Part 54 (1/2)

”And you don't think of starving yet, eh, Andy?”

”I'll wait a bit. But why didn't I know before?”

”Sit down, and I'll tell you all about it.”

So Andy heard the account, which need not be repeated.

”Now,” continued the doctor, ”I'll tell you what plan I have for you.

Mr. Graves wants to take a boy into his store who will buy an interest in the business and become his partner. He thinks well of you, and is willing to take you. What do you say?”

”I'll do whatever you think best, doctor.”

”Then I think this is a good opening for you. Mr. Graves wants to retire from business before long. Probably by the time you are twenty-one he will leave everything in your hands. You will be paid weekly wages and perhaps be ent.i.tled to a portion of the profits--more than enough to support you all comfortably. What do you say? Shall we have a new firm in the village?

”GRAVES & BURKE.”

Andy's eyes sparkled with proud antic.i.p.ation. It was so far above any dream he had ever formed.

”It's what I'd like above all things,” he said. ”Oh, what will mother say? I must go and tell her.”