"I overheard your conversation with the young man who has just left
you. I suspect you are not very much alike."

"I hope not, sir. Perhaps Tom would say the same, for he thinks me
green."

"There is such a thing as knowing too much--that isn't desirable to
know. So you don't smoke?"

"No, sir."

"I wish more boys of your age could say as much. Do I understand
that you are going to the city in search of employment?"

"That is not my chief errand," answered Grant, with some hesitation.
"Still, if I could hear of a good chance, I might induce my parents
to let me accept it."

"Where do you live, my young friend?"

"In Colebrook. My father is the minister there."

"That ought to be a recommendation, for it is to be supposed you
have been carefully trained. Some of our most successful business
men have been ministers' sons."

"Are you in business in New York, sir?" asked Grant, thinking he had
a right by this time to ask a question.

"Yes; here is my card."