.”
The commercial traveler had already been more than a quarter of an hour in making his toilet, and had got no further than the washing of his hands and face; but now he begun to bestir himself. The most complicated part of it all—the brushing of his perfumed locks and the adjusting of his hat and neck-tie before the glass—occupied just one minute, about one-tenth of the time Mr. Jones usually devoted to it. Then he was ready to give Guy his first lesson in playing the part of confidence man.
In order that they might be free from all interruption, they went directly home and locked themselves in their room, where they remained in close consultation, coming out when the supper-bell rung, and returning immediately after disposing of a very light meal. By that time Guy had thoroughly mastered the part he was to perform, and all that remained to be done was to hunt up somebody with plenty of money, and try the effect of their scheme upon him. As soon as it begun to grow dark they left the house, and sauntered away, arm-in-arm, as if they had determined upon nothing in particular. Arriving at Fourth Street, they stationed themselves in a dark door-way, and Mr. Jones, settling into an easy position, closely scrutinized every man who passed, finally singling out one as an object worthy of their attention.
There was nothing particularly noticeable about this man, either in his clothing or manners, for he was as well-dressed as the majority of the pedestrians who were constantly passing along the street, and there was none of that “country air” about him which seems to be inseparable from so many who live in the rural districts. From what Guy had learned of the nature of the business in hand, he inferred that their act could be practiced with safety and success only on green countrymen, and this individual seemed to him to be a most unpromising object to operate upon. But Mr. Jones thought differently.
“He’s the fellow we’re looking for,” said he, in a whisper. “The only question is whether or not he is well fixed; but that is something we’ve got to find out. Follow him up and speak to him at the first opportunity. If he doesn’t give you a chance make one for yourself. Be careful now.”
With a beating heart Guy stepped down from the door-way and set out in pursuit of the gentleman; and before he had gone a block an opportunity to accost him presented itself. When the gentleman reached a crossing he stopped and looked up at the building, searching no doubt for the names of the streets. Guy came up behind him and also stopped and looked about with a bewildered air, as if he did not know which way to turn.