fact, but perhaps Jack doesn't feel so."

"My home isn't what it was once," said Jack soberly. "If mother hadn't
married again it would have been different, but I never can like or
respect my step-father."

"There's one place you ought to visit before you start for home, Harry,"
suggested Obed.

"I mean to see the city pretty thoroughly before I go, as I don't
imagine I shall ever come this way again."

"That's all right, but it isn't what I mean."

"What then?"

"Do you remember the old gentleman you saved from a ruffian the night
before you started for the mines?"

"Mr. Woolson, yes."

"You ought to call, you and Jack."

"I'll go this morning. Will you come too, Jack?"

"I'll go with you anywhere, Harry," said the young sailor, whose
affection and admiration for Harry were very strong.

About ten o'clock the boys entered the office of Mr. Woolson. It was
situated in one of the handsomest blocks in Little Collins Street, and
they learned that he was a wholesale merchant and importer.

"Is Mr. Woolson in?" Harry asked of a clerk.

"He is in the inner office. Have you business with him?"

"Yes."

Admitted into the inner office, the boys saw the old gentleman seated at
a large desk with a pile of papers and letters before him. They were by
no means certain that he would recognize them, but he did so instantly.

"I am glad to see you, my young friends," he said, rising and shaking
hands with them. "I have thought of you often, and of the great service
you did me. Have you just returned from the mines?"

"Yes, sir."

"I hope you have had good luck."

"Wonderful luck. Jack and I are worth over five thousand dollars
apiece."

"Bless my soul! Why it only seems a week since you went away."

"It is nearly three months, and seems longer to us, for we have passed
through a great deal."

"I shall be glad to hear a full account, but I have not time in business
hours. Will you do me the favor to dine with me at my house to-night and
spend the evening?"

"With pleasure, sir."

"Then I shall expect you. The hour is six o'clock sharp."

The boys met the engagement, and passed the time most agreeably. Jack
felt a little bashful, for Mr. Woolson lived in fine style, and Jack was
not used to an elegant house or table.

When the cloth was removed, Mr. Woolson asked the boys their plans.

"We intend to sail for New York next Saturday," said Harry. "That is as
far as we have got."

"If you were willing t