"What did you learn?"
"That a New York syndicate is trying to purchase the mine, and this has carried up the price of stock to two hundred and fifty dollars."
Mark's eyes sparkled.
"Why that would make mother's share worth fifty thousand dollars," he said.
"I advise you to take measures to secure your mother's rights as soon as you reach home. There is danger in delay."
"I certainly will follow your advice, Mr. Dempsey. Shall you hold on to your shares?"
"No. I think I will sell out. I have an offer from a man in Virginia City which I think I shall accept. The stock may go higher, but again it may go lower. My shares will bring twenty-five thousand dollars, and that will make a man like me rich."
"I wish I had control of mother's stock now," said Mark. "I could realize a price which would make her comfortable for life."
The sudden rise in the value of the Golden Hope shares was already known in New York. Mr. Talbot on receiving the intelligence called on his brokers, Crane & Lawton.
"Would you advise me to sell now, Mr. Crane?" he asked.