“No, sir,” said Will sadly, “I don’t think it would.”
“Then suppose I spent two hundred and fifty pounds in a boat and nets. Come, that ought to set you up for life.” Will was silent.
“You like that idea?” The lad shook his head.
“Then look here, Marion,” said Mr Temple. “Suppose I say to you, I am going to open out and work that vein at once, will you come and help me, and I’ll give you five shillings a week?”
“Yes, sir, I’ll come,” cried Will, with his eyes sparkling; “I’ll work so hard for you, I will indeed.”
“I know you will, my lad,” said Mr Temple, shaking hands with him warmly.
“And you will take me, sir?” said Will excitedly.
“Certainly I will, but not on such terms as that. My good lad, there is honesty in the world, though sometimes it is rather hard to find. Look here. You helped me to the discovery, but it was useless without capital. I found the capital, and so I consider that I and mine have a right to the lion’s share. I have worked out my plans, and they are these. We will divide the adventure into four parts, which shall be divided as follows, one part to you, and one each to me and my sons. The only difference will be that you will get your part, and I shall keep Arthur’s and Dick’s along with mine. Do you think that fair?”
“No!” cried Dick, giving the table a thump with his fist.
“Till my boys come of age and are men,” said Mr Temple smiling. “Then they can draw their shares. I think it is a fair arrangement. Come, Marion, what do you say?”