ay, Sir, I did so many things. But I didn't know I
was being watched."

"Every move you made was watched carefully, and reported to me. I know
where you spent every hour since you left here the other morning. I
wanted to know how you would act with money enough to do as you pleased
for a few days. You acted wisely, and I'm glad that you spent so much of
it on men who need it. You bought twenty-two pairs of shoes, thirty-six
shirts and forty-five suits of underwear. You also bought cheap suits
for nine men and several odd and end accessories as well.

"Out of the total sum you spent less than one hundred dollars for
yourself, and yet you have only forty-two dollars of the sum I handed
you. The remainder you used for meals and cheap lodging for the men you
have taken care of in the past three days. You have gone through a lot
of money since you were here."

Dick stammered as he spoke, "I'm sorry, sir, but I thought--"

"You thought _just right_! I _did_ give you the money to use as you
pleased and I'm proud of the way you spent it. But I want to know the
answer. You must have decided by this time. If the answer is yes, you
will bind yourself to a lifetime of work. If it is no, we will say
goodbye."

Dick's face lighted with a smile. "The answer is _yes_. I am proud to
leave my future in your hands--even to my marriage. I made up my mind to
do as you desire, and am prepared to leave any time you are ready. I
hope you have hired every one you need and that we will all enjoy our
new work."

"You're a brave man, Dick Barrow." There was admiration in the voice of
the stranger. "If you remained here I believe you would make your mark
in life, but you will have even greater opportunity where you are going.
I believe your decision will prove to be a happy one.

"You must stay at a good hotel. Reasonable if you want, although it is
not important. I will send the girl to you within a few days. You will
be married as soon as possible after you meet her.

"She will bring a letter and will do exactly as you say. I will allow
time for you to get acquainted before I have further orders. From that
time you will obey my orders explicitly and follow every instruction
without question. Every member of the party will take orders from you,
and _you must give them_!"

Once more Dick was handed a handful of bills as he prepared to leave,
and knew there was even more than the first time. But he would live in
constant dread of meeting