Chester Rand Part 36

They turned down Fourteenth Street, and soon stood in front of Mr.

Fairchild's office. They entered, and this brings us to the point where the last chapter ends.

CHAPTER XXI.

MR. PERKINS MAKES AN ACQUAINTANCE.

d.i.c.k Ralston and the bookkeeper stared at their Western friend in undisguised amazement. Finally Mr. Mullins said, "What did I understand you to call yourself?"

"Paul Perkins, of Minneapolis."

"And--you are staying at the Fifth Avenue Hotel?"

"Certainly. Didn't you send this boy with a message?" said Mr. Perkins, rather impatiently.

"Ye-es."

"How did you know that I was coming to New York? That's what beats me."

Mullins began to appreciate the situation, and he was cudgeling his brains for an explanation. Finally one came.

"I may be misinformed, but I learned from a friend of yours that you were coming here with an intention of locating in our city. Now, as we are in the real estate business, I thought we would offer our services to find you a suitable house."

"Some friend of mine notified you of my coming to New York? Why, I started off on a sudden without consulting anyone. I don't see how anyone could give you the information."

"I won't undertake to explain it," said the bookkeeper. "I will only say that I am glad to meet you."

"Thank you! You are very polite. What was the name of the friend who spoke about me and my plans?"

"I have a poor memory for names, but I believe I have the gentleman's card in my desk."

He opened the desk and made an elaborate search for what he knew he should not find.

"It's no use," he said, after a pause. "It's disappeared."

"What was the appearance of the person?" persisted Mr. Perkins.

"He was--tall, and--yes, with a dark complexion and--and side whiskers."

"About how old?"

"I should say about forty."

"I know plenty of people answering that description. But how did he happen to call on you?"

"There you have me. He had some business with Mr. Fairchild, and unfortunately Mr. F. started West this morning."

"I see. I can get no clew to the mystery. However, I am glad to have made the acquaintance of this young man," indicating Chester.

"Oh, you mean our office boy," returned Mullins, coldly.

Just then d.i.c.k Ralston nudged the bookkeeper.

"Introduce me," he said, _sotto voce_.

The bookkeeper did not incline favorably to this request, but did not dare to refuse. d.i.c.k Ralston's appearance was decidedly against him, and his "loud" attire was in keeping with his face and manners.

"Mr. Perkins," said Mullins, "allow me to introduce my friend, Mr.

Ralston."

"Glad to meet you, Mr. Ralston," said the man from Minneapolis, extending his hand, which d.i.c.k seized and pressed warmly.

"Proud to make your acquaintance, Mr. Perkins," rejoined the gambler.

"I always did like Western people."

"Thank you. I am not Western by birth, though I went out to Minnesota when I was a mere boy."

"And I have no doubt you have prospered," said Ralston, who was really anxious to learn whether Mr. Perkins was well provided with money and was worth fleecing.

"Well, I don't complain," answered Perkins, in a matter-of-fact tone.

"I shall be glad to pay you any attentions," insinuated Ralston. "I know the ropes pretty well, and I flatter myself I can show you the town as well as anyone, eh, Mullins?"

"Oh, yes," a.s.sented the bookkeeper, not over cordially.

"I have no doubt of it, Mr. Ralston, and I take your offer kindly, but I am afraid I won't have time to go round much."

"Won't you go out and take a drink? Mullins, you go, too!"

"Thank you, but I don't drink--at any rate, when I am away from home.

By the way, Mr.----" and he stopped short, for he did not remember the bookkeeper's name.

"Mr. Mullins," suggested that gentleman.

"You are misinformed about my wanting to locate in this city. New York's a right smart place, I admit, but give me Minneapolis. That suits me."

"All right, sir. I am misinformed, that's all."

"If you find my friend's card just write and let me know his name. I'd like to know who it is that knows so much about my plans."

"I will. Where shall I direct?"

"Oh, just direct to Minneapolis. I'm well known there. A letter will be sure to reach me."

"Shall you be at the hotel this evening, Mr. Perkins?" added d.i.c.k Ralston, who found it hard to give up his design upon his new acquaintance.