Following in your worthy father's footsteps. You are a fine, bright lad; I always said so. I can see success weaving a web around you. Oh, I have been watching; I am a busy man but I have eyes. From early morning until late at night I have seen you at your labors and I have said to myself. 'There is a young man who will go far.' Believe me, I have your interest at heart, and if you ever need a friend do not hesitate to come to me. There is such a thing, in business, as needing a friend."
He pressed something into Bert's hand and was gone, wheezing and panting and sweating his unhealthy sweat.
Bert looked at his hand and found a card there. He read it:
P. M. Clud
Confidential Loans
