xactly. I found that Mr. Bailey, who has made a comfortable sum of
money, wants to leave Montana and go East and I bought the hotel."

"So that hereafter I shall board with you?"

"Not exactly. I propose to put you in charge, and pay you a salary. I
can oversee, and give you instructions. How will that suit you?"

"So you think I am competent, Mr. Pettigrew?"

"Yes, I think so. There is a good man cook, and two waiters. The cook
will also order supplies and act as steward under you."

"What then will be my duties?"

"You will act as clerk and cashier, and pay the bills. You will have to
look after all the details of management. If there is anything you don't
understand you will have me to back you up, and advise you. What do you
say?"

"That I shall like it much better than mining. My only doubt is as to
whether I shall suit you."

"It is true that it takes a smart man to run a hotel, but I think we can
do it between us. Now what will you consider a fair salary?"

"I leave that to you, Mr. Pettigrew."

"Then we will call it a hundred and fifty dollars a month and board."

"But, Mr. Pettigrew," said Rodney in surprise, "how can I possibly earn
that much?"

"You know we charge big prices, and have about fifty steady boarders.
I expect to make considerable money after deducting all the expenses of
management."

"My friend Jasper would be very much surprised if he could know the
salary I am to receive. In the store I was only paid seven dollars a
week."

"The duties were different. Almost any boy could discharge the duties of
an entry clerk while it takes peculiar qualities to run a hotel."

"I was certainly very fortunate to fall in with you, Mr. Pettigrew."

"I expect it will turn out fortunate for me too, Rodney."

"When do you want me to start in?"

"Next Monday morning. It is now Thursday evening. Mr. Bailey will turn
over the hotel to me on Saturday night. You needn't go to the mines
tomorrow, but may remain in the hotel, and he will instruct you in the
details of management."

"That will be quite a help to me, and I am at present quite ignorant on
the subject."

Rodney looked forward with pleasure to his new employment. He had good
executive talent, though thus far he had had no occasion to exercise it.
It was with unusual interest that he set about qualifying himself for
his new position.

"Young man," said the veteran landlord, "I think you'll do. I thought
at first that Jefferson was foo