Carl followed her into the adjoining room, and Miss Norris at once plunged into the subject. She handed him a business card bearing this inscription:
JOHN FRENCH, BOOTS, SHOES AND RUBBER GOODS, 42a State Street, CHICAGO.
“This young man wants me to lend him two thousand dollars to extend his business,” she said. “He is the son of an old school friend, and I am willing to oblige him if he is a sober, steady and economical business man. I want you to find out whether this is the case and report to me.”
“Won’t that be difficult?” asked Carl.
“Are you afraid to undertake anything that is difficult?”
“No,” answered Carl, with a smile. “I was only afraid I might not do the work satisfactorily.”
“I shall give you no instructions,” said Miss Norris. “I shall trust to your good judgment. I will give you a letter to Mr. French, which you can use or not, as you think wise. Of course, I shall see that you are paid for your trouble.”
“Thank you,” said Carl. “I hope my services may be worth compensation.”
“I don’t know how you are situated as to money, but I can give you some in advance,” and the old lady opened her pocketbook.
“No, thank you, Miss Norris; I shall not need it. I might have been short if you had not kindly paid me a reward for a slight service.”