"I have something of a surprise for you. In coming to a settlement
with Pelter, Japson & Company, they notified me that they were
going out of business in New York City. Pelter claims that our
exposing the firm practically ruined them, and at the present time
there is still due father a matter of about fifteen hundred
dollars, which they seem unable to pay. Both Pelter and Japson have
offered to turn over to us the entire contents of their offices in
Wall Street, along with their lease. I don't think the outfit is
worth the fifteen hundred dollars, but when you can't get all that
is coming to you, the next best thing is to take what you can get.
I am writing to father about this, and if he agrees with me, I
shall take the lease of the offices, and also the outfit, which
includes several desks, chairs, a safe and a filing cabinet. Pelter
says the outfit was new two years ago, so that it is in quite good
condition.

"Dora sends her best regards. As you know, we are now installed in
our suite at the Outlook Hotel, and she spends quite some of her
time shopping and looking around the city. I have gone out with her
a few times, but spend most of my time in straightening out these
financial matters, and in taking care of father's other
investments. Mr. Powell, the lawyer, is assisting me to unravel the
tangle, but it is hard work, and I often wish that one or both of
you were here to help me. Remember me to all the boys and likewise
to Grace and Nellie.

"By the way, I understand that Josiah Crabtree is soon to leave the
hospital. His leg was so badly broken that he will have to walk
with either a crutch or a couple of canes. In one way, I feel sorry
for the old fellow, but he brought the accident on himself. What a