"It is a mere trifle, but I am willing to pay you a dollar." "What is it, sir ?" "Do you see that window ?" He pointed to a basement window, in which were exposed rolls of gold, currency and greenbacks of different denominations, and English sovereigns and French gold coins.
"I want you to do me a little errand in there," he said.
Frank was rather surprised that the man did not do his own errand, when the broker's office was so near, but he had no objection to earning a dollar and signified his willingness.
"What I want you to do," said his new acquaintance, "is to sell some government bonds for me." "Very well, sir." The man produced a large yellow envelope, already open.
"In this envelope," he said, "are two five-twenty governments for a hundred dollars each.

Take them in and sell them, and bring the proceeds to me." "All right, sir." Frank took the envelope, and entered the office of Jones & Robinson, that being the style of the firm.
He advanced to the counter, and singling out a clerk, said: "I want to sell these bonds." The clerk took them and drew them out of the envelope.

Then he figured a little on a slip of paper, and said: "They are worth two hundred and twenty-five dollars and twenty-five cents." "All right, sir." "Will you take a check or currency ?" Frank hesitated.
"Perhaps I'd better ask the man I am getting them for." "Very well.

You can bring them here to-morrow." "Oh, I will let you know in a minute! The man is just outside." This answer immediately excited suspicion.

Frank was too little versed in business ways to understand how singular it was for his principal not to transact his own business under the circumstances, but the brokers were necessarily keen, shrewd men.
"Wait a minute," said the clerk; "I will speak to Mr.Jones." Mr.Jones came forward and addressed Frank.
"Are you acquainted with the man who gave you these bonds to sell ?" he asked.
"No, sir.