“By the way, Mr. Gibbon, let me introduce you to a young friend of mine—Carl Crawford.”

The bookkeeper rapidly scanned Carl’s face and figure. It seemed to Carl that the scrutiny was not a friendly one.

“I am glad to see you,” said Mr. Gibbon, coldly.

“Thank you, sir.”

“By the way, Mr. Jennings,” said the bookkeeper, “I have a favor to ask of you.”

“Go on, Mr. Gibbon,” rejoined his employer, in a cordial tone.

“Two months since you gave my nephew, Leonard Craig, a place in the factory.”

“Yes; I remember.”

“I don’t think the work agrees with him.”

“He seemed a strong, healthy boy.”