“It is money-matters, then, father, that makes you say that I must change my plans; must give up thinking of going to college, and all that?” faltered Oliver.
“[Yes, Oliver, alas!] yes.” Mr. Bright heaved a deep sigh. “[I am ruined]; I am not worth a dollar in the world!” he added.
[“Yes, Oliver, alas! I am ruined.”]
CHAPTER II.
THE STORY OF THE AURORA MINE.
Oliver Bright was greatly astonished by his father’s disclosure. There had been nothing said or done heretofore to indicate that Mr. Arthur Bright was on the brink of financial disaster. The two had lived in exceedingly comfortable, if not elegant, style, and the boy was granted every reasonable desire.
“You are ruined?” he repeated, with eyes wide open at the announcement.
“Yes, Oliver, completely ruined. This very roof that shelters us is no longer my own.”
“And is there no hope?”