."

The broker took the letter from Chester's hand and all doubt vanished
from his countenance.

"I am glad to see you here so soon, Mr. Rand," he said, "as the parties
with whom I am negotiating are anxious to conclude matters as soon as
possible. Will you go over with me to Mr. Taylor's office? Taylor and
Pearson are the parties' names."

"I will go with pleasure."

As they walked through the chief business street Chester noticed with
interest evidences of activity everywhere. Tacoma he found was
situated, like San Francisco, on a side hill, sloping down toward Puget
Sound.

"What a fine location for a town," he said.

"Yes," answered Mr. Dean, "this is destined to be a large city. Our
people are enterprising and progressive. Seattle is at present ahead of
us, but we mean to catch up, and that ere many years."

"At what price are lots selling on this street?"

"I see you have business ideas," said the broker, smiling. "I suppose
you want to know what price you can charge for your lots."

"You are right."

"Of course it will not be right for me to advise you, being employed by
the other party, but I will give you some idea. The lot adjoining your
plot sold last week for two thousand dollars."

"Two thousand?"

"Yes."

"Probably it would be well for me to wait a year or two, as the lots
would undoubtedly command more then."

"That is one way of looking at it. Let me point out another. You have
five lots, have you not?"

"Yes, sir."

"If you sell three to the hotel company you can hold the other two five
years if you like. The proximity of the hotel will help to enhance
their value."

"I see that."

"That is a point to be considered. If you ask a prohibitory price, the
hotel will go elsewhere, and you may have to wait a good while before
you have a chance to sell. But here is Mr. Taylor's office."

The broker entered, followed by Chester. Here a surprise awaited him.

Sitting in an armchair was his venerable friend of the train, appearing
very much at home. His face lighted up when Chester came in.

"William," he said to a stout man of middle age, "this is the young man
who generously advanced money to meet my car fare when I was in danger
of being put off the train."

The younger man advanced and cordially offered his hand.

"My boy," he said, "I shall not soon forget your kindness to my father.
I will gladly repay you for the money you disbursed on his account."

"I was very glad to sta