of novelty and adventure. No ambitious boy can afford it."
"But I have a longing for the wild ranch life," said Nelson earnestly.
"All right, then do your duty to those at home, earn a good start here, where you have friends to help you, and begin with a ranch of your own. When I have made enough money, I would like to run a ranch myself. But I want to own it. I want to make a business investment—not fun and frolic—out of it."
"All right, I'll be on hand in the morning," promised Nelson.
"I have been saving a surprise for you, Frank, said his mother, as he rejoined her about nine o'clock. "What do you think? Your friend, Mr. Gregson, insisted on leaving you twenty-five dollars."
"Oh, that won't do at all!" cried Frank instantly.
"The professor, who was with him. Insisted that it must. Besides, they left all sorts of kind regards for you."
Frank's was a truly grateful heart. It had been a splendid day for him. He took up a lamp and went downstairs, whistling happily.
"There's a lot of work to do here," he said, go-
