paid
for--pretty nearly."

Hiram stood aghast in the doorway. Never, except in the show windows,
had his eye rested on such splendor.

There was a rug on the floor, soft and thick, which Lucy told him was a
genuine Smyrna. There was a leopard skin, with stuffed head and red,
gaping jaws. There were two handsome overstuffed leather chairs, and
the bedroom set was Circassian walnut, so Lucy said.

She closed the door and hurried him below.

"You see, I've realized part of my ambition," she said, sinking into
the squeaky rocker. "I'm not so clever or so cultured and all that,
but I came from the backwoods to be somebody and have something, and
I'll make good one way or another. What you saw is just a beginner. I
might have bought a typewriter instead, but--well, I just didn't."'

"They're mighty nice," commented Hiram, as she paused.

"Yes, they made a fool out of me when I hit Frisco," she continued
absently, "but my day's coming. I'm getting a toehold, as your Mr.
Tweet says. I've rubbed off some of the Mendocino moss." She glanced
a little vainly at her slim, well-garbed figure. "I'm after the money
now--and I'll get it!

"But tell me about your partner," she continued. "Who is he, anyway?"

"I can't tell you."

"M'm-m!" She pursed her lips and frowned thoughtfully. "And he just
wants you to go out with him, hit or miss?"

"That seems to be it, ma'am. And I don't think I'll go--now."

"Now? What do you mean, now?"

A wave of red ran over Hiram's face, and he began stammering.

The hint of a smile flickered across Lucy's lips as she hurried on
without his answer. Hiram was a big man, ruggedly handsome. It
pleased Lucy's vanity to have him gawk at her as he did.

"I think I can find out something about this gentleman," she said. "He
came in the restaurant a few days ago, and I noticed two business men I
know quite well talking about him. I'll find out something about this
Tweet for you, and let you know. You don't want to let anybody play
you for a sucker."

"Oh, I can take care of myself when it comes to that."

"_Yes_, you can!" She laughed. "You'll lose some of that confidence
before you've been here many days. Now don't be offended. Shall I get
this dope on him, if I can?"

"I'd thank you kindly, ma'am."

"Well, I will, then. Now let's forget it and talk about Mendocino. Go
on--you talk so little."

CHAPTER IX

HIRAM WAKES UP

Hiram walked with an elastic ste