"That sounds older, to be sure. At any rate I look upon him as a younger brother, and so have invited him here to my birthday dinner, as a relative."

"You don't seem to have many relatives, Mr. Sylvester," said Rupert. "I thought there might be quite a party."

"Most of my relatives live in the West. However, I am satisfied to have you here and my Cousin John."

"If you are Frank's brother, I suppose I am your cousin also, Rupert," said Mr. Maxwell.

"I shall feel proud to have you regard me so, Mr. Maxwell."

"May I ask if you are in the same business as Frank?"

"Doing nothing at all," laughed Sylvester.

"I am a bell-boy at the Somerset Hotel," answered Rupert.

He watched Maxwell to see if the revelation of his position would affect that gentleman's opinion of him.