"I will prepare a general letter of instructions and make such suggestions as may occur to me," continued Mr. Crawford. "I will excuse you from office work for the balance of the week, in order that you may make the necessary preparations."
As the Northern Pacific road was not completed, it was decided that Andy should go to San Francisco by the Union Pacific and Central Pacific roads, and take steamer thence to Puget Sound.
"You can stay in San Francisco three days," said Mr. Crawford, considerately. "It will give you a chance to rest and see the city."
On Monday Andy started on his long journey. He wrote a brief letter to his mother, as follows:
"DEAR MOTHER: I am going West on some business for Mr. Crawford. I
will write you on the way. You are at liberty to tell this to any
one in Arden, but I don't care to have the extent of my journey
known. You may think I am young for such a trip, but I have no
fears. The business is important, but it is simple, and I hope to
carry it through successfully.
In haste, your loving son,
ANDY."
However, Mrs. Grant was not the first one to hear of Andy's trip. It so happened that at the station Andy met Conrad Carter, who had just come into the city for a day.
"How do you happen to be here?" asked Conrad, in surprise.
"I am leaving the city."
"I suppose you are discharged and going home," remarked Conrad, loftily.
"No; I am going on some business for my employer."