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 the leader of the expedition, and gave that young man his attention.

"My partner has been telling me about the store," Sam began boldly. "It isn't exactly what we want, but we might be able to use it. If we take the place, when does the rent start?"

"The day the store becomes vacant." Mr. Plecktoff was watching him narrowly.

"But we won't be able to start business for three weeks. We'll pay rent from the first of next month."

The real estate agent's fingers tapped his knees faster. "Impossible! I can't have one of my properties bringing in no revenue. I must pay taxes and I must make a living."

"And we can't pay rent for a store until it brings us a revenue. We haven't the capital," Sam said bluntly. "Do we pay from the first of next month?"

"I cannot do it."

"Then we can't do business. We'll look around for something else. If we can find a better bargain we'll take that. If not, we'll come back here just before we're ready to open."

"A man was in to-day inquiring about that store. If you wait you'll lose it."

"Oh, no, I won't," said Sam. "I was the one who was asking about it. I wasn't sure whether my partner would be in to see you."

Mr. Plecktoff's expression showed that some of