“I want some money now—to-day. I haven’t a cent to pay my room rent or get something to eat,” wailed the old man.
“Well, here’s a half a dollar for you; that’ll see you through till to-morrow.”
“You’re very kind. I’m afraid I sha’n’t live long. I’d like to sell you this stock cheap. There’s five thousand shares, and you can have it for a hundred dollars, or even fifty, if you haven’t so much as that. Some day it will be valuable. It’s selling for ten cents a share to-day; that makes the shares worth five hundred dollars.”
“I’m afraid I can’t buy them,” said Jack, shaking his head.
“It’s a pity,” mumbled Tuggs. “You’re losing the chance of your life.”
“Well, I’ll tell you what I’ll do for you. Come up to our office and leave the certificates. I’ll give you a receipt for them. Then I’ll ask our manager what he thinks they’re worth as a speculation. He knows a good deal about Western mines. If they’re worth anything, perhaps the firm will take them off your hands or I can get somebody to buy them.”
Just then Jack spied Oliver Bird coming out of his office.
“Wait a moment,” he said. “Maybe I can find out about them now. Here’s a broker I’m acquainted with. I’ll let him see them.”
So the messenger boy darted up to Mr. Bird, who was glad to see him and shook him cordially by the hand.
“I wish you’d tell me, Mr. Bird, if this stock is worth anything,” said Jack.