It occurred to him as a good plan to buy out the business himself, hire Kirk on a salary to conduct it, and so add considerably to his already handsome income.

He sent for Kirk, ascertained that he was not only willing, but anxious, to manage the business, and then he called on Mr.Crawford.
It is unnecessary to detail the negotiations that ensued.

It was Squire Davenport's wish to obtain the business as cheaply as possible.
The storekeeper, however, had his own estimate of its worth, and the squire was obliged to add considerable to his first offer.

In the end, however, he secured it on advantageous terms, and Mr.Crawford now felt able to carry out the plan he had long had in view.
It was in the evening, a week after the fire, that the bargain was struck, and Ben was one of the first to hear of it.
When he came to work early the next morning he found his employer in the store before him, which was not usual.
"You are early, Mr.Crawford," he said, in evident surprise.
"Yes, Ben," was the reply.

"I can afford to come early for a morning or two, as I shall soon be out of business." "You haven't sold out, have you ?" inquired Ben quickly.
"Yes; the bargain was struck last evening." "How soon do you leave the store ?" "In three days.