yes," answered Arthur. "I'm pretty smart, but few people find it
out."

"You'd better ask the professor about Tacoma," suggested Arthur, during
a pause in the conversation.

CHAPTER XXIX.

MR. FAIRCHILD'S TELEGRAM.

"Tacoma!" repeated the professor. "Who is interested in Tacoma?"

"I own five lots of land there," answered Chester.

"Then I congratulate you. Lots are rising there, and are destined to go
to a still higher point."

"How do you account for that?" asked Prof. Hazlitt.

"In three months the Northern Pacific Railroad will be completed, and
that will give a great impetus to the growth of the town. I expect to
live to see fifty thousand people there. Let me ask how you became
possessed of these lots?"

"They were given to me by a friend now dead."

"What was his name?"

"Walter Bruce."

"Indeed! Why, I own three lots adjoining the Bruce lots. They are among
the best located in the town."

"Would you advise me to keep them or sell if I have the chance?"

"To keep them, by all means. I shall keep mine. If, however, you wish
to sell, I will myself pay you five hundred dollars each."

"Then I may consider myself worth twenty-five hundred dollars," said
Chester, in a tone of satisfaction.

"Yes, and more if you are willing to wait."

"I think Mr. Bruce only gave twenty-five dollars apiece for them."

"Very likely. Mine only cost thirty dollars each."

"I shall begin to look upon you as a rich man, Chester," said Arthur
Burks.

"Only a rich boy," corrected Chester, laughing. "I haven't begun to
shave yet."

"I think I shall commence next week," remarked Arthur, rubbing his
cheek vigorously.

"Since you own property in our neighborhood, Mr. Rand," said Prof.
Nugent, "why don't you make us a visit?"

"I hope to some day when I can afford it," replied Chester, "but I
didn't know till you told me just now that my lots were worth more than
a trifle."

"If ever you do come, don't forget to call on me at the university. It
is located in Salem, Oregon. I may be able to take a trip to Tacoma
with you."

"Thank you, sir. I should like nothing better."

The next afternoon Chester chanced to enter the Fifth Avenue Hotel. He
went through the corridor and into the reading room to buy a paper.
What was his surprise to see his recent acquaintance, Paul Perkins,
sitting in an armchair, reading a Minneapolis journal.

"Why, Chester!" exclaimed Mr. Perkins, cordially, as he rose and shook
C