It had gone very badly.

At the end of the first quarter there came the proper remittance,--then half the amount,--then there was a long interval without anything; then some dropping payments now and again;--and then a twelvemonth without anything.

At the end of that twelvemonth he paid a second visit to California, having borrowed money from Roger for his journey.

He had now again returned, with some little cash in hand, and with the additional security of a deed executed in his favour by one Hamilton K.Fisker, who had gone into partnership with his uncle, and who had added a vast flour-mill to his uncle's concerns.

In accordance with this deed he was to get twelve per cent.