“Is the stock any good?” asked Bart quickly.
“I think Mr. Wilding can answer that,” and Mr. Ricka showed the bank cashier some certificates.
“That’s as good as gold,” replied Mr. Wilding.
“Will you boys accept it?” asked the oil man. “It isn’t stock in these new wells, but in some long established ones.”
The boys and Mr. Wilding consulted together for a moment. The boys were only too willing to call the matter square on that basis, and the cashier gave his consent to the deal, as regarded his own son, after demanding that Mr. Ricka also pay the reward, which was done. The other chums were sure their relatives would not object.
“Now that is settled, come and see the first well we have sunk,” suggested Mr. Ricka. “It is not finished, but we know it is going to be a success, for we have tested it.”
He led the way to a little clearing beyond the big one. In front of the cabin was some curious machinery. There were a number of tanks and barrels, which smelled strongly of oil.
“Did you connect the dynamo?” asked Mr. Ricka of Captain Needham.
“Yes, just before I left the barge.”