ble on him. He might tell too much if he was here. They couldn't get
the money back, even if he has it; but no one ever will believe that
David Lawrence profited by it. That money belongs to the people of
Yerbury, who have earned it, and saved it; and I say thieving and
roguery have more to do with hard times than 'surplus of labor.' The big
men have taken the money that belonged to the little ones."

"None of the Lawrence estate has been settled, I suppose?" asked Jack.

"Every thing is for sale. The mortgage on the big house is to be
foreclosed, also on the mill I believe. I declare to you, Darcy, it
makes my heart ache to see those dumb spindles, and the great silent
engine standing like a mourner at a funeral. Come now, why should Hope
Mills go to ruin, and Yerbury fall to pieces, while you and Maverick go
and build up Florida? Wouldn't the money and the energy do something
here?"

Cameron's eyes looked out of their overhanging thatch with a puzzled,
thoughtful expression, as if there must be a solution to the mystery.

Jack was startled. Building up Florida looked feasible, but building up
Yerbury--

"Then you will not go with us?" said Maverick with a half-laugh.

"I've my little home clear of debt, and a trifle at interest; and over
in Yerbury churchyard there are two graves dear to me and my old lady.
It would break her heart to leave them. And sometimes, Maverick, I thank
God, that I've no sons to grow up tramps or worse. No, I'll stay here,
and fight through somehow."

They were silent for several minutes, each one tugging at the knotty
problem. Then Cameron rose, reached out for the phial of medicine, drove
his slouch-hat down over his forehead, and walked toward the door.

"Drop in and see us, Jack, after you have thought it over a bit.
Mother's always had a warm corner in her heart for you.--Morning,
doctor;" and, nodding, he closed the door behind him.

CHAPTER XI.

JACK and Maverick glanced at each other, a long, searching, questioning
glance.

"Given twenty or forty moderate fortunes, instead of the one great one,"
said Jack slowly.

"And you have a greater amount of general prosperity and happiness."

"Co-operation," continued Jack.

"And now, if you don't mind, you may take a walk with me," said
Maverick. "Office-hours are over, and I have some rather serious cases
on hand. Jerry's gone lame, stuck a nail in his foot, so I console
myself with pedestrian theories."

"All right