h, doctor?" asked the young man.

"While there is life there is hope, Mr. Bruce."

"That means that the odds are against me?"

"Yes, I am sorry to say that you are right."

Walter Bruce looked thoughtful.

"I don't think I care much for life," he said. "I have had many
disappointments, and I know that at the best I could never be strong
and enjoy life as most of my age do--I am resigned."

"How old are you, Walter?" asked Chester.

"Twenty-nine. It is a short life."

"Is there anyone you would wish me to notify if the worst comes?"

"No, I have scarcely a relative--except Silas Tripp," he added, with a
bitter smile.

"You have no property to dispose of by will?" asked the doctor.

"Yes," was the unexpected answer, "but I shall not make a will. A will
may be contested. I will give it away during my life."

Chester and the doctor looked surprised. They thought the other might
refer to a ring or some small article.

"I want everything to be legal," resumed Bruce. "Is there a lawyer in
the village?"

"Yes, Lawyer Gardener."

"Send for him. I shall feel easier when I have attended to this last
duty."

Within half an hour the lawyer was at his bedside.

"In the inside pocket of my coat," said Walter Bruce, "you will find a
document. It is the deed of five lots in the town of Tacoma, in
Washington Territory. I was out there last year, and having a little
money, bought the lots for a song. They are worth very little now, but
some time they may be of value."

"To whom do you wish to give them?" asked Mr. Gardner.

"To this boy," answered Bruce, looking affectionately toward Chester.
"He and his have been my best friends."

"But your uncle--he is a relative!" suggested Chester.

"He has no claim upon me. Lawyer, make out a deed of gift of these lots
to Chester Rand, and I will sign it."

The writing was completed, Bruce found strength to sign it, and then
sank back exhausted. Two days later he died. Of course the eight
dollars a week from the minister's fund ceased to be paid to the Rands.
Chester had not succeeded in obtaining work. To be sure he had the five
lots in Tacoma, but he who had formerly owned them had died a pauper.
The outlook was very dark.

CHAPTER V.

CHESTER'S FIRST SUCCESS.

Chester and his mother and a few friends attended the funeral of Walter
Bruce. Silas Tripp was too busy at the store to pay this parting
compliment to his nephew. He expressed himself plainly about t