the ground, and secure desirable lots for me?"

"I think I could, sir, under instructions from you."

"That is what I had in view when I said I wished you were older."

"You could, at any rate, rely upon my faithfully carrying out your
instructions."

"I am sure of that, and I also have considerable confidence in your good
judgment. At any rate, I will take the risk. What day is to-day?"

"Thursday."

"Make preparations to start on Monday. Can you do so?"

"Yes, sir."

Andy felt a thrill of delight at the prospect held out to him. He had
always felt a strong desire to see the great West, but had realized that
he should probably have to wait a good many years before his wish was
gratified. It had been a dream, but now his dream bade fair to become
actuality.

"I will prepare a general letter of instructions and make such
suggestions as may occur to me," continued Mr. Crawford. "I will excuse
you from office work for the balance of the week, in order that you may
make the necessary preparations."

As the Northern Pacific road was not completed, it was decided that Andy
should go to San Francisco by the Union Pacific and Central Pacific
roads, and take steamer thence to Puget Sound.

"You can stay in San Francisco three days," said Mr. Crawford,
considerately. "It will give you a chance to rest and see the city."

On Monday Andy started on his long journey. He wrote a brief letter to
his mother, as follows:

"DEAR MOTHER: I am going West on some business for Mr. Crawford. I
will write you on the way. You are at liberty to tell this to any
one in Arden, but I don't care to have the extent of my journey
known. You may think I am young for such a trip, but I have no
fears. The business is important, but it is simple, and I hope to
carry it through successfully.

In haste, your loving son,

ANDY."

However, Mrs. Grant was not the first one to hear of Andy's trip. It so
happened that at the station Andy met Conrad Carter, who had just come
into the city for a day.

"How do you happen to be here?" asked Conrad, in surprise.

"I am leaving the city."

"I suppose you are discharged and going home," remarked Conrad, loftily.

"No; I am going on some business for my employer."

"How far do you go?"

"My first stop will be Chicago."

Conrad was amazed.

"Is this straight?" he asked.

"Yes."

"You are going on business for the firm?"

"Yes."

"Mr. Crawford must be