“Look here, Pendarve,” he said; “the weather is going to change, or I have one of my fever fits coming on, so I don’t want to be bothered. Look here, I joined you in this speculation, and it has turned out unfortunate. I trust you in every way, and I know that everything you have done is for the best. So just tell me in plain figures what is the amount of the deficit, and I will draw you a cheque for one-half. If it’s too big a pull, Joe, you will have to go to work, and I into a smaller house. Now, then, please let me know the worst.”
“Glad you take it so well,” said the Colonel, frowning, and coughing to clear his voice, while Mrs Pendarve looked very anxious, and the lads exchanged glances.
“Ahem!” coughed the Colonel again. “Well, sir, in spite of the very favourable returns made by the mine, our expenses in commencing, for machinery, and the months of barren preparation, we are only—”
“Will you tell me the worst?” cried the Major, angrily.
“I will,” said the Colonel; “the worst is, that after all we have paid and received, we now have standing in the bank the sum of twelve hundred pounds odd, which, being divided by two, means just over six hundred pounds apiece.”
“Loss?” cried the Major.
“Gain,” said the Colonel. “We worked the mine for the boys, so that money will just do for their preparation for the army, for they’re fitter for soldiers than miners after all.”
The Major had risen to his feet, and stood with his lips trembling.
“Am I dreaming?” he said.
“No, my dear old friend; very wide awake.”