"I don't think there is anything more to be said," replied Mr. Weston; "of course you will come in whenever you are passing this way to see how matters are going?"
"Oh yes," and the man started towards the door; "I'll see that everything goes on smoothly, although I have no doubt but that the new proprietors will get along all right. The goods are all marked at the selling price, and there can hardly be any mistake made."
Then the man went out, and they were left alone in the store, which, to say the least, seemed a very strange proceeding to Ben and Johnny.
"Well, boys, what do you think of the store?" asked Mr. Weston; and as they hardly knew what reply to make, he added, "I hope you will like it, for I think you can make considerable money here."
"We make money here?" asked Ben, in surprise.
"Yes, for it all belongs to you. I bought the stock in your name, with myself as trustee, since minors can't hold property, and the rent is paid for one year. You must be careful to keep the stock well up with good, seasonable articles, and if you work hard there is no reason why you should not have a good-sized bank account by the end of the year."
[Illustration: BEN AND JOHNNY ALONE IN THE NEW STORE.]
The boys looked at each other and then at Mr. Weston, but appeared unable to understand what he meant. It did not seem possible that all those goods were theirs, and they were quite sure that they had misunderstood what he said, or that he was not speaking to them.
"All of these goods are yours--Paul's present to you for your kindness to him. I guess you will understand it after a while, and we will come back presently, after you feel perfectly sure about the proprietorship."
Then Paul and his father went out, leaving the two owners to stand looking at each other as if they were uncertain as to their own identity. It was some moments before they spoke after they were alone, and then Johnny went near the door and stood on his head, in a grave, business-like manner, until his face was as red as a boiled beet. After this feat had been accomplished he appeared to feel considerably relieved, and he said, as he went close up to Ben,
"Do you s'pose he meant jest what he said?"
"He must have meant it," replied Ben; but the look on his face told that even then he was uncertain about it.