as I sell these cattle I've rounded up, and until I can add to this sum
sufficient to lift the mortgage you hold, it scarcely seems prudent to
permit my funds to repose in the First National Bank of El Toro without
drawing interest."

"We'll give you two and one-half per cent. on the account, Farrel."

"Not enough. I want it to earn six or seven per cent. and it occurred
to me that I might invest it in some good securities which I could
dispose of at a moment's notice, whenever I needed the money. The
possibility of a profit on the deal has even occurred to me."

Parker smiled humorously. "And you come to me for advice? Why, boy,
I'm your financial enemy."

"My dear Mr. Parker, I am unalterably opposed to you on the Japanese
colonization scheme and I shall do my best to rob you of the profit you
plan to make at my expense, but personally I find you a singularly
agreeable man. I know you will never resign a business advantage, but,
on the other hand, I think that if I ask you for advice as to a
profitable investment for my pitiful little fortune, you will not be
base enough to advise me to my financial detriment. I trust you. Am I
not banking with your bank?"

"Thank you, Farrel, for that vote of confidence. You possess a truly
sporting attitude in business affairs and I like you for it; I like any
man who can take his beating and smile. Yes, I am willing to advise an
investment. I know of a dozen splendid securities that I can
conscientiously recommend as a safe investment, although, in the event
of the inevitable settlement that must follow the war and our national