"I must see what I can do for you," said Paul Morton, who was quite prepared for the communication which had been made him. "Last evening I did not see any way clear, but a plan has since then occurred to me. But it is necessary that I should first know a little more about you. Have you ever been in the West?"
"Yes, sir, I was born in Indiana."
"Then you have some acquaintance about there?"
"Yes, sir," said the clerk, wondering what was coming.
"How would you like to buy out a drug-shop in some prosperous Western town? As a proprietor the business might be more agreeable to you than as a clerk."
"Yes, sir, it would," said the clerk, brightening up. The prospect of a business of his own struck him favorably.
"But I have no money," he added.
"That matter could be arranged," said the merchant. "Of course I cannot pay except for services rendered, but I have a charge to intrust you with."
James Cromwell awaited with interest and curiosity what should be said next.
Paul Morton continued: