“There was no danger of that. Well, Paul, I have come to New York for the purpose I mentioned to you—that of starting a branch establishment here.”

“Have you secured a store, sir?”

“Yes, I shall be located at —— Broadway.”

“That is a fine location.”

“I hope it will prove so. And now, Paul, are you engaged—in business, I mean?” he added, smiling.

“I am still a telegraph boy—Number 91.”

“Will you resign your position, and enter my service?”

“Willingly, sir. In a year or two I shall be too old for a telegraph boy, and it will be well to learn some business. I suppose you will not want me for some time.”

“On the contrary, I need you at once. There will be a good deal of work attendant upon getting started, and I shall find plenty of work for you.”