came out here and got it. Well, the advice
proved good. I am strong and robust, and I feel enterprising. Now, what I
propose is this: 'I will open a store, and put the boy in charge under
me.'"

"I should like it," said Ernest eagerly.

"You know what we pay for supplies. There's at least a hundred per cent.
made, and no one objects to the prices. Why shouldn't we make it as well
as the Sacramento storekeepers?"

"True!" said Luke.

"I don't ask you to work for me, my friend, for I don't think it would
suit you."

"It wouldn't. At home--that's in Oak Forks, Iowa--I was a hunter. I was
always in the open air. The sort of life we live here suits me, though I
haven't made much money as yet."

"The boy, I think, would do. He looks like a hustler. I need only look at
his face to know that he'd be honest and faithful. What is your name,
boy?"

"Ernest Ray."

"That's a good name. You'll only have to live up to it--to the first part
of it, I mean. Then you accept my offer?"

"You haven't made any," said Ernest, smiling.

"Oh, you mean about wages. Well, I don't offer any stated wages. I will
give you one-third profits, and then your pay will depend on your success.
The fact is, you are to keep the store."

Ernest looked an inquiry.

"One person can attend to it by day. I will come in the evening, and take
a general look after things. Just at first I'll stay with you till you've
got the hang of things. But during the day I shall be looking after my
claims. Do you know how to keep books?"

"I understand single-entry bookkeeping."

"That will be all you will require."

"How soon shall you start?" asked Ernest, who began to feel very much
interested.

"I will go to Sacramento to-morrow, now that we have come to terms. You
know that frame building near Ashton's cabin?"

"Yes."

"I don't know what it was originally used for, but it is empty and I can
secure it for our store. It isn't large, but it will hold all we need."

"Yes, that will do."

"You haven't said how you like my offer."

"Of one-third profits? I like it better than if you paid me wages. I will
make it amount to a good deal."

"That will suit me. I don't care how much you make out of it, for I shall
make twice as much."

"How did you happen to think of me?"

"I've watched you ever since you came. I can judge of anyone, man or boy,
if I have time enough to take stock of him. I saw that you were just the
man for me."

"Boy," suggested E