“Of course,” answered Waldo.
“Then all I can say is that it was mighty fortunate for you,” said his companion dryly.
“It hasn’t done me any good yet and may not. These hermits are likely to live long. Their habits are regular and they are not tempted to violate the laws of health. I tell you, Mr. Thompson, it’s a tantalizing thing to be so near a large fortune and yet kept out of it.”
“I suppose you pray for your cousin’s death, then?”
“Not so bad as that, but, as he don’t enjoy the property, it is a pity I can’t.”
“How much does the estate amount to probably?” asked the other with interest.
“Well, it can’t be less than two hundred thousand dollars.”
“Whew! That’s a great fortune!”
“So it is. If I get it, or when I get it, I won’t mind doing as you ask me, and setting you up in a snug business.”
“You could do it now, Mr. Waldo. You are a rich man,” said Thompson.