"How is your property invested, if you don't mind telling me?"
"I have some mines over in the next county. I have been too ill to look after them. I will send you soon in my place."
"I will do as well as I can, Mr. Nixon; but I wish I were older."
"You are a smart boy. I am sure you will be able to do all that is required."
The next morning Gerald went over to Joe Loche's store. He had already learned that Joe was the principal business man in the place. Besides his store team he had an extra horse and wagon, which he let out to any one who needed to hire. He readily agreed to let Gerald have it.
"Where are you going?" he asked.
"To Fairfield," answered Gerald. "Is the way easy to find?"
"Yes; it is a straight road."
"I want to visit the bank. I shall take over a thousand dollars in gold belonging to Mr. Nixon."
"Aye, it will be better in the bank than in his house. Are you related to the old man?"