rprised--still I have no objection to making a little more money."

Col. Warner nodded his head vigorously, and watched George Melville to
see the effect upon him of this extraordinary statement.

"Very natural, colonel," said Melville. "I believe most people want to
be richer. Perhaps if I had vigorous health I might have the same wish.
At present my chief wish is to recover my health."

"You'll do it, sir, you'll do it--and in short order, too! Then you can
turn your attention to money-making."

"Perhaps so," said Melville, with a smile.

"If not for yourself, for your young friend here," added the colonel. "I
take it he is not rich."

"I have my fortune still to make, Col. Warner," said Herbert, smiling.

"The easiest thing in the world out here, my boy!" said the colonel,
paternally. "So you start to-morrow?" he inquired, turning to Melville.

"I think of it."

"Egad! I've a great mind to accompany you," said the colonel. "Why
shouldn't I? I've got through all my business in Chicago, and I like the
pure air of the prairies best."

"We shall be glad of your company, colonel," said Melville, politely.

"Thank you, sir; that decides me. I'll see you again and fix the hour of
going, or rather I'll conform myself to your arrangements."

"Very well, colonel."

"What do you think of my new acquaintance, Col. Warner, Herbert?" asked
Melville when they were alone.

"He seems to have a very good opinion of himself," answered Herbert.

"Yes, he is very well pleased with himself. He isn't a man exactly to my
taste, but he seems a representative Western man. He does not look much
like a consumptive?"

"No, sir."

"I feel an interest in him on that account," said Melville, seriously.
"If at any time I could become as strong and stalwart I would willingly
surrender one-half, nay nine-tenths of my fortune. Ill health is a great
drag upon a man; it largely curtails his enjoyments, and deprives him of
all ambition."

"I don't see why his remedy wouldn't work well in your case, Mr.
Melville," said Herbert, earnestly.

"Perhaps it may. At any rate, I feel inclined to try it. I am glad the
colonel is going to travel with us, as I shall be able to question him
about the details of his cure. He seems a bluff, genial fellow, and
though I don't expect to enjoy his companionship much, I hope to derive
some benefit from it."

"By the way, Mr. Melville, I met an old acquaintance while I was out
walking," said Herbert.