With Mr. Webb was a man who nodded pleasantly but curiously to Andy. This was Joshua Bird. He was reported to be the richest man in Princeville, and dealt principally in real estate and had the reputation of being something of a miser.
Mr. Webb, holding Andy’s hand, turned to Mr. Bird.
“Well, sir, everything is satisfactory?” he asked.
“Entirely so,” answered Bird. “You’re putting a good deal of faith in a lad you scarcely know, though.”
“I’ll bank on my confidence,” answered Mr. Webb. “Nelson, you remember me, do you not?”
“Perfectly, sir, but I don’t understand.”
“My being here?” questioned Mr. Webb. “A purely selfish motive is at the bottom of it, I am free to confess, although I am glad to be of service to you on general principles. Are you ready to leave here at once?”
“Where for, sir?”
“An automobile dash across the country.”
“And then am I to return here?”