Now Frank, though he had engaged to work for the Great Pekin Tea Company was ready to accept any other proposal, and answered promptly:
"Yes, sir."
"That is right," said the man. "It is a mere trifle, but I am willing to pay you a dollar."
"What is it, sir?"
"Do you see that window?"
He pointed to a basement window, in which were exposed rolls of gold, currency and greenbacks of different denominations, and English sovereigns and French gold coins.
"I want you to do me a little errand in there," he said.
Frank was rather surprised that the man did not do his own errand, when the broker's office was so near, but he had no objection to earning a dollar and signified his willingness.
"What I want you to do," said his new acquaintance, "is to sell some government bonds for me."
"Very well, sir."