As Ned had not mentioned it the gentleman's inability to catch it might easily be forgiven.
Ned supplied the necessary information, and the clerk withdrew. Another entered a moment later. He seemed much excited:
"Just had a wire from Colonel Janders," he said. "The Black Cat well has increased fifty barrels a day, Mr. Skem!"
"Good!" exclaimed the florid gentleman. "Tell Mr. Skim at once, and put the stock up to a dollar a share. You got in just in time," he added, turning to Ned, and our hero thought so himself.
As the last clerk withdrew another one came in.
"Got an order from Mr. Johnson for five thousand shares," he announced. "Shall I let him have 'em at fifty?"
"Sorry to disoblige Mr. Johnson, who is a very good friend of mine," said Mr. Skem, "but I shall have to charge him a dollar. I guess he'll pay it. The stock will go to two dollars a share before the end of the week."
The first clerk came back with a finely engraved certificate, on which the name "Edward Wilding" was written in a flourishing hand.
"There you are," said Mr. Skem. "I hope you will take some more stock soon. If you in-
