"I've speculated."
"On what?"
"On mines. So far, they've turned out badly. I'm involved in a heavy outlay. At first the affair seemed certain. It may turn out all right now, I don't know, but I tell you I'm neck deep—neck deep. I can hold on for a year or so, and you must get Naomi's money, or I'm done for."
"But you've got her money?"
"Yes, and, as her guardian, I'll have to give an account of it."
"Look here, father, tell me all about it. I don't like acting in the dark. How and why did Naomi come to Pennington, and what is the true condition of affairs? I want to know."
"Another time, Nick."
"No, now."
"Very well, I may as well tell you now."