The broker took the cheque, and returned this sum, which Mr. Bates handed to Fosdick.
"You may need this for a reserve fund," he said, "to draw upon if needful until your dividend comes due. The bank shares will pay you probably one hundred and sixty dollars per year."
"One hundred and sixty dollars!" repeated Fosdick, in surprise. "That is a little more than three dollars a week."
"Yes."
"It will be very acceptable, as my salary at the store is not enough to pay my expenses."
"I would advise you not to break in upon your capital if you can avoid it," said Mr. Bates. "By and by, if your salary increases, you may be able to add the interest yearly to the principal, so that it may be accumulating till you are a man, when you may find it of use in setting you up in business."
"Yes, sir; I will remember that. But I can hardly realize that I am really the owner of twenty bank shares."
"No doubt it seems sudden to you. Don't let it make you extravagant. Most boys of your age would need a guardian, but you have had so much experience in taking care of yourself, that I think you can get along without one."
"I have my friend Dick to advise me," said Fosdick.