“And he shines always upon some part of the empire,” responded Albert, with proudly beaming eyes.
It was not until in the afternoon of the next day the Raymonds reached their destination,—Minersville, a town not yet three years old, that had sprung up within that period of time, upon a tract of land owned by the captain, and grown with a rapidity that might well remind one of Jonah’s gourd, “which came up in a night.” It was all the result of the discovery of gold in the immediate vicinity. The mine—a very productive one—was still largely owned by Captain Raymond, also the greater part of the town, and a coal mine at no great distance from the place.
The two yielded him a large income—augmented by the fortunate investment of very considerable sums realized on the sales of stock and town lots; so that he was indeed a wealthy man.
He and Mr. Austin had made acquaintance by this time, and were mutually pleased. The same thing had happened with their sons, and the Englishman, after learning from the captain what was his destination, the history of Minersville, and something of the opportunities and facilities for hunting bears, deer, and other game in that region, had decided to make a halt there for a few days or weeks, Captain Raymond having given him a cordial invitation to inspect the mines and join him in hunting expeditions.
The town already boasted several thousand inhabitants, two churches, a bank, post-office, a fine public school building, dry goods and grocery stores, mills, factories, and two hotels.
To one of these last went Mr. Austin and Albert, but Captain Raymond—particularly on account of having his children with him—preferred a private boarding-house, and, through his business agent and mine-superintendent, Mr. John Short, had already engaged rooms with a Scotch lady, Mrs. McAlpine by name, whom Short recommended as a good housekeeper and one who kept an excellent table.
Our party had scarcely left the train when a gentlemanly looking man approached, and lifting his hat, said, “My name is Short. Do I address Captain Raymond?”
“That is my name, sir,” rejoined the captain, offering his hand, which the other took and shook heartily.
“Glad to meet you, sir; very glad; have often wished you would come out and see your property here for yourself. It’s well worth looking after, I assure you.”
“I am quite convinced of that,” the captain said, with a smile. “Also I do not doubt that it has been well looked after by my agent, Mr. Short.”