grinned--is competent?"

"Yes, indeed--but a girl! It has been the custom for the members of
the firm to employ only men."

Bonbright looked steadily at Rangar a moment, then said:

"Please have that girl notified at once that she is to be my
secretary."

"Yes, sir," said Rangar. The boy WAS going to prove difficult. He
owned a will. Well, thought the man, others may have had it in the
family before--but it has not remained long.

"Anything more, Mr. Foote?"

"Thank you, no," said Bonbright, and Rangar said good evening and
disappeared.

The boy rested his chin on his hand again, and reflected gloomily. He
hunched up his shoulders and sighed. "Anyhow," he said to himself,
"I'll have SOMEBODY around me who is human."




CHAPTER II


Bonbright's father had left the office an hour before he and Rangar