me, gratis; and a first-rate tutor, too! That's what I call having a
treasure! And yet, though he's been with us for years, Mrs. S. there
won't take to him!--I defy her or anybody else to say why, or
wherefore!"

"Do you know how he was employed before he came to you?"

"Ah! now you've hit it--that's where you're right in saying he's a
mystery. What he did before I knew him, is more than I can tell--a
good deal more. He came to me with a capital recommendation and
security, from a gentleman whom I knew to be of the highest
respectability. I had a vacancy in the back office, and tried him, and
found out what he was worth, in no time--I flatter myself I've a knack
at that with everybody. Well: before I got used to his curious-looking
face, and his quiet ways, I wanted badly enough to know something
about him, and who his connections were. First, I asked his friend who
had recommended him--the friend wasn't at liberty to answer for
anything but his perfect trustworthiness. Then I asked Mannion himself
point-blank about it, one day. He just told me that he had reasons for
keeping his family affairs to himself--nothing more--but you know the
way he has with him; and, damn it, he put the stopper on me, from that
time to this. I wasn't going to risk losing the best clerk that ever
man had, by worrying him about his secrets. They didn't interfere with
business, and didn't interfere with me; so I put my curiosity in my
pocket. I know nothing about him, but that he's my right-hand man, and
the honestest fellow that ever stood in shoes. He may be the Great
Mogul himself, in disguise, for anything I care! In short, you may be
able to find out all about him, my dear Sir; but I can't."

"There does not seem much chance for me, Mr. Sherwin, after what you