“Why, it’s your old boy!” he said.

Mullins smiled a little maliciously. He had not heard that Chester had a place.

“I suppose you are boarding here,” he said, with a little sarcasm.

“No, Mr. Mullins, but I have just dined here—with my friend, Mr. Perkins.”

Mullins inclined his head slightly.

“Has he adopted you?” he asked, in a tone bordering on impertinence.

“No, sir,” answered Mr. Perkins; “but if Chester ever wants me to, I will. At present he is prosperous, and requires no help or adoption.”

“Oh! Have you got a place?” asked Mullins, turning to Chester.

“Yes.”

“In the same business?”