Dalton possessed a large amount of business information, and was, therefore, the very man for Eldridge; particularly as he was communicative.  In conversation, the latter obtained a great deal of information on subjects especially interesting to one who looked forward to engaging in some branch of trade for himself.  One evening the two men sat conversing about business, as usual, when Eldridge said: 

“It is time I was making some move for myself; but, for my life, I can’t come to any decision as to what I shall do.”

“It is better for a young man, if he can do so, to connect himself with some established house,” replied Dalton to this.  “It takes time to make a new business, and not unfrequently a very long time.”

“I am aware of that; but I see no opportunity for an arrangement of the kind.”

“How much capital can you furnish?”

“Ten thousand dollars.”

“That’s very good, and ought to enable you to make an arrangement somewhere.  I don’t know but I might be willing to give you an interest in my business.  This, however, would require some reflection.  I am turning out a very handsome surplus every year, without at all crowding sail.”

“A commission business?”

“Yes.  I am agent for three or four manufactories, and effect some pretty large sales during the year.  If I were able to make liberal cash advances, I could more than quadruple my business.”

“And, of course, your profits also?”

“Yes, that follows as a natural result.”

“Would ten thousand dollars be at all adequate for such a purpose?”

“It would help very much.  Ten thousand dollars in cash is, you know, a basis of credit to nearly four times that sum.”

“Yes, I am aware of that.”

“Is your capital readily available?” inquired Dalton.

“Yes, since I have been in the city I have invested every thing in government securities, as safe property, and readily convertible into cash.”

“Very judicious.”

Dalton mused for some time.

“Yes,” he at length said, as if he had been thinking seriously of the effect of ten thousand dollars in his business.  “The capital you have would put a new face on every thing.  That’s certain.  Suppose you think the matter over, and I will do the same.”

“I will, certainly.  And I may say now, that there will hardly be any hinderance on my part to the arrangement, if you should see it to be advantageous all around.”

Of course Mr. Dalton professed, after taking a decent time for pretended reflection, to see great advantage to all parties in a business connection, which in due time was formed.  But few of those who knew Eldridge were apprized of what he intended doing, and those who did know, and were aware at the same time of Mr. Dalton’s character, like Mr. Hueston, concluded to mind their own business.

And so, unwarned of the risk he was encountering, an honest and confiding young man was permitted to form a copartnership with a villain, who had already been the means of involving three or four unsuspecting individuals in hopeless embarrassment.