“Nathaniel Wilson.”
“What do you think of that, Chester?” asked Edward, in a troubled voice.
“I think it very important. Your mother’s life and your interests both are in peril.”
“And the worst of it is that I am helpless,” said Edward, sadly. “I ought to go out there, but you know how small my salary is. It has required the utmost economy to live, and I haven’t as much as five dollars saved up. How can I make such a long and costly journey?”
“I see the difficulty, Edward, but I need time to think it over. To-morrow afternoon come in and I may have some advice to give you.”
“I know that you will advise me for the best, Chester.”
“There is a good deal in age and experience,” said Chester, smiling.
When Edward left the room Chester took from his pocket a letter received the day previous, and postmarked Tacoma. It was to this effect:
“Mr. Chester Rand.
“Dear Sir: We learn that you own five lots on Main Street, numbered from 201 to 205. We have inquiries as to three of those lots as a location for a new hotel, which it is proposed to erect at an early date. We are, therefore, led to ask whether you are disposed to sell, and, if so, on what terms. We should be glad to have a personal interview with you, but if it is impracticable or inconvenient for you to come on to Tacoma we will undertake, as your agents, to carry on the negotiations.