"I see the difficulty, sir."
"I will come to the point. Do you think you could go to Tacoma, look carefully over the ground, and secure desirable lots for me?"
"I think I could, sir, under instructions from you."
"That is what I had in view when I said I wished you were older."
"You could, at any rate, rely upon my faithfully carrying out your instructions."
"I am sure of that, and I also have considerable confidence in your good judgment. At any rate, I will take the risk. What day is to-day?"
"Thursday."
"Make preparations to start on Monday. Can you do so?"
"Yes, sir."
Andy felt a thrill of delight at the prospect held out to him. He had always felt a strong desire to see the great West, but had realized that he should probably have to wait a good many years before his wish was gratified. It had been a dream, but now his dream bade fair to become actuality.