“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.”