No sooner had John Wade parted from our herothan he saw approaching him a dark, sinister-lookingman, whom he had known years before.

　　``Good-morning, Mr. Wade,'' said the newcomer.

　　``Good-morning, Mr. Graves. Are you busy justnow?''

　　``No, sir; I am out of employment. I have beenunfortunate.''

　　``Then I will give you a job. Do you see thatboy?'' said John Wade, rapidly.

　　``Yes, I see him.''

　　``I want you to follow him. Find out where helives, and let me know this evening. Do you understand?''

　　``I understand. You may rely upon me, sir,''

　　answered Nathan Graves; and quickening his pace, hesoon came within a hundred feet of our hero.

　　After fulfilling his errand, Frank walked downtownagain, but did not succeed in obtaining anyfurther employment. Wherever he went, he wasfollowed by Graves. Unconsciously, he exhaustedthe patience of that gentleman, who got heartily tiredof his tramp about the streets. But the longest daywill come to an end, and at last he had the satisfactionof tracking Frank to his humble lodging. Then,and not till then, he felt justified in leaving him.

　　Nathan Graves sought the residence of John Wade.

　　He rang the bell as the clock struck eight.

　　``Well, what success?'' asked Wade, when they met.

　　``I have tracked the boy. What more can I dofor you?'' asked Graves.

　　``I want to get him away from the city. The factis--I may as well tell you--my uncle has taken agreat fancy to the boy, and might be induced toadopt him, and cut me off from my rightful inheritance.

　　The boy is an artful young rascal, and hasbeen doing all he could to get into the good gracesof my uncle, who is old and weak-minded.''

　　It was nine o'clock when Nathan Graves left thehouse, John Wade himself accompanying him to thedoor.

　　``How soon do you think you can carry out myinstructions?'' asked Wade.

　　``To-morrow, if possible.''

　　``The sooner the better.''

　　``It is lucky I fell in with him,'' said NathanGraves to himself, with satisfaction, as he slowlywalked down Fifth Avenue. ``It's a queer business,but that's none of my business. The main thingfor me to consider is that it brings money to mypurse, and of that I have need enough.''

　　Graves left the house richer by a hundred dollarsthan he entered it.

　　It was eleven o'clock on the forenoon of the nextday when Frank walked up Canal Street towardBroadway. He had been down to the wharves sinceearly in the morning, seeking for employment. Hehad offered his services to many, but as yet had beenunable to secure a job.

　　As he was walking along a man addressed him:

　　``Will you be kind enough to direct me to Broadway?''

　　It was Nathan Graves, with whom Frank was destinedto have some unpleasant experiences.

　　``Straight ahead,'' answered Frank. ``I am goingthere, and will show you, if you like.''

　　``Thank you, I wish you would. I live only fifteenor twenty miles distant,'' said Graves, ``but I don'toften come to the city, and am not much acquainted.

　　I keep a dry-goods store, but my partner generallycomes here to buy goods. By the way, perhaps youcan help me about the errand that calls me here today.''

　　``I will, sir, if I can,'' said Frank, polite............