It was glorious news.
"Sure?" asked Mrs. Dare, with tears in her eyes.
"Positive, madam," replied Mr. Styles. "I will buy the claim for two thousand dollars if you need the money," he whispered.
"No, thank you; I can wait," she replied. "But I will pay you well for what you have done for us," she added hastily.
"Avast there!" cried the old sailor. "Tom and I are going to settle his claim. We're going to get our money in one month—two thousand dollars each!"
A little while later Frank drew Richard to one side.
"I've heard from Mr. Martin," he said. "Since his son died he has lost all interest in his business, and he wants to sell out and go back to his family in England."
"Sell out?" repeated Richard in surprise. "It would be a good chance for us."
"So I thought; a chance that may not happen again in a lifetime. He has been established twelve years, and has a good run of trade. Last year his sales amounted to twelve thousand dollars. The rent is only seven hundred dollars a year, and he has a three years' lease."
"How much does he ask?"