nking of going into the business?"

"I should like to, but I have not much capital. At what price do you
value your stock?"

"At two thousand dollars."

"That is more money than I have got."

"I'll tell you what I will do. If you will give me a thousand dollars
down, and give me good security for the balance, payable a year hence,
I will sell out to you."

"What is the rent?"

"A thousand dollars."

"Isn't that a good deal?"

"In proportion to the value of my stock, it is, but I keep turning it
over. Last year, after paying rent and all expenses, including wages
to a boy of seventeen, who assisted me, I cleared two thousand
dollars."

To Paul this seemed considerable. It would be a great improvement upon
his present position, and he would enjoy much more being the owner of
a store than of a street stand. But where would he get the money?

"Couldn't you take less than a thousand dollars down?" he asked.

The man shook his head.

"I need that amount at once," he said. "You had better accept my
terms. You can't do better. Can't you raise the money somewhere?"

"I will see," said Paul.

He had thought of Mr. Preston. He knew that Mr. Preston was his
friend, and that he was fully able to assist him. He would go and see
him, and consult him about the matter, not directly asking him for
help, but giving him an opportunity to offer.

"I will come back to-morrow and give you my answer," he said.

"Come to-night, if you can."

"Very well, I will, if possible."

Paul was fortunate enough to find Mr. Preston in.

"Good-morning, Paul," said the merchant, pleasantly; "what can I do
for you this morning?"

"I want to consult you on a matter of business, Mr. Preston."

"I shall be glad to advise you as well as I can."

Hereupon Paul explained the matter, first displaying the
advertisement.

"Do you think the shop favorably situated for business?" asked Mr.
Preston.

"Yes, sir."

"Is it pretty well stocked?"

"Yes, sir. If I had it I might want to increase the stock a little."

"So the man asks a thousand dollars cash?"

"Yes, sir."

"How much money have you?"

"Six hundred."

"Well, Paul, I think favorably of your plan. If you want to take the
shop, I will lend you the money you need, and stand security for the
remainder."

"Thank you, sir," said Paul, joyfully.

"Wait a minute till you hear my conditions. This is strictly a
business arrangement between us. I expect you to pay me interest