“I want you to see me pass this money to Phil and Ted.”
“Money for us?” exclaimed the boys, in surprise.
“Exactly.”
“But we haven’t any coming,” said Phil.
“Yes, you have. Five hundred and forty dollars.”
“From whom?” demanded Ted.
“Si Hopkins. He sent it to cash your letter of credit. Said there wasn’t any bank short of Waterfield and that you’d need it to fit out with.”
“But we haven’t the letter yet,” returned Phil.
“Wrong again. I’ve got it. Express messenger on 64 gave it to me. Here it is, with the money.” And the agent lifted the box and took from beneath it the recovered letter of credit and a pile of bills. “Count them, please. Then sign this draft. It’s to Si. If you act lively, I can send it back on 17; she’s whistling now.”
Quickly both young homesteaders went to the table and affixed their signatures to the draft which would reimburse Mr. Hopkins for the money he had sent.