friend, who had his interest deeply at heart. All his views in
regard to business were freely communicated; and he rested upon the
suggestions of Dalton with the confidence of one who believed that
he had met a friend, not only fully competent to advise aright, but
thoroughly unselfish in all his feelings.

Dalton possessed a large amount of business information, and was,
therefore, the very man for Eldridge; particularly as he was
communicative. In conversation, the latter obtained a great deal of
information on subjects especially interesting to one who looked
forward to engaging in some branch of trade for himself. One evening
the two men sat conversing about business, as usual, when Eldridge
said:

"It is time I was making some move for myself; but, for my life, I
can't come to any decision as to what I shall do."

"It is better for a young man, if he can do so, to connect himself
with some established house," replied Dalton to this. "It takes time
to make a new business, and not unfrequently a very long time."

"I am aware of that; but I see no opportunity for an arrangement of
the kind."

"How much capital can you furnish?"

"Ten thousand dollars."

"That's very good, and ought to enable you to make an arrangement
somewhere. I don't know but I might be willing to give you an