Just then Mr. Foster entered the room.
"Good morning, Jed," he said in a friendly tone. "So you like the Astor well enough to come back?"
"I am here by invitation of Mr. Roper."
Mr. Foster, who was shortsighted, now for the first time observed Jed's companion.
"So you know Roper, too?" he said. "Why, he's one of my closest friends. When did you pick him up, Schuyler?"
"I caught him boarding my yacht on a marauding expedition last night," said Roper, smiling.
"Bless my soul! What do you mean?"
"Sit down and take breakfast with us, and I will explain."
"And what are you going to do with this desperate young man?" asked the broker at the end of the story.