“Very well,” said Frank, “we will all meet there say at eleven o’clock.” Then Frank had gone on his way to report at the empty store half an hour earlier than he expected. He found his chums and Ben Jolly anxiously awaiting him. Vincent had remained with the horse and wagon at the barn. There were some old chairs at the rear of the vacant building, and Mr. Morton invited them to make free use of them. It was quite a business conclave that grouped together while Frank told his story. It was clear and simple. Mrs. Carrington had instructed her attorney to advance up to one thousand dollars to Frank and his friends as needed. “I insisted that we give the lady a bill of sale of all our belongings as security,” explained Frank. “The lawyer laughed at me. ‘You don’t know a good thing when you see it,’ he said. ‘Perhaps not,’ I told him; ‘but I know an honorable way to protect those who have confidence in me, as far as I can.’ Well, anyhow, I made him write out a memorandum of the whole transaction and signed a bill of sale. Was I going too fast in setting myself up as the one man of this very enterprising firm? I hope I did exactly right.” And then followed the hearty sanction of Jolly and the boys to all Frank had done. “I’m only a sort of drifter-in,” observed Jolly, “so what I say is only out of friendly interest. I would advise that just one of the firm take the responsibility, if he’s willing, on the lease and in all business dealings. It simplifies things, you see.” “It’s got to be Frank, then,” spoke Randy. “It will always be Frank,” echoed Pep. “He’s the brains of the business; isn’t he?” “I don’t like the way you put it as to your being a drifter-in, as you call it, Mr. Jolly,” said Frank. “If it wasn’t for you I am afraid the Fairlands venture wouldn’t have amounted to much.” “Sho!” derided Jolly modestly. “It’s true. You had your way about that and drew just as little money as you could. Of course that was an experiment, and I let you have your own way. Now we are on a broader basis and I’m going to have mine.” “Are you?” challenged Jolly, with twinkling eyes. “Yes, sir, I am. I shall make a definite new deal all around.” “Will you?” said Jolly. “Don’t you doubt it. You’ve been a staunch, helpful friend and it’s equal partners, if we come to Seaside Park.” “That is, you think you are going to make a business man of me?” “You’ve been one all along,” vociferated Pep. “Why, that noise wagon idea alone——” “A freak,” interrupted Jolly, but Frank was resolute and it was settled that their interesting friend should have a quarter interest in the profits of the new venture. Frank called Mr. Morton into their confab. He explained to him precisely their plans and the extent of their capital.