But I have no money!" said Herbert, in surprise.

George Melville smiled.

"If the mine is a good one," he said, "I will advance you the money
necessary for the purchase of a half interest. If it pays you, you may
become rich. Then you can repay the money."

"But suppose it doesn't, Mr. Melville," objected Herbert, "how can I
ever repay you so large a sum?"

"On the whole, Herbert, I will take the risk."

"You are very kind, Mr. Melville," said Herbert, his face glowing with
anticipation. To be half owner of a mine, with the chance of making a
large sum of money, naturally elated him.

"Why shouldn't I be, Herbert? But I want to see the mine first."

"Can't you go over this afternoon?" asked Holden, eager to settle the
matter as soon as possible.

"It is a long journey," said Melville, hesitating.

"You can stay overnight," said Jack Holden, "and come back in the
morning."

"Very well; let us go then--that is, after dinner. Herbert, if you
will set the table, we will see if we can't offer our friend here some
refreshment. He is hungry, I am sure, after his long walk."

"You've hit it, Mr. Melville," said Holden. "I allow I'm as hungry as a
wolf. But you don't set down to table, do you?"

"Oh, yes," answered Mr. Melville, smiling pleasantly.

"I ain't used to it," said Holden; "but I was once. Anyhow, it won't
make no difference in the victuals."

When dinner was ready the three sat down, and did ample justice to it;
but Jack Holden made such furious onslaughts that the other two could
hardly keep pace with him. Fortunately, there was plenty of food, for
Melville did not believe in economical housekeeping.

After dinner they set out for Deer Creek. As has been already explained,
it was the name of a mining settlement. Now, by the way, it is a
prosperous town, though the name has been changed. Then, however,
everything was rude and primitive.

Jack Holden led the way to the Blazing Star Mine, and pointed out its
capabilities and promise. He waited with some anxiety for Melville's
decision.

"I don't understand matters very well," said Melville, "but I am willing
to take a good deal on trust. If you desire it, I will buy half the
mine, paying you five hundred dollars for that interest. That is, I buy
it for Herbert."

"Hooray!" shouted Holden. "Give us your hand, pard. You are my partner
now, you know."

As he spoke he gripped Herbert's hand in a pressure which was so strong
as to be painful, and t