"Just as much as I owe myself, sir. Surely not more."
"Then pay your obligation to me first, and you can do as you please afterward."
"All right. That's fair."
His mother, who sat beside him silently holding his hand, hugged him again, and even Mr. Everton seemed pleased by the frank answer.
"You jeered at the business once, and called it a—a fake!" resumed the elder man, somewhat bitterly; "but it's nothing of the sort. Every one of the Everton Remedies is prepared according to the formula of a skillful physician, and they've helped lots of suffering people. Is not my name highly respected? Answer me!"
"I think it is."
"Very well. You shall be my assistant and have an interest in the business. I'll allow you ten thousand a year."
"Good!" said Jim, brightening suddenly. "Then I can get married."
"Oh, Jim!" cried his mother.
"To whom, sir?" asked his father.