Phil was received by Mr. Pitkin with more graciousness than he expected. He felt that he must do what he could to placate Uncle Oliver, but he was more dangerous when friendly in his manner than when he was rude and impolite. He was even now plotting to get Phil into a scrape which should lose him the confidence of Uncle Oliver.
Generally Phil was paid in a check payable to the order of Mr. Carter. But one Saturday two hundred dollars in bills were placed in his hands instead.
“You see how much confidence I place in your honesty,” said Mr. Pitkin. “You couldn't use the check. This money you could make off with.”
“It would be very foolish, to say the least,” responded Phil.
“Of course, of course. I know you are trustworthy, or I would have given you a check instead.”
When Phil left the building he was followed, though he did not know it, by a man looking like a clerk.
Ah, Phil, you are in danger, though you don't suspect it.