his uncle's house, and then
went back to the tavern, where he found Rodney waiting for him. He
explained briefly the part he wished his boy friend to take in his plan
for relieving his uncle.

"I shall be receiving credit to which I am not entitled," said Rodney.
"Still, if it will oblige you I am willing to play the part of the boy
capitalist."

The next morning after breakfast the two friends walked over to the
house of Cyrus Hooper. Aunt Nancy came to the door and gave them a
cordial welcome.

"Cyrus is over at the barn, Jefferson," she said. "I'll ring the bell
and he'll come in."

"No, Aunt Nancy, I'll go out and let him know I am here."

Presently Cyrus Hooper came in, accompanied by Jefferson.

"Uncle Cyrus," said the miner, "let me introduce you to my friend Rodney
Ropes, of New York."

"I'm glad to see you," said Cyrus heartily. "I'm glad to see any friend
of Jefferson's."

"Thank you, sir. I am pleased to meet you."

"Jefferson says you are goin' to Montany with him."

"I hope to do so. I am sure I shall enjoy myself in his company."

"How far is Montany, Jefferson?"

"It is over two thousand miles away, Uncle Cyrus."

"It must be almost at the end of the world. I don't see how you can feel
at home so far away from Vermont."

Jefferson smiled.

"I can content myself wherever I can make a good living," he said.
"Wouldn't you like to go out and make me a visit?"

"No, Jefferson, I should feel that it was temptin' Providence to go so
far at my age."

"You never were very far from Burton, Uncle Cyrus?"

"I went to Montpelier once," answered the old man with evident pride.
"It is a nice sizable place. I stopped at the tavern, and had a good
time."

It was the only journey the old man had ever made, and he would never
forget it.

"Uncle Cyrus," said Jefferson, "this is the young man who I thought
might advance you money on a new mortgage. Suppose we invite him to go
over the farm, and take a look at it so as to see what he thinks of the
investment."

"Sartain, Jefferson, sartain! I do hope Mr. Ropes you'll look favorable
on the investment. It is Jefferson's idea, but it would be doin' me a
great favor."

"Mr. Pettigrew will explain the advantages of the farm as we go along,"
said Rodney.

So they walked from field to field, Jefferson expatiating to his young
friend upon the merits of the investment, Rodney asking questions now
and then to carry out his part of the shrewd and careful