"I'm glad we didn't take vacations," said Perner; "we'll enjoy them so much more next year, when we can go in style."
Livingstone said nothing, and his face had saddened. Presently one of the girls from below entered with a letter. It was postmarked at Chicago, and they recognized Barrifield's handwriting. It was addressed to Perner. He read it aloud:
"Dear Perny and All: You will have things fairly under way by the time you get this, and we will be already as good as millionaires.
"Humph! Yes," commented Perner. "Better than some millionaires, I hope!
"The subscriptions will be pouring in—"
"See 'em pour!" interrupted Van Dorn.
"and the premiums going out in a steady stream."
At this there was a general yell and another fit of laughter.
"I am sorry," the letter continued, "that we adopted that watch, however, for I have found a much better one here, and have got on the 'inside.' I have sent on a number of them, which you can use where people call in person for their premiums."