“Is it too late now?” asked Leonard, eagerly.
“Perhaps not, but the appearance of this new boy on the scene makes your chance a good deal smaller.”
“I wish we could get rid of him,” said Leonard, frowning.
“The only way is to injure him in the estimation of Mr. Jennings.”
“Here is an advertisement of a lottery,” said Leonard, whose plans, in view of what his uncle had said, had experienced a change.
“I will write to the manager in Carl’s name, inquiring about tickets, and, of course, he will answer to him, to the care of Mr. Jennings. This will lead to the suspicion that Carl is interested in such matters.”
“It is a good idea. It will open the way to a loss of confidence on the part of Mr. Jennings.”
“I will sit down at your desk and write at once.”
Three days later Mr. Jennings handed a letter to Carl after they reached home in the evening.
“A letter for you to my care,” he explained.
Carl opened it in surprise, and read as follows:
“Mr. Carl Crawford:--Your letter of inquiry is received. In reply we would say that we will send you six tickets for five dollars. By disposing of them among your friends at one dollar each, you will save the cost of your own. You had better remit at once.
Carl looked the picture of astonishment when he read this letter.
“Please read this letter, Mr. Jennings,” said Carl.
His employer took the letter from his hand, and ran his eye over it.
“Do you wish to ask my advice about the investment?” he said, quietly.
“No, sir. I wanted to know how such a letter came to be written to me.”
“Didn’t you send a letter of inquiry there?”
“No, sir, and I can’t understand how these men could have got hold of my name.”
“Some one has probably written in your name,” he said, after a pause.
“If you will leave the letter in my hands, I may be able to obtain some information on that point.”
“I shall be glad if you can, Mr. Jennings.”
“Don’t mention to anyone having received such a letter, and if anyone broaches the subject, let me know who it is.”
Mr. Jennings quietly put on his hat, and walked over to the post office. The postmaster, who also kept a general variety store, chanced to be alone.
“Good-evening, Mr. Jennings,” he said, pleasantly. “What can I do for you?”
“I want a little information, Mr. Sweetland, though it is doubtful if you can give it.”