Four days later he met Tom in Wall Street. But what a change! He was attired in a new suit, wore a fancy necktie, while a chain, that looked like gold, dangled from his watch pocket. Grant stared at him in amazement.
“How are you, Grant?” said Tom, patronizingly.
“Very well, thank you.”
“I hope you are a-doin' well.”
“Very well. You seem to be prosperous.”
“Yes,” answered Tom, languidly, evidently enjoying his surprise. “I told you I expected to get into something good. By the way, I owe you a quarter—there it is. Much obliged for the accommodation.”
Grant pocketed the coin, which he had never expected to receive, and continued to regard Tom with puzzled surprise. He could not understand what business Tom could have found that had so altered his circumstances. He ventured to inquire.
“I wouldn't mind tellin' you,” answered Tom, “but, you see, it's kind of confidential. I'm a confidential agent; that's it.”
“It seems to be a pretty good business,” remarked Grant.
“Yes, it is; I don't work for nothin', I can tell you that.”