enses of your journey?"

"No; I have some money laid by."

"Another surprise! When do you want to start?"

"As soon as possible. I will not come to the office again."

"Then good luck and a pleasant journey."

When Edward Granger came into his room later in the day, Chester said:
"Day after to-morrow we start for Oregon. Ask your employers to hold
your place for you, and get ready at once."

"But the money, Chester?" gasped Edward.

"I will advance it to you, and you shall repay me when you can."

CHAPTER XXXV.

PREPARING FOR THE JOURNEY.

No sooner had Chester decided upon his Western journey than he
telegraphed to Dean & Downe, of Tacoma:

"I will call upon you within two weeks."

Mrs. Rand was much surprised when Chester, coming home unexpectedly,
announced his intentions.

"Do you want me to take you with me, mother?" asked Chester, with a
smile.

"I am afraid I could not help you much. But you are not used to
traveling. You may take the wrong cars."

Again Chester smiled.

"I have spent over a year in the city, mother," he said. "I have got
along pretty well in the last twelve months, haven't I?"

"Yes; but suppose you were to fall sick, with no one to look after
you?"

"I didn't tell you that I am going to have company. Edward Granger, who
was born in Oregon, and is three years older than myself, will go with
me."

"Then I shall feel easier. He knows the way, and can look after you."

Chester was secretly of opinion that he was more competent to look
after Edward, but did not say so. He saw that his mother was easier in
mind, and this relieved him.

Before he started from New York he called to see Mr. Fairchild. On
Fourteenth Street he fell in with Felix Gordon.

"How are you getting along, Felix?" he asked.

"Pretty well. Mr. Fairchild has raised me to six dollars a week."

"I am glad of it. That shows he is satisfied with you."

"I try to please him. I began to think that is the best policy. That is
why you have succeeded so well."

"Do you ever hear from Mr. Mullins?"

"No; but I know where he is."

"Where? Of course you know that I have no wish to injure him."

"He is somewhere in Oregon, or perhaps in Washington Territory."

Washington had not at that time been advanced to the dignity of a
State.

"That is curious."

"Why is it curious?"

"Because I am going to start for Oregon and Washington to-night."

"You don't mean it! What are you going for?"

"On