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 the necessary business was gone through.
So Herbert found himself a half owner of the Blazing Star Mine, of Deer Creek, Colorado.
“I hope your mine will turn out well, Herbert,” said Melville, smiling.
“I wish it might for mother's sake!” said Herbert, seriously.
“It won't be my fault if it don't,” said his partner. “I shall stay here now, and get to work.”
“Ought I not to help you?” asked Herbert.
“No; Mr. Melville will want you. I will hire a man here to help me, and charge it to your share of the expenses.”
So the matter was arranged; but Herbert rode over two or three times a week to look after his property.
“Well, Herbert, what news from the mine?” asked Melville, two weeks later, on Herbert's return from Deer Creek, whither he had gone alone.
“There are some rich developments, so Jack says. Do you know, Mr. Melville, he says the mine is richly worth five thousand dollars.”
“Bravo, Herbert! That would make your half worth twenty-five hundred.”
“Yes,” said the boy complacently; “if we could sell at that figure, I could pay you back and have two thousand dollars of my own. Think of that, Mr. Melville,” continued Herbert, his eyes glowing with pride and pleasure. “Shouldn't I be a rich boy?”
“You may do even better, Herbert. Don't be in a hurry to sell. That is my advice. If the present favorable indications continue, you may realize a considerably larger sum.”
“So Jack says. He says he is bound to hold on, and hopes I will.”
“Yes, Mr. Melville, and I don't forget that it is to you I am indebted for this good fortune,” said the boy, earnestly. “If you hadn't bought the property for me, I could not. I don't know but you ought to get some share ef the profits.”