"I felt indignant when I read your news of the conspiracy of Simon Rich, but was pleased that it led to your advantage. I am inclined to think that you will find your new business a better one than the jewelry trade. The latter, if you went in for yourself, would call for a large capital. In the real estate business capital is not so much needed as good judgment and a large lot of acquaintances. I am not personally acquainted with Mr. Crawford, but know him by reputation as an energetic and honorable business man. If you do not find your income adequate, all you have to do is to apply to me. I will send you fifty dollars or more at any time.

 

"Now, as to the prospects of my return, they are remote. My uncle seems cheered by my presence, and his health has improved. He cannot live more than a year or two at the best, but when I came here it seemed to be only a matter of months. I shall remain while I can do him good.

 

"When Mr. Flint returns he will do you justice. You can afford to wait, as your income is larger than before. You suggest that I need not continue to pay your board. This, however, I intend to do, and will advise you to lay aside some money every week, and deposit in a savings bank. The habit of saving is excellent, and cannot be formed too early."

 

 

"I am lucky to have such a friend," reflected Andy, as he finished reading this letter. "I will try to make myself worthy of such good fortune."

 

At the end of six months Andy had acquired a large practical acquaintance with the real estate business. He displayed a degree of judgment which surprised Mr. Crawford.

 

"You seem more like a young man than a boy," he said. "I am not at all sure but I could leave my business in your hands if I wished to be absent."

 

This compliment pleased Andy. He had also been raised to seven dollars a week, and this he regarded as a practical compliment.

 

One evening on his return from West Fifty-sixth Street he strayed into the Fifth Avenue Hotel, where he sat down to rest in the reading room.

 

Two men were sitting near him whose conversation he could not help hearing.

 

"I own a considerable plot in Tacoma," said one. "I bought it two years since, when I was on my way back from California. I should like to sell the plot if I could get a purchaser."

 

"If the Northern Pacific Railroad is ever completed, the land will be valuable," replied the other.

 

"True; but will it ever be completed? That date will be very remote, I fancy."

 

"I don't think so. I would buy the land myself if I had the money, but just at present I have none to spare. How much did you invest?"

 

"A thousand dollars."

 

"You might sell, perhaps, through a real estate agent?"

 

"The real estate agents here know very little of Western property. I should not know to whom to apply."

 

Andy thought he saw a chance to procure business for his firm.

 

"Gentlemen," he said, "will you excuse my saying that I am in a real estate office, and think you can make some satisfactory arrangement with us?"

 

At the same time he handed the owner of the Tacoma property a card of the firm.

 

"Crawford!" repeated his friend. "Yes, that is a reputable firm. You cannot do better than adopt the young man's suggestion."

 

Andy Grant had written his name on the card.

 

"You are rather young for a real estate agent, Mr. Grant," remarked the lot owner.

 

Andy smiled.

 

"I am only a subordinate," he said.

 

"Has your principal ever dealt in Western property?" asked Mr. Bristol.

 

"Not to any extent, but I have heard him speak favorably of it."

 

"I will call at your office to-morrow forenoon, then."

 

Andy apprised Mr. Crawford of the appointment made.

 

"I shall be glad to see your acquaintance, Andy," said Mr. Crawford. "I have advices from a friend of mine in Washington that the railroad is sure to be............