In A New World: or, Among The Gold Fields Of Australia

"We met with good luck at the mines," said Harry, "and are both well supplied with money. We thank you, however, for your kind offer."

The boys left the office in high spirits.

"I don't see but our prospects are bright, Jack," said Harry.

"I didn't think so when we were on the island," said Jack, "or when we were captives among the bushrangers."

"No; we have certainly seen some hard times. Let us hope that we have had our share, and may look forward now to happier days."

Now that their future was arranged, the boys were in a hurry to leave the city and visit their friends. Obed sympathized with them.

"Boys," said he, "I'm gettin' kinder homesick. There's an old man and a girl I want to see, and tell 'em of my good luck."

"Your father and – "

"Suke Stanwood. Suke has been waitin' for me five years, and there aint no need of waitin' any longer. If all goes well she'll be Mrs. Obed Stackpole within a month."

"She may not be able to get her wedding things so soon, Obed."

"She don't need any wedding things. Any dress'll do to be married in."

"You will send us some cards and cake, I hope, Obed."

"Better'n that: I'll send you an invite to the weddin'."

"Then it'll have to come soon, Obed. I shall be gone to the city, and

Jack to sea within a month."

"Then we'll hurry it up. It'll give me a good excuse. But there's one thing I'm going to do before I get married."

"What is that?"

"Pay off the mortgage on dad's farm. It's only a thousand dollars, but dad couldn't lift it if he lived to a hundred."

"And what are you going to do, Obed?"

"There's a farm alongside I can buy for twenty-five hundred dollars, with a comfortable house thrown in. I can buy it, and have more than enough money left to furnish the house and stock the farm."

"I wish you happiness, Obed; but don't you think you'll ever pine to be back in Australia?"

"I may hanker after a sight of Fletcher and his two cronies, Colson and Ropes," returned Obed with dry humor, "but we can't have everything in this world, and I'll try to rub along with the blessings I have."

Let me add here that Obed carried out his programme. He paid the mortgage, bought the farm, and in less than three weeks he was a married man. Harry and Jack were at the wedding, and received great attention from all Obed's friends. To the inhabitants of the little village it seemed wonderful that boys so young should have traveled so far, and passed through such varied experiences.

"I expect an invite to each of your weddings, boys," said Obed, as they were on the point of leaving him. "One good turn deserves another."

"You will have to exercise a little patience, Obed," said Harry, smiling.

"Don't wait as long as I did," said Obed. "I got to be a cranky old bachelor before I hitched horses."

"Mrs. Stackpole will soon cure you of that," said Harry, with a smile.

CHAPTER XXXIX. CONCLUSION

When Harry had completed his business in New York, he took the train at once to his native village. His arrival made quite a sensation. Not only Mr. Howard, his father's friend, received him with joy, but there were many other friends besides who rejoiced in his good fortune.

"You have been very fortunate, Harry," said Mr. Howard. "You tell me that you have about five thousand dollars?"

"Yes, sir, and it makes me feel rich."

"Besides the two thousand dollars I have in charge for you."

"Two thousand dollars!" ejaculated Harry in amazement. "You mean three hundred, Mr. Howard."

"No, I mean what I say," replied his friend, with a smile.

"But I don't understand – "

"Don't you remember the fifty shares of mining stock you placed in my hands?"

"Yes, they were given me by my father. I thought them worthless."

"A month ago I learned the contrary. I took the liberty, without consulting you, as you were absent, to sell them. They realized seventeen hundred dollars net, thus carrying up the amount in my hands to two thousand dollars."

"Is it possible that I am worth seven thousand dollars? It seems wonderful!"

"But the best of it is that it is true. Then was there not a sum of money which you received for saving a railroad train?"

"Yes, I have used part of it, but one hundred and fifty dollars remain.

It is in the hands of a Mr. Conway, president of the road."

"Then it appears to me, Harry, taken in connection with your offer of employment in New York, you are in a very enviable position. How old are you?"

"I shall soon be seventeen."

"Then you are beginning the world young. Continue to deserve good fortune, and you are likely to prosper."

Before returning to New York Harry felt inclined to visit his would-be guardian, John Fox, whose treatment of him has been recorded at length in "Facing the World."

He took the train, as before, to Bolton, and thence went by stage to Colebrook. He walked to the Fox mansion, and going up to the front door knocked.

The door was opened by Mrs. Fox herself. She did not immediately recognize Harry in his handsome suit, with a gold chain crossing his vest, attached, it may be added, to a handsome gold watch, which he had bought in New York.

"What is your business, young man?" she asked.

"Don't you remember me, Mrs. Fox?" asked Harry.