"No; I still have half the money you gave me from Mr. Gilbert when you went away. Shall I give it back to you?"
"No, mother; keep it for current expenses. Mr. Gilbert gave me a check just now, but I don't know how much it is."
He opened the envelope and took out the check.
"It is for two hundred dollars!" he exclaimed. "Mother, we are growing rich. With the balance in my hands, which Mr. Gilbert told me to keep, I have two hundred and forty dollars."
"We have much to be thankful for, Mark. Compare our present state with three months since. Shall you go back to the telegraph office?"
"No; Mr. Gilbert will probably give me a place in his counting-room, but I shall wait a few days first. Is there any news?"
"Your uncle has been to see me again. He offered me five hundred dollars if I would sign a release to him as executor."
"You didn't do it?"
"No."
"I am glad. Mother, Uncle Solon is trying to swindle us out of a large sum. I heard about the Golden Hope mine when I was away. The shares are booming, and I shall to-morrow call on my friend the lawyer and request him to communicate with Mr. Talbot."