"You will make yourself
poor helping others."

"I shall sleep better for having aided the old man," answered Chester.

The rest of the journey was uneventful. The two boys went at once to
Tacoma, as Chester felt that the gentlemen who were negotiating for his
lots were probably in a hurry to arrange for the building of the hotel.
After establishing themselves at a hotel and eating dinner, they went
at once to the office of Dean & Downie, the real estate agents from
whom Chester had received a letter.

Here a surprise awaited him.

Standing at a desk in the rear of the office was a figure that looked
familiar. The man turned as the door opened to admit Chester, and the
latter recognized to his great astonishment his old enemy--David
Mullins!

CHAPTER XXXVII.

DAVID MULLINS AGAIN.

When David Mullins saw Chester enter the office he turned pale, and
looked panic-stricken.

"You here!" he exclaimed, in a hollow voice.

"Yes, Mr. Mullins. I am surprised to meet you."

"Then you didn't know I was here?"

"I heard from Felix that you were in this part of the country."

"I am trying to earn an honest living," said Mullins, in agitation. "My
employers know nothing to my prejudice. Do you come as a friend or an
enemy?"

"Mr. Mullins, I haven't the least intention of harming you. I will not
even appear to know you. I came here to see Dean & Downie, with whom I
have business."

"Heaven be praised! I will not soon forget your kindness. Here comes
Mr. Dean. Remember your promise."

At this moment Mr. Dean entered the office. David Mullins had returned
to his desk.

"This young man wishes to see you, Mr. Dean," he said, formally, when
his employer entered.

Mr. Dean looked at Chester, inquiringly.

"I am Chester Rand, with whom you have had some correspondence," said
Chester, tendering his card. "I have just arrived from New York."

The broker regarded him in surprise.

"You Chester Rand?" he exclaimed. "Why, you are a boy."

"I must plead guilty to that indictment," said Chester, smiling, "but I
am the owner of the lots which I understand are wanted for the new
hotel."

David Mullins, who heard this conversation, looked up in amazement. He
had not known of the correspondence with Chester, as Mr. Dean had
written his letter personally, and it had not gone through the office.

"Can you furnish any evidence of this?" asked Mr. Dean.

"Here is the letter you sent me, and here is a copy of my reply