Do and Dare — a Brave Boy's Fight for Fortune

“He said you were ailin’ some way.”

“Yes, my lungs are weak. Since I have been here, I am feeling better and stronger, however.”

“There don’t seem to be anything the matter with the boy.”

“Nothing but a healthy appetite,” answered Herbert, smiling.

“That won’t hurt anybody. Mr. Melville, do you smoke?”

“No, thank you.”

“Queer! Don’t see how you can do without it? Why, sir, I’d been homesick without my pipe. It’s company, I tell you, when a chap’s alone and got no one to speak to.”

“I take it, Mr. Holden, you are not here for your health?”

“No, I should say not; I’m tough as a hickory nut. When I drop off it’s more likely to be an Indian bullet than any disease. I’m forty-seven years old, and I don’t know what it is to be sick.”

“You are fortunate, Mr. Holden.”

“I expect I am. But I haven’t answered your question. I’m interested in mines, Mr. Melville. Have you ever been to Deer Creek?”

“Yes, I went over with Herbert to visit the store there one day last week.”

“Did you ever hear of the Blazing Star Mine?”

“No, I believe not.”

“I own it,” said Holden. “It’s a good mine, and would make me rich if I had a little more money to work it.”

“Are the indications favorable, then?” asked Melville.

“It looks well, if that’s what you mean. Yes, sir; the Star is a first-class property.”

“Then it’s a pity you don’t work it.”

“That’s what I say myself. Mr. Melville, I’ve a proposal to make to you.”

“What is it, Mr. Holden?”

“If you could manage to call me Jack, it would seem more social like.”

“By all means, then, Jack!” said Melville smiling.

“You give me money enough to develop the mine, and I’ll make half of it over to you.”

“How much is needed?” asked Melville.

“Not over five hundred dollars. It’s a bargain, I tell you.”

“I do not myself wish to assume any business cares,” said Melville.

Jack Holden looked disappointed.

“Just as you say,” he responded.

“But Herbert may feel differently,” continued Melville.

“I’d like the lad for a partner,” said Holden, briskly.

“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 the necessary business was gone through.