lity Kentucky, or Dupont, of course."

The purchase completed Jarvis watched his friend and customer distribute
them over his person and then asked a question.

"Where to now, Mr. Boyd?"

"Independence and westward," answered the other. "Spring is upon us, the
prairie grass is getting longer all the time, and Independence is as
busy and crowded as an ant hill. All kinds of people are coming in by
train and river, bound for the trade to Santa Fe and Chihuahua, and for
far away Oregon." His eyes shone with enthusiasm. "The homesteaders
interest me the most, for it is to them that we will owe our western
empire. The trappers, hunters, and traders have prepared the way, but
they are only a passing phase. The first two will vanish and in their
places the homesteaders will take root and multiply. Think of it, Mr.
Jarvis, now our frontiers are only halfway across the continent; what an
empire that will some day become!"

Jarvis nodded thoughtfully and looked up. "What does your father say to
all this, especially after the news last fall about your narrow escape
in Santa Fe?"

Boyd shrugged his shoulders. "Father set his heart on me becoming his
junior partner, and to passing his work over to me when he was ready to
retire. Two generations of surgeons, is his boast; and in me he hoped to
make it three. Against that, the West needs men! Those Oregon-bound
wagons bring tears to my eyes. They have cast my die for me. I am on my
way to Fort Bridger and Fort Hall and the valley of the Columbia, to
lend my strength and little knowledge of the open to those who need it
most."

Jarvis nodded his head in sympathy, for he had heard many speak nearly
the same thoughts; indeed, at times, the yearning to leave behind him
the dim old shop and the noisy, bustling city beset him strongly,
despite his years of a life unfitting him for the hardships of the
prairies and mountains. Being able to read Greek and Latin was no asset
on the open trail; although schoolmasters would be needed in that new
country.

"I know how you feel, Mr. Boyd. Have you seen your father since you
landed?"

Tom reluctantly shook his head. "It would only reopen the old bitterness
and lead to further estrangement. No man shall ever speak to me again as
he did--not even him. If you should see him, Jarvis, tell him I asked
you to assure him of my affection."

"I shall be glad to do that," replied the clerk. "You missed him by only
two days. He asked for you and w