e.

CHAPTER XXXIX.

CONCLUSION.

When Harry had completed his business in New York, he took the train at
once to his native village. His arrival made quite a sensation. Not only
Mr. Howard, his father's friend, received him with joy, but there were
many other friends besides who rejoiced in his good fortune.

"You have been very fortunate, Harry," said Mr. Howard. "You tell me
that you have about five thousand dollars?"

"Yes, sir, and it makes me feel rich."

"Besides the two thousand dollars I have in charge for you."

"Two thousand dollars!" ejaculated Harry in amazement. "You mean three
hundred, Mr. Howard."

"No, I mean what I say," replied his friend, with a smile.

"But I don't understand----"

"Don't you remember the fifty shares of mining stock you placed in my
hands?"

"Yes, they were given me by my father. I thought them worthless."

"A month ago I learned the contrary. I took the liberty, without
consulting you, as you were absent, to sell them. They realized
seventeen hundred dollars net, thus carrying up the amount in my hands
to two thousand dollars."

"Is it possible that I am worth seven thousand dollars? It seems
wonderful!"

"But the best of it is that it is true. Then was there not a sum of
money which you received for saving a railroad train?"

"Yes, I have used part of it, but one hundred and fifty dollars remain.
It is in the hands of a Mr. Conway, president of the road."

"Then it appears to me, Harry, taken in connection with your offer of
employment in New York, you are in a very enviable position. How old are
you?"

"I shall soon be seventeen."

"Then you are beginning the world young. Continue to deserve good
fortune, and you are likely to prosper."

Before returning to New York Harry felt inclined to visit his would-be
guardian, John Fox, whose treatment of him has been recorded at length
in "Facing the World."

He took the train, as before, to Bolton, and thence went by stage to
Colebrook. He walked to the Fox mansion, and going up to the front door
knocked.

The door was opened by Mrs. Fox herself. She did not immediately
recognize Harry in his handsome suit, with a gold chain crossing his
vest, attached, it may be added, to a handsome gold watch, which he had
bought in New York.

"What is your business, young man?" she asked.

"Don't you remember me, Mrs. Fox?" asked Harry.

"Land's sake! It aint Harry Vane!" she exclaimed in wonder.

"Yes, it is,"