"You had to go to work young, about your fourteenth year."
"That's right," admitted the boy. "Maybe you can tell me what business I am engaged in?"
"It is something genteel—a clerk in a store or office. You have been in danger twice within the last three years from evil-disposed persons. You are fated to make many friends, some of whom will help you forward in life, but your success will make enemies—you have already made three, two of whom have had something to do with the peril in which you have been placed. Since then life has run smoother with you, but beware, there is trouble hanging over you now."
"Trouble!" exclaimed Dick. "I see none ahead."
"Trouble comes when we are not looking for it."
"Well, give me a pointer on it. You ought to be able to tip me off how to get out of it."
"Beware of a tall, dark man and a short, light woman."
"That's rather indefinite."
"There is a connection between them and your business."
"My business, eh? This is getting interesting."