However Grant received a summons to New York on other business.  Mrs. Simpson, as she called herself, though she had no right to the name, was brought up for trial, and Grant was needed as a witness.  Of course his expenses were to be paid.  He resolved to take this opportunity to call at the office of Mr. Reynolds.

I do not propose to speak of Mrs. Simpson’s trial.  I will merely say that she was found guilty of the charge upon which she had been indicted, and was sentenced to a term of imprisonment.

When Grant was released from his duties as witness, he made his way to Wall Street, or rather New Street, which branches out from the great financial thoroughfare, and had no difficulty in finding the office of Mr. Reynolds.

“Can I see Mr. Reynolds?” he asked of a young man, who was writing at a desk.

“Have you come to deliver stock?  If so, I will take charge of it.”

“No,” answered Grant; “I wish to see him personally.”

“He is at the Stock Exchange just at present.  If you will take a seat, he will be back in twenty minutes, probably.”

Grant sat down, and in less than the time mentioned, Mr. Reynolds entered the office.  The broker, who had a good memory for faces, at once recognized our hero.

“Ha, my young friend from the country,” he said; “would you like to see me?”

“When you are at leisure, sir,” answered Grant, well pleased at the prompt recognition.

“You will not have to wait long.  Amuse yourself as well as you can for a few minutes.”

Promptness was the rule in Mr. Reynolds’ office.  Another characteristic of the broker was, that he was just as polite to a boy as to his best customer.  This is, I am quite aware, an unusual trait, and, therefore, the more to be appreciated when we meet with it.

Presently Mr. Reynolds appeared at the door of his inner office, and beckoned to Grant to enter.

“Take a seat, my young friend,” he said; “and now let me know what I can do for you.”

“When I met you in the cars,” said Grant, “you invited me, if I ever wanted a position, to call upon you, and you would see if you could help me.”

“Very true, I did.  Have you made up your mind to seek a place?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Are your parents willing you should come to New York?”

“Yes, sir.  That is, my mother is willing, and my father will agree to whatever she decides to be best.”

“So far so good.  I wouldn’t engage any boy who came against his parents’ wishes.  Now let me tell you that you have come at a very favorable time.  I have had in my employ for two years the son of an old friend, who has suited me in every respect; but now he is to go abroad with his father for a year, and I must supply his place.  You shall have the place if you want it.”

“Nothing would suit me better,” said Grant, joyfully.  “Do you think I would be competent to fulfill the duties?”