they were left alone in the store, which,
to say the least, seemed a very strange proceeding to Ben and Johnny.

"Well, boys, what do you think of the store?" asked Mr. Weston; and as
they hardly knew what reply to make, he added, "I hope you will like
it, for I think you can make considerable money here."

"We make money here?" asked Ben, in surprise.

"Yes, for it all belongs to you. I bought the stock in your name, with
myself as trustee, since minors can't hold property, and the rent is
paid for one year. You must be careful to keep the stock well up with
good, seasonable articles, and if you work hard there is no reason why
you should not have a good-sized bank account by the end of the year."

[Illustration: BEN AND JOHNNY ALONE IN THE NEW STORE.]

The boys looked at each other and then at Mr. Weston, but appeared
unable to understand what he meant. It did not seem possible that all
those goods were theirs, and they were quite sure that they had
misunderstood what he said, or that he was not speaking to them.

"All of these goods are yours--Paul's present to you for your kindness
to him. I guess you will understand it after a while, and we will come
back presently, after you feel perfectly sure about the
proprietorship."

Then Paul and his father went out, leaving the two owners to stand
looking at each other as if they were uncertain as to their own
identity. It was some moments before they spoke after they were alone,
and then Johnny went near the door and stood on his head, in a grave,
business-like manner, until his face was as red as a boiled beet.
After this feat had been accomplished he appeared to feel considerably
relieved, and he said, as he went close up to Ben,

"Do you s'pose he meant jest what he said?"

"He must have meant it," replied Ben; but the look on his face told
that even then he was uncertain about it.

Then the boys began examining their stock, finding beautiful things,
such as they had admired from outside shop-windows, but never believed
they should really own.

When Paul came in alone, half an hour later--for he was too eager to
know what his friends thought of their store to be able to wait any
longer--he found the newly-made proprietors in a state of delight
bordering almost on frenzy. They shook him by the hands, hugged him,
and once Johnny looked as if he would have kissed him had it not been
that he was a little ashamed to do so, while they kept asking him over
and ove