“It is, Mr. Bruce. I hope you may be induced to try your hand at a story.”

“I will think of it after I have a place.”

“I shall be glad to give you points and read your productions critically. Have you had any place yet?”

“I was for a short time in the employ of Mr. Grant Griswold, living on Fifth Avenue, but he sailed for Europe this morning.”

“So you are out of a place.”

“At present, yes.”

“Suppose we walk up to Union Square and take a seat on one of the benches.”

“Very well.”

They found an unoccupied bench and sat down.

Presently a rather short young man with dark hair and a small mustache approached.