Again Chester smiled.
“I have spent over a year in the city, mother,” he said. “I have got along pretty well in the last twelve months, haven’t I?”
“Yes; but suppose you were to fall sick, with no one to look after you?”
“I didn’t tell you that I am going to have company. Edward Granger, who was born in Oregon, and is three years older than myself, will go with me.”
“Then I shall feel easier. He knows the way, and can look after you.”
Chester was secretly of opinion that he was more competent to look after Edward, but did not say so. He saw that his mother was easier in mind, and this relieved him.
Before he started from New York he called to see Mr. Fairchild. On Fourteenth Street he fell in with Felix Gordon.
“How are you getting along, Felix?” he asked.
“Pretty well. Mr. Fairchild has raised me to six dollars a week.”
“I am glad of it. That shows he is satisfied with you.”