On the whole Paul was rather glad of that. It made Mr. Manson's momentary triumph less important.
"Now about your own affairs," said Mr. Bradford. "Are you willing to leave Chicago and travel West?"
"I would like it above all things, sir," said Paul, his eyes sparkling.
"I thought you would. Well, I am about to give you an important commission. Do you know where the Black Hills are situated?"
"Precisely. Well, I suppose you know that multitudes have flocked there in search of gold."
"I myself own half a mine there. It is known as the Blackstone. A man named Fox, who is resident at the mine, owns the other half, and its working is done under his direction. Now I have a shrewd suspicion that he is cheating me, taking advantage of my absence and probable inability to form any adequate judgment of the mine and its value."
"His continually writing discouraging accounts of the mine, expressing his great disappointment with it. In his last letter he winds up by saying that he is willing to give or take two thousand dollars for it, though it cost the two of us ten thousand."
"Doesn't he run a risk in making such an offer?"
"Yes, but he thinks I can't attend to it myself, and will sacrifice my interest readily, just to get rid of anxiety."
"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."
"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."
"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?"
"I was thinking how I could arrange about my mother, Mr. Bradford. She will need money while I am gone."
"She can call every Saturday at the office and collect what you thinks she needs. Shall it be ten dollars a week? If so, it can be deducted from your week's wages."