promised Simon, and he tried to return the pressure of Dick's
hand, but it was hard work, for he was very weak.

Early the next morning Dick and his friends started for home. Dick was a
little thoughtful, and Frank asked:

"Worrying about your lost money, Dick?"

"Well, not so much about the money as I am over the consequences. I
counted on this mine investment being a good one. But, I have another. I
guess my stock in the milk concern will pan out pretty well."

"If it don't youse had better come to N' York wid me, an' sell papes,"
advised Tim.

"I'll think of it," promised Dick, with a smile.

The ride back home was uneventful. Tim decided he would not go back to
Hamilton Corners, as he was anxious to get to New York.

"Got to look after me paper business," he said, with a laugh. "I left
me pardner in charge an' he's a little chap. Some of de big guys might
drive him offen de swell corner we has. It's de best corner in N' York
fer doin' business," he explained. "I stands in wid de cop on de beat
an' he sees I ain't bothered. But I'm gittin' worried. I see some of de
yellow journals is predictin' bad times an' I wants to be prepared for
'em. Besides, I've got some customers what owe me--one man run up a bill
of a quarter jest 'fore I went on dat fresh-air racket, an' I want to
collect it. So I t'ink I'll git back to little old N' York."

The boys parted from Tim with regret, for they liked his sterling
character, which shone out through a coat of rough manners. He changed
at a junction point for a train that went direct to the big city, and
gaily waved his hand to them as it departed. He had profited much by
coming to Hamilton Corners, for Dick had fitted him up with some good
clothes, and, at parting, had slipped a bank bill into his hand.

Mr. Hamilton was glad to see his son back, and listened with interest to
the account of the western trip.

"And so our money is gone," finished Dick.

"Well, there's no use crying over spilled milk, as the farmer's wife
used to say," remarked the millionaire, with a calmness that Dick could
not help envying. "It isn't the first time I've lost money by unwise
speculation, but it's all in the game. I'm sorry for you, though,
Dick."

"I'm sorry for myself. It looks as if I had a poor head for business."

"Oh, you'll learn," consoled his father. "It takes time."

"Yes, and there's Uncle Ezra waiting for me," went on Dick, as though he
could see the harsh old man outside