"Then you don't think he lives in St. Louis, Mr. Ferguson?"
"I don't think he does."
Gilbert looked blank.
"That interferes with my plans," he said. "I meant to ask a month's leave of absence from you, and go to St. Louis and see what I could do."
"That would take money."
"I have saved up about eight hundred dollars," said Gilbert.
"Eight hundred dollars?" repeated his employer, surprised. "How was it possible for you to save so much?"
"I have no board to pay. My roommate is rich, and I was the means of doing him a service which he repays in that way."
"I congratulate you, Gilbert. It speaks well for your habits that you have laid aside so much money. I was about to offer you a loan."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Ferguson," said Gilbert, gratefully; "but I don't think I shall need it. I shall have money enough, but that is not all. From what you say, I am afraid, if I went to St. Louis, it would only be a wild-goose chase."