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Rh "Is a young man named Markham employed here?" inquired the stranger.

"He is interested in the business here, yes," said Frank.

This would have been news to Markham himself. The wire puzzle had brought in lots of money. Frank had planned to tell Markham that very evening that the latter should have a settled, tangible interest in the mail order business.

"I did not know that," said the visitor, with a quick sparkle in his eyes that Frank could not at all understand. "I very much wish to see him."

"He is away on some business," explained Frank, "but I think he will return within an hour."

"May I wait?" politely inquired the gentleman.

"Certainly," said Frank, "just step into his office."

Frank ushered the stranger into the next office, pulled a chair near the window, and handed him the daily paper from the city.

He resumed his work. Engrossed in this, he almost forgot about the waiting stranger. Frank finally discovered that over an hour had gone by. He stepped to the door of the adjoining office.

"I am sorry for your long wait, sir," he said,