But there is another matter that requires investigation.

Conrad, here is a letter which has come for you.

Are you willing I should open and read it ?" "I don't like to show my letters," said Conrad sullenly.
"The boy is right," said his mother, always ready to back up her son.
"I have good reason for wishing to know the contents of the letter," said Mrs.Hamilton sternly.

"I will not open it, unless Conrad consents, but I will call on the brokers and question them as to their motive in addressing it to a boy." Conrad was silent.

He saw that there was no escape for him.
"Shall I read it ?" asked Mrs.Hamilton.
"Yes," answered Conrad feebly.
The letter was opened.
It ran thus: "Mr.Conrad Hill: "You will be kind enough to call at our office at once, and pay commission due us for buying add selling fifty shares Pacific Mail.
The fall in the price of the stock, as we have already notified you, exhausted the money you placed in our hands as margin.
"Yours respectfully," "BIRD & BRANT." "I hope, Cousin Hamilton, you won't be too hard on the poor boy," said the housekeeper.