CHAPTER XX.
A BUSINESS TRANSACTION.
Ferdinand found life at the farm-house rather slow, nor did he particularly enjoy the society of the spinster whom he called aunt.
But he was playing for a valuable stake, and meant to play out his game.
"Strike while the iron is hot!" said he to himself; "That's a good rule; but how shall I know when it is hot?
However, I must risk something, and take my chances with the old lady." Aunt Deborah herself hastened his action.

Her curiosity had been aroused by Ferdinand's intimation that he wished her advice on a matter of business, and the next morning, after breakfast, she said, "Ferdinand, what was that you wanted to consult me about?
You may as well tell me now as any time." "Here goes, then!" thought the young man.
"I'll tell you, aunt.

You know I am offered a large salary in San Francisco ?" "Yes, you told me so." "And, as you said the other day, I can lay up half my salary, and in time become a rich man." "To be sure you can." "But there is one difficulty in the way." "What is that ?" "I must go out there." "Of course you must," said the old lady, who did not yet see the point.
"And unfortunately it costs considerable money." "Haven't you got enough money to pay your fare out there ?" "No, aunt; it is very expensive living in New York, and I was unable to save anything from my salary." "How much does it cost to go out there ?" "About two hundred and fifty dollars." "That's a good deal of money." "So it is; but it will be a great deal better to pay it than to lose so good a place." "I hope," said the old lady, sharply, "you don't expect me to pay your expenses out there." "My dear aunt," said Ferdinand, hastily, "how can you suspect such a thing ?" "Then what do you propose to do ?" asked the spinster, somewhat relieved.
"I wanted to ask your advice." "Sell your ring.

It's worth over six hundred dollars." "Very true; but I should hardly like to part with it.

I'll tell you what I have thought of.