“Yes, father, home again!” was the glad response; and a moment later father and son were in each other’s arms.
“I did not write or telegraph because I wanted to surprise you,” said the boy. “How do you feel?” And then, noticing Dr. Tangus, “Excuse me, Doctor, I did not see you before. How do you do?” and he held out his hand.
Dr. Tangus took it coldly.
“So you are back from your wild trip,” he remarked.
“Yes, sir; and glad of it.”
“Dr. Tangus has just called for his money,” put in Mr. Bright. “He says he must be paid at once or he will go to law. Tell me the worst, my boy.”
“There is no worst to tell,” replied Oliver. “Dr. Tangus shall be paid whenever he wishes the money. The Aurora mine has been located, and is to-day worth one hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars.”
“Oliver!”
“It is true, father, every word of it. Here are the papers to prove the fact.” And the boy drew from his pocket a large envelope and handed it over.
“And your father owns an interest in this mine?” asked Dr. Tangus. He felt mighty cheap.