“Think how much it would be for your advantage to get four per cent. more.”
“To be sure, sartin! Well, I’ll think of it, Mr. Gripp. Mebbe I’ll come and see you ag’in soon.”
Mr. Gripp smiled to himself. He saw that the bait was likely to prove effective.
“Well, good-by, Mr. Gripp. You’ll send me any information about the bonds?”
“Yes, Mr. Tripp, with pleasure. Whenever you are in the city, even if you have no business with us, make our office your home. Whenever you have any letters to write, we will furnish you a desk and all facilities.”
“Thank you, Mr. Gripp; you’re very obleeging.”
So the old man went out, feeling very complacent over his new investment, and much pleased with the handsome way he was treated by Mr. Gripp.
“Lemme see,” he reflected. “I’ve got five thousand dollars invested. At ten per cent. it would amount to five hundred dollars, and with an extra dividend of two hundred and fifty dollars more. I’ll have to think it over. All seems safe and square, and Mr. Gripp is a real gentleman.”
Silas Tripp looked at his watch. It was only half-past ten. How should he occupy his spare time?
“I guess I’ll go and see Chester Rand,” he said. “His mother told me where he was working. Perhaps he’ll know of some cheap place where I can get dinner. The last time I was in the city it cost me forty cents. That’s a terrible price.”