Alexander Dumas were well within Mr. Hoopdriver's range of reading, and

he had not read them for nothing.

I will be perfectly frank with you," said the other man in brown.

Frankness is always the best course," said Mr. Hoopdriver.

Well, then--who the devil set you on this business?"

Set me ON this business?"

Don't pretend to be stupid. Who's your employer? Who engaged you for

this job?"

Well," said Mr. Hoopdriver, confused. "No--I can't say."

"Quite sure?" The other man in brown glanced meaningly down at his hand,

and Mr. Hoopdriver, following him mechanically, saw a yellow milled edge

glittering in the twilight. Now your shop assistant is just above the

tip-receiving class, and only just above it--so that he is acutely

sensitive on the point.

Mr. Hoopdriver flushed hotly, and his eyes were angry as he met those

of the other man in brown. "Stow it!" said Mr. Hoopdriver, stopping and

facing the tempter.

The Wheels of Chance