Harry stepped on board the train without seeing any one whom he knew, and took a seat on the right-hand side. Just in front of him was an elderly farmer, with a face well browned by exposure to the sun and wind. He had a kindly face, and looked sociable. It was not long before he addressed our young hero.

"Going to New York?" he asked.

"Yes, sir."

"Are you acquainted there?"

"No, sir; not much."

"Nor I. I was thinking you might be able to direct me to a place where I could get money for some cowpons."

"Government coupons?" inquired Harry, becoming interested.

"Yes. You see, my wife's uncle died not long ago, and left Sarah a government bond of a thousand dollars, drawing six per cent interest. There's thirty dollars due the first of this month, and I told Sarah that I'd go and collect it for her."

"I've got some business of that same kind," said Harry. "I was told there were brokers' offices in Wall Street, where I could collect the money without any trouble."

"I'll go with you," said the farmer, in a tone of satisfaction. "If he'll buy yours, he'll buy mine."

"I shall be glad to have your company," said Harry, politely.

It flattered his vanity that a man old enough to be his grandfather was disposed to be guided by him in a matter of such importance.

Just then a smooth voice was heard from the seat behind.

"Gentlemen," said a young man, showily dressed and with a profusion of rings on his fingers, "excuse my interrupting you, but I may be able to save you some trouble."

They naturally waited for an explanation of these words.

"I overheard you saying that you had some coupons to dispose of."

"Yes," replied the farmer, eagerly.

"I am myself a banker and broker, and deal in government securities. If the amount is not too large, I will buy your coupons and pay for them at once."

"That will be handy," said the farmer. "I've got thirty dollars in cowpons."

"And you, my young friend?" said the so-called broker, addressing Harry.

"I have rather more than that," said Harry, in a reserved tone.

Somehow, he was suspicious of the plausible stranger.

"I will pay you a higher price than most houses, besides saving you all the trouble," said the broker, insinuatingly, as he drew out a capacious wallet, and, opening it, exhibited a pile of bills.

The farmer immediately drew out his coupon.

"Let me see," said the broker; "thirty dollars, gold at the present premium comes to thirty-six dollars."

"Thirty-six dollars!" repeated the farmer, complacently. "Sarah'll feel rich when she gets that money."

"Here's your money," said the broker, producing three ten-dollar bills, a five and a one. "The bills are new, you perceive."

The farmer put away the bills in his old wallet, and the stranger slipped the coupon carelessly into his vest pocket.

"Now, my young friend, I am ready to attend to your matter," he said, turning to Harry.

"I won't trouble you," said Harry, coldly; "I prefer to dispose of the coupons in the city."

"Just as you like; but you would do better to deal with me."

"Why?" asked Harry.

"In the city they will allow you but a hundred and nineteen for gold."

"How is it you can afford to do better by me?" asked Harry, shrewdly.

"Our house makes a point of dealing liberally with their customers," said the broker.

"What is the name of your firm?"

"Chase & Atkins," answered the other glibly. "I am a relative of Salmon Chase, ex-secretary of the treasury, and, since, chief justice of the Supreme Court."

"You don't say!" ejaculated the farmer. "Salmon Chase is a great man."

"So he is. Thank you, sir, for your appreciation of my distinguished relative. Of course, it doesn't make me any better to be related to that great man, but I am naturally proud of it."

"Hadn't you better sell your coup............