“Since you own property in our neighborhood, Mr. Rand,” said Prof. Nugent, “why don’t you make us a visit?”
“I hope to some day when I can afford it,” replied Chester, “but I didn’t know till you told me just now that my lots were worth more than a trifle.”
“If ever you do come, don’t forget to call on me at the university. It is located in Salem, Oregon. I may be able to take a trip to Tacoma with you.”
“Thank you, sir. I should like nothing better.”
The next afternoon Chester chanced to enter the Fifth Avenue Hotel. He went through the corridor and into the reading room to buy a paper. What was his surprise to see his recent acquaintance, Paul Perkins, sitting in an armchair, reading a Minneapolis journal.
“Why, Chester!” exclaimed Mr. Perkins, cordially, as he rose and shook Chester’s hand vigorously. “It does my heart good to see you. I was intending to call at your office to-morrow.”
“You wouldn’t have found me, Mr. Perkins.”
“How is that?”
“I have been discharged.”
“By that rascal, Mullins? It’s a shame. I must see if I can’t find you another position.”