Frank hesitated.
"Perhaps I'd better ask the man I am getting them for."
"Very well. You can bring them here to-morrow."
"Oh, I will let you know in a minute! The man is just outside."
This answer immediately excited suspicion. Frank was too little versed in business ways to understand how singular it was for his principal not to transact his own business under the circumstances, but the brokers were necessarily keen, shrewd men.
"Wait a minute," said the clerk; "I will speak to Mr. Jones."
Mr. Jones came forward and addressed Frank.
"Are you acquainted with the man who gave you these bonds to sell?" he asked.
"No, sir. I met him in the street."
"Did he offer you any pay for selling them?"