"Dr. Cholmondeley hopes you may feel better soon; I've been talking to him downstairs."
"Look 'ere, Ken, I don't believe in doctors; they say what they think folks will like. I know better."
"Don't tire yourself, father."
"I must tire myself, Ken; I've got something as I want to say to you. I'm not a-going to put it off, or it may be too late. I got a telegram to-day."
"Yes, I saw it downstairs. What does it mean?"
"It means I'm ruined, Ken; that's what it means!"
"How ruined? In what way?"
"Why, all my money was in that there mine, every farthing of it!"
"Surely not all!"
"It was, Ken; they paid five, ten and twelve per cent. sometimes, but it was all a humbugging affair, as it turns out. I got a letter only yesterday from a man as I know, who has shares in it, too, and he told me as how he was a-going to sell out, and I meant to do the same. I should have done it to-day; but it's too late now; that there wire was from him."