"What news do you hear of the mine?" he heard the elderly man ask.
"Excellent," answered Uncle Jacob. "It has gone up five points within two weeks. The output is steadily increasing."
"Do you know anything of it from your own knowledge?"
"Certainly; I ought to, for I was myself its discoverer."
This rather surprised Bert.
"It was a rich find," continued Uncle Jacob, "and I have no hesitation in putting it on the New York market."
"There are so many wild-cat mines, you know, that a man needs to be very cautious."
"Quite true. In such mines it is only the men who capitalize them who make money. I would not lend myself to any such scheme of deception. I have a reputation to sustain, and I value that more than money. Our mine has found favor with some of the most conservative investors in the city." Here Uncle Jacob mentioned several names, so prominent that they were familiar to Bert, country boy though he was.
"You may put me down for five hundred shares," said the elderly man, apparently convinced. "I will send you round a check to-morrow. To whom shall I make it payable?"
"To me."