Mr. Middleton on second thoughts had thought it best to treat our hero well, as there was no knowing but some of the bad investments might turn out better than was expected.
Tom went to bed early. The next morning the Centerville stage drove round to the door, and he got on board. Mr. Middleton bade him a cordial farewell, but Mrs. Middleton had less hopes of the restoration of his fortunes. She coldly said good-by, and Tom shed no tears at parting.
Before twelve o’clock he entered Mr. Sharp’s office.
“Glad to see you, Tom,” said the lawyer, rising quickly. “I suppose you’ve heard the news?”
“Yes, sir.”
“I am heartily sorry,” said the lawyer. “I hope you don’t think it my fault.”
“I haven’t heard the particulars,” said Tom; “but I felt sure you were not to blame.”
“Sit down, and I’ll tell you all about it,” said Mr. Sharp.
“I was going to ask that favor,” said Tom. “I didn’t get a very clear idea from Mr. Middleton as to what had happened, or rather how it happened. He told me I had only a few hundred dollars to look to now.”
“I hope it will be better than that. Ten thousand dollars were lent to Archibald Armstrong, a New York merchant, who has failed. His estate will pay something, though very little. If only ten per cent., that would amount to a thousand. That’s something.”