nd his friend, sir," returned Chester, modestly.

"Let me know to whom I am indebted."

"Mr. Taylor," said the broker, "this young gentleman is Chester Rand,
owner of the lots which you wish to buy."

"Is it possible?" ejaculated William Taylor. "I didn't know that the
owner of the lots was a boy."

"The lots were a bequest to me from the original owner," said Chester.

"And you have never been out this way before?"

"This is my first visit to Tacoma."

"You are hardly old enough to be in business."

"I am an artist; that is, I furnish illustrations to a comic weekly
paper in New York."

"You have begun life early. I suspect you are better fitted for
business than most young men of your age. Here is my partner, Mr.
Pearson."

In the negotiation that followed the reader will not be interested. At
length a mutually satisfactory arrangement was made. Chester agreed to
sell the three lots wanted for the hotel for eight thousand dollars,
half cash and the balance on a year's time at twelve per cent.
interest.

When the business was concluded and papers signed, Mr. Dean said: "Mr.
Rand, I think you have made a good bargain. You might have extorted
more, but you have received a fair price and retained the good will of
the purchaser. What do you propose to do with the four thousand dollars
you will receive in cash?"

"I have not had time to think."

"I will venture to give you some advice. My partner, John Downie, has
made a specialty of city property, and he will invest any part for you
in lower-priced city lots, which are sure to advance rapidly."

"Then I will put the matter in his hands and rely on his judgment. I
will carry back with me a thousand dollars, and leave with him three
thousand dollars for investment."

"Then come back to the office and I will introduce you to Mr. Downie,
with whom you can leave instructions."

Chester was presented to Mr. Downie, a blond young man, who looked
honest and reliable, and they soon came to an understanding. They
walked about the town--it was not a city then--and Chester picked out
several lots which he was in favor of buying.

He remained a week in Tacoma, and before the end of that time all
arrangements were perfected, and he found himself the owner of seven
lots, more or less eligible, in addition to the two he had reserved in
the original plot.

On the evening of the second day, as he was taking a walk alone, he
encountered David Mullins.

"Good-evening