Tom left the counting-room, and was rather surprised to meet Maurice Walton on the main floor of the store.
"What brings you here?" asked Maurice.
"Business," said Tom.
"Important?" sneered Maurice.
"Very important," answered Tom, coolly.
"I wish I knew more about him," thought Maurice. "There's some mystery about him. He's impudent enough for half a dozen."
Some might have thought the impudence on the other side, but Maurice did not see it in that light.
It occurred to Tom that he would call and see the man who advertised for a person "with a small capital to enter a light, genteel business." He found the place after awhile—a small back room, scantily furnished, with a few packages lying on a solitary counter. There was a man of about thirty-five in attendance, who seemed to have nothing particular to do.
"Are you the one that advertised for a man with a small capital?" asked Tom.
"To enter a light, genteel business?" continued the other, briskly. "Yes, I am the one."