"Now I want you to go out and form a judgment as to the man's motives, and get an idea of the real value of the mine."
"But, sir, I don't know anything about mines."
"Very true. Still you have good common sense, and can institute inquiries without exciting suspicion. No one would suppose I would select as my agent a boy of sixteen."
"Perhaps it is rash," said Paul.
"Nine out of ten would say so, but somehow I have more confidence in you than in many men, and I believe you would serve me faithfully."
"You are right there, sir, at any rate."
"Now as to the compensation. Will twenty-five dollars a week and your traveling expenses content you?"
"Twenty-five dollars!" ejaculated Paul. "Are you in earnest?"
"Quite so. Paul, I don't pay you according to your age, but according to the nature of your work, and twenty-five dollars a week is not too much. Now, when can you start?"
"Day after to-morrow, sir."