“Why, Jack!” exclaimed Herbert. “Do you know what that means? It means that I should be rich—that my mother could move into a nicer house, that we could live at ease for the rest of our lives.”
“Would twelve thousand dollars do all that?”
“No; but it would give me a fund that would establish me in business, and relieve me of all anxiety. Jack, it's too bright to be real.”
“We may not be able to sell the mine at that figure, Herbert. Don't let us count our chickens before they are hatched, or we may be disappointed. I'm as willin' to keep the mine as to sell it.”
“Jack, here is Mr. Compton coming,” said Herbert.
The capitalist paused, and addressing Herbert, said:
“Have you anything to do with the mine, my lad?”
“I am half owner,” answered Herbert, promptly, and not without pride.
“Who is the other half owner?”
“Mr. Holden,” answered Herbert, pointing out Jack.