“While a daily paper is not appropriate in Millville, a weekly paper, distributed throughout Chazy County, would not only be desirable but could be made to pay an excellent yearly profit.  Through the enterprise of Joe Wegg, Millville is destined to grow rapidly from this time on, and Chazy County is populous enough to support a good weekly paper, in any event.  Therefore, my proposition is this:  To turn the plant over to Mr. and Mrs. Thursday Smith, who will change the name to the Millville Weekly Tribune and run it as a permanent institution.  Your only expense for labor will be one assistant to set type and do odd jobs, since you are so competent that you can attend to all else yourselves.  We will cut out the expensive news service we have heretofore indulged in and dispense with the private telegraph wire.  Joe Wegg says he’ll furnish you with what power you need free of all charge, because the paper will boost Millville’s interests, with which his own interests are identified.  Now, then, tell me what you think of my proposal.”

Hetty and Thursday had listened attentively and their faces proved they were enthusiastic over the idea.  They said at once they would be glad to undertake the proposition.

“However,” said Thursday, after a little reflection, “there are two things that might render our acceptance impossible.  I suppose you will require rent for the outfit; but for a time, until we get well started, we could not afford to pay as much as you have a right to demand.”

“I have settled on my demands,” replied Mr. Merrick, “and hope you will agree to them.  You must pay me for the use of the outfit twenty per cent of your net profits, over and above all your operating and living expenses.  When this sum has reimbursed me for my investment, the outfit will belong to you.”

Thursday Smith looked his amazement.

“That seems hardly business-like, sir,” he protested.

“You are right; but this isn’t entirely a business deal.  You are saving my nieces the humiliation of suspending the paper they established and have labored on so lovingly.  Moreover, I regard you and Hetty as friends whom I am glad to put in the way of a modest but—­I venture to predict—­a successful business career.  What is your second objection?”

“I heard Mr. West say the other day that he would soon need the building we occupy to store his farm machinery in.”

“True; but I have anticipated that.  I have completed plans for the erection of a new building for the newspaper, which will be located on the vacant lot next to the hotel.  I purchased the lot a long time ago.  The new building, for which the lumber is already ordered, will be a better one than the shed we are now in, and on the second floor I intend to have a cozy suite of rooms where you and Hetty can make a home of your own.  Eh?  How does that strike you, my children?”

Their faces were full of wonder and delight.