dence in good
condition, and Mr. Grayling was favorably impressed. The key was
procured and they entered.

The interior bore out the promise of the exterior. The rooms were well
and even handsomely finished. They were twelve in number, and there was
a good-sized bathroom.

"I wonder if the plumbing is good?" said Mr. Grayling.

"I will test it as far as I can," said Andy.

"You seem to have a good deal of experience for one so young."

"No, sir, not very much, but I have made a careful study of the subject.
Mr. Crawford has a good architectural library, and I have made use of
it."

After a careful inspection, Andy made a favorable report.

"Of course," he said, "if I am mistaken we will make matters right."

"That will be satisfactory. What is your price for the house?"

"Eight thousand dollars."

Mr. Grayling, after a brief consideration, said:

"That seems reasonable. I will buy the house. How soon can you give me
possession?"

"In a week."

"Very good. Then our business seems to be concluded. We will catch the
next train back to the city."

"Would you mind giving me a memorandum stating that you will buy the
house?"

"I will do so. We will stop at a stationery store, and I will make it
out."

When Andy re-entered Mr. Crawford's office the real estate agent
inquired:

"How does Mr. Grayling like the house?"

"He has bought it."

"Is it possible? At what figure?"

"Eight thousand dollars."

"Good! I was authorized to take two hundred dollars less, if need be."

"He asked no reduction."

"I hope he won't change his mind."

"He won't. Here is his written agreement to take the house."

"Excellent. Did he offer this assurance?"

"No, sir. I asked for it."

"Andy, you have succeeded admirably. I shall have great pleasure in
keeping my promise and paying you eighty dollars, or one per cent, on
the purchase money."

"That will be very acceptable, Mr. Crawford. I don't often earn eighty
dollars in one day."

In reply to Mr. Crawford's inquiries, Andy gave a detailed account of
his visit, and his employer drew a check for eighty dollars, which he
placed in his hands.

"Now that I see what you can do," he said, "I shall send you out again."

"Perhaps you will find my services too expensive."

"No. In addition to my regular percentage I receive an extra hundred
dollars for getting the full eight thousand dollars."

Andy cashed the check, and deposited the money in a savings bank. He d