Here the scientist called him in, and locking the door, sat down on the bed and looked at him.
"Young and strong, and honest, you should become rich in this country, where honest men are so scarce," he said kindly. "Herr Sydney, or rather do I call you Dick, for you are young enough to be my son, you heard what I told the agent? Well, I go to Johannesburg in a few hours, but I shall come back, I am sure, though whether the company sends me straight back, or whether they await the expiration of the syndicate's lease, I cannot say, financiers do strange things, and who knows what they will do?"
"But when I come, you go too, and there will be an opportunity for you such as few men have. You will know for certain beforehand where the stones lie rich, you can purchase shares as soon as flotation is effected, knowing well they will become valuable, you can make your fortune."
"But I have no money," said Dick, "my cheque won't last long."
"You see that box," asked the professor, pointing to a certain black, padlocked trunk amongst his baggage.
"I haven't forgotten it," said Dick feelingly.
"Well, the wherewithal to pave your way to fortune lies in that."
"Snakes!" exclaimed Dick, with a lively recollection of the last time that box had been opened.
The professor moved towards it. Dick moved towards the door.
"Wait, man, wait!" said the professor. "But they are harmless."