His only intimate friend--an honest, bluff old farmer named Will Thompson--was as childish regarding money matters as my father, but had a passion for investments, and induced my father to join some of his schemes.

Mr.Thompson's mind was somewhat erratic at times, but keen in some ways, nevertheless.

Fearing to trust his judgment entirely, my father chose to lean upon the wisdom and experience of a shrewd merchant of Millville, named Robert West." "The hardware dealer ?" asked Louise, impulsively.
"Yes; I see you have met him," replied Joseph Wegg, with a smile at the eager, pretty face of his visitor.

"Bob West was a prosperous man and very careful about his own investments; so he became a sort of business adviser to my father and Mr.Thompson, and arbitrated any differences of opinion they might have.

For several years, due to West's good offices, the two oddly mated friends were successful in their ventures, and added to their capital.