“It was my intention when I started West to live very much as you indicated,” said Melville. “Now that I have heard your experience, I am confirmed in my resolve.”
“Good! I am glad to hear it. When do you leave Chicago?”
“To-morrow, probably.”
“And how far West do you intend to go?”
“I have thought of Colorado.”
“Couldn't do better. I know Colorado like a book. In fact, I own some valuable mining property there, up in—ahem! Gilpin County. By the way—I take it you are a rich man—why don't you invest in that way? Perhaps, however, you have it in view?”
“No, I haven't thought of it,” answered Melville. “The fact is, I am not anxious to become richer, having enough for all my present needs.”
“Just so,” said the colonel. “But you might marry.”
“Even if I did—”
“You would have money enough,” said Col. Warner, finishing the sentence for him. “Well, I am delighted to hear it. I am very well fixed myself—in fact, some of my friends call me, ha! ha!—the nabob. But, as I was saying I am rich enough and to spare, and still—you may be surprised—still I have no objection to making a little more money.”