It took no sagacity to foresee that the land would rise in value
rapidly, especially after the Northern Pacific Railroad was completed.

In the afternoon, feeling tired, he sat in his room and read a book he
had picked up at a periodical store--a book treating of the great
Northwest. The partitions were thin, and noises in the adjoining room
were easily audible.

His attention was drawn to a sound of coughing, and a groan indicating
pain. It was evident that the next apartment was occupied by a sick man.

Andy's sympathies were excited. It seemed to be a forlorn position to be
sick and without attention in this remote quarter. After a moment's
hesitation he left his own room and knocked at the other door.

"Come in!" was the reply, in a hollow voice.

Andy opened the door and entered.

On the bed lay a man, advanced in years, with hollow cheeks and every
appearance of serious illness.

"I am afraid you are very sick," said Andy, gently.

"Yes; I have an attack of grip. I am afraid I will have to pass in my
checks."

"Oh, it isn't as bad as that," said Andy, in a reassuring tone. "Have
you no one to take care of you?"