Both Uncle Naboth and I remained at the bank until every sack of gold had been carefully weighed and sealed, and the proper receipt given. Then, breathing freely for the first time since the gold had been in our possession, we repaired to my Uncle’s former lodging house, where Mr. Perkins was warmly welcomed.
“We’ll have the best dinner tonight the establishment can set up, Sam, my boy,” said the old man, rubbing his hands gleefully together; “for we’ve got to celebrate the success of the new partnership. You must ’a brought the firm luck, my lad, for this here is the biggest haul I’ve heard of since I’ve been in the business. We’re rich, nevvy—rich as punkins!”
“How much do you suppose we’re worth, Uncle?” I enquired, rather curiously.
“I can’t tell exactly, o’ course, till after we’ve got the quality of our gold properly graded, and put it on the market; but my opinion is, we’re at least fifty thousand dollars to the good.”
“As much as that!” I exclaimed, greatly elated.
“Full as much, I judge.”
“Then,” said I, drawing a sigh of relief, “I can pay Mrs. Ranck that four hundred dollars I owe her for my board.”
Uncle Naboth made a wry face.
“It’s a shame to throw good money away on that old termagan’,” he remarked, “and I’ve no doubt she’s been overpaid already, by stealin’ the contents o’ Cap’n Steele’s chest. But if it’d make you feel easier in your mind, Sam, I’ll fix it so you can send her the money as soon as you like.”
“Thank you, Uncle,” I replied, gratefully, “I’ll never be happy until the debt is off my shoulders. Whether she’s entitled to the money or not, I promised Mrs. Ranck I’d pay the debt, and I want to keep my word.”