carried on in my absence; but it is very hard to obtain a person
in whom I could confide."

"If I were as good a manager as some," said Mrs. Frost, with a
smile, "I would offer to be your farmer; but I am afraid that,
though my intentions would be the best, things would go on badly
under my administration."

"You have enough to do in the house, Mary," said her husband. "I
should not wish you to undertake the additional responsibility,
even if you were thoroughly competent. I am afraid I shall have
to give up the idea of going."

Mr. Frost took up the evening paper. Frank continued to look
thoughtfully into the fire, as if revolving something in his
mind. Finally he rose, and lighting a candle went up to bed. But
he did not go to sleep for some time. A plan had occurred to him,
and he was considering its feasibility.

"I think I could do it," he said, at last, turning over and
composing himself to sleep. "I'll speak to father the first thing
to-morrow morning."



CHAPTER IV. FRANK MAKES A PROPOSITION

When Frank woke the next morning the sun was shining into his
window. He rubbed his eyes and tried to think what it was that
occupied his mind the night before. It came to him in a moment,