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100 in the Mt. Olive Oil Well Corporation," the florid man went on quickly. "Certainly, my dear sir," and he shot a meaning look at the clerk. "Skem & Skim will be happy to transact any business you may entrust them with. Step in here, please," and he held the door open for Ned to enter the inner office.

That was even more richly furnished than the outer one. Ned sat in an upholstered chair that seemed to smother him, so far down did it let him sink.

"Now, my dear sir, what can we do for you?" and the man looked at Ned.

"I have a hundred dollars to invest in your oil well."

The man seemed a little disappointed.

"Hum, yes, of course. Well, at the present market rate that will give you two hundred shares. You are in luck, my dear sir. We are going to put the price at a dollar a share in the morning. In fact we were going to advance it this afternoon. I will have your certificate made out at once." He took the money, which Ned held out, and touched a button on his desk. A young man entered. "Make out a certificate for two hundred shares for this gentleman, er—let's see—I'm afraid I didn't catch your name when you mentioned it."