“To be sure it is,” said Tom.
“Then you have fifteen thousand dollars invested in mining shares. They are worth very little, but they will sell for something.”
“Do you think I shall get ten per cent. on these?”
“I think you will.”
“Why, that will be fifteen hundred more! Really, things are not so bad as they might be,” said Tom cheerfully.
“I am glad you take it so well, Tom. But I can’t offer you any hope of realizing anything from the balance. It was invested in merchandise shipped to a foreign port, and the vessel, we have every reason to believe, is lost.”
“Not much chance there,” said Tom.
“We had better give up all hopes in that quarter. As to the other items, you may depend upon my doing my best for you.”
“Thank you,” said Tom warmly. “It is pleasant to get a little sympathy. I didn’t get much in Plympton.”
“From Mr. Middleton, you mean.”