CHAPTER III.
FOSDICK'S FORTUNE.
Mr. Bates took from his pocket a memorandum book, and jotted down a few figures in it.
"As nearly as I can remember," he said, "it is four years since I ceased paying interest on the money which your father entrusted to me. The rate I agreed to pay was six per cent. How much will that amount to?"
"Principal and interest two thousand four hundred and eighty dollars," said Dick, promptly.
Fosdick's breath was almost taken away as he heard this sum mentioned. Could it be possible that Mr. Bates intended to pay him as much as this? Why, it would be a fortune.
"Your figures would be quite correct, Mr. Hunter" said Mr. Bates, "but for one consideration. You forget that your friend is entitled to compound interest, as no interest has been paid for four years. Now, as you are do doubt used to figures, I will leave you to make the necessary correction."
Mr. Bates tore a leaf from his memorandum book as he spoke, and handed it with a pencil to Richard Hunter.