“You've figured it out right, my lad,” said his partner.
“That would leave me twelve thousand after I have paid up Mr. Melville for the sum I paid in the beginning.”
“Why, Jack!” exclaimed Herbert. “Do you know what that means? It means that I should be rich--that my mother could move into a nicer house, that we could live at ease for the rest of our lives.”
“Would twelve thousand dollars do all that?”
“No; but it would give me a fund that would establish me in business, and relieve me of all anxiety. Jack, it's too bright to be real.”
“We may not be able to sell the mine at that figure, Herbert. Don't let us count our chickens before they are hatched, or we may be disappointed. I'm as willin' to keep the mine as to sell it.”
“Jack, here is Mr. Compton coming,” said Herbert.
The capitalist paused, and addressing Herbert, said:
“Have you anything to do with the mine, my lad?”
“I am half owner,” answered Herbert, promptly, and not without pride.
“Mr. Holden,” answered Herbert, pointing out Jack.
Possibly the fact that this mine alone had not been pressed upon him for purchase, predisposed Mr. Compton to regard it with favor. Every facility was offered him, and Jack Holden, who thoroughly understood his business, gave him the necessary explanations.
After an hour spent in the examination, Mr. Compton came to business.
Jack Holden wasted no words in praising the mine, and this produced a favorable impression on the capitalist with whom he was dealing.
Herbert found it difficult to realize that these few words had made him a rich boy. He remained silent, but in his heart he was deeply thankful, not so much for himself, as because he knew that he was now able to rejoice his mother's heart, and relieve her from all pecuniary cares or anxieties.
“You've made a good bargain, sir, if I do say it,” said Jack Holden. “For my own part, I wasn't so particular about selling the mine, but my young partner here is differently placed, and the money will come handy to him.”
“You are rather young for a mine owner,” said Mr. Compton, regarding Herbert with some curiosity.
“Yes, sir; I believe I am the youngest mine owner here.”
“Only temporarily, sir. I came here with a friend whose lungs are weak.”
“When you do, come to see me. I am a commission merchant in Boston. If it is your intention to follow a business life, I may be able to find you a place.”
