“Yes,” answered Ranney, vaguely. “I am traveling for a house in New York.”

“I should like that.”

“Give me your name. I may be able to give you a place some day.”

“My name is Oren Trott.”

Dick Ranney took out a note-book and put the name down, greatly to the boy's satisfaction.

“By the way,” went on Ranney, “do you want to earn half a dollar?”

“Yes,” answered Oren, with alacrity.

“Perhaps I can put you in the way of doing so. Do you know the hotel people?”

“Yes, sir. I worked there for a short time.”

“All the better. Then you know about the house, the location of rooms, etc.?”