“No, sir.”

“What time do you leave the office?”

“At five o’clock.”

“Then come round to the hotel and take dinner with me. I don’t know anyone in the city, and I shall be glad to have your company this evening. We will take a walk together, and you can show me what’s worth seeing.”

“Are you not afraid that I will take you to a gambling house?” asked Chester, with a smile.

“I’ll risk it.”

“You would find Mr. Ralston a better guide.”

“But not so safe a one. I shall be satisfied with you.”

When Chester returned to the office Mullins asked, sharply: “What did Perkins want to say to you?”

“He asked me to dine with him to-night at the Fifth Avenue Hotel.”