"And you have become rich?" said Tom, feeling very much encouraged.
"Moderately so. I am probably worth fifty thousand dollars, and am just fifty years of age."
"That seems to me very rich," said Tom.
"I should have said the same thing at your age. Our views change as we get older. Still, I regard myself as very well off, and, with prudent management, I need not fear reverses."
"I should think not," said Tom.
"You don't know how easy it is to lose money, my boy. I am not referring to robbery, but to mismanagement."
"Your success encourages me, Mr. Waterbury," said Tom. "I am willing to work hard."
"I think you will succeed. You look like a boy of good habits. Energy, industry, and good habits can accomplish wonders. But I think we are on the point of starting."
Just before the gangplank was drawn in, two persons hastily crossed it.
One was the dark young man who had passed them on the way down to the boat; the other was Milton Graham.