"Don't know as there is, young man," was the short answer. "We'll wait here for Mr. Dart."
A half-hour passed and Oliver Ripple put in an appearance.
"Where is Mr. Dart?" he asked, gazing around.
"He is not here yet," answered Nat.
"I am his new clerk. He engaged me yesterday, and told me to come to work this morning."
At this speech the two men who had come in gazed at the sick man curiously.
"So you were engaged yesterday?" asked one in a low tone.
"Yes."
"Excuse me, but I'd like to know if you put up any money as security?"
"I did—a hundred dollars."