“The fact of the matter is, Jack, the Gopher has unexpectedly turned out to be a bonanza of the richest kind. Information has just come out this morning that a new lead has been opened up that promises Monte Cristo results, and the Street is hot on the scent for any stock that is floating about. Mr. Warren came in here to give me a commission to get him some of it if I could. I thought of you. The stock isn’t listed on the Exchange yet, but I understand the application is now before the Board of Governors, who will act favorably on it. What it will be quoted at I do not pretend to guess, but Mr. Warren seems willing to take his chance at fifty. It is up to you whether you will accept or hold it for a higher figure.”
“What would you advise me to do, Mr. Atherton?”
“I think you had better use your own judgment. I believe you are smart enough to decide the right way.”
“You can have the stock at fifty, Mr. Warren,” said Jack, after a moment’s thought.
“All right. Mr. Atherton, I will send you a certified check for two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, payable to the order of John Hazard, and you may send the certificates to my office.”
“Allow me to congratulate you, Jack. You fully deserve your good fortune. That was a lucky deal you made with the old man.”
“Yes, sir. And if I can find him he shall not want for a dollar as long as he lives,” said the boy, earnestly.
“He’s a fine lad,” remarked Mr. Warren as the young messenger left the private office.
“Millie,” said Jack, stepping up to her, “I want you to congratulate me on my lucky deal.”
“I have just sold those five thousand shares of Gopher Gold Mining Company stock to Mr. Warren.”