"My information comes from a private detective."
"Well, well, I guess I've been a fool," said the farmer, in a tone of disappointment and mortification. "What do you advise me to do?"
"I will consult with the detective first, and tell you."
The next day Clarence Clayton made his appearance. Though, not quite so sanguine as at first, he still hoped to carry out his original plan and obtain possession of the bulk of the farmer's money.
He found Mr. Onthank waiting for him in the reading room.
"Well, my friend," he said, "I presume you have made up your mind to secure a position for your son?"
"You don't think you could let me have it for less?" asked Mr. Onthank, who had been instructed what to say.
"I don't see how I can. Nor can I give you long to decide. The other party is waiting for me at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, and if you don't come to terms he will."
"You see it's rather a risk," said the farmer. "Suppose I pay my money and you don't keep your part of the agreement."
"You seem to be very suspicious, Mr. Onthank," returned Clayton, assuming indignation. "I am well known in the city as a man of the highest honor."