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

"Land's sake! It aint Harry Vane!" she exclaimed in wonder.

"Yes, it is," answered Harry, smiling. "I hope Mr. Fox and Joel are well."

"Come in, and I'll call Joel. You've been doing well, aint you?" she asked, surveying him with eager curiosity.

"I have been very fortunate indeed."

"I thought you was drowned – wrecked on a ship or something."

"If I was, I have come to life again."

"Well, well, it's strange. I'll call Joel."

Joel, who was at the barn, soon entered.

He, too, surveyed Harry curiously.

"How d'y' do?" he said. "I never expected to set eyes on you again. Is that a gold watch you have?"

"Yes, Joel."

"Let me see it. How much did it cost?"

"A hundred dollars, besides the chain."

"Gosh! Aint that a sight of money! Did you spend all your money on it?"

"No, I bought a chain too."

"To my mind you was very foolish to spend all your hard earnin's that way! There's no fool like a young fool," said Mrs. Fox severely.

"But, Mrs. Fox, I have some money left."

"How much?" asked Joel eagerly.

"Seven thousand dollars."

"Gosh all Jerusalem! you aint yarnin', be you? Seven thousand dollars!"

"Who's talkin' of seven thousand dollars?" asked a familiar voice, as

Mr. Fox entered the room.

"Harry Vane says he's worth seven thousand dollars!" exclaimed Joel in a tone made up of amazement, jealousy, and wonder.

"Is that true?" asked John Fox in equal amazement.

"Yes, Mr. Fox."

"But how on 'arth – "

Then Harry gave a full explanation, with which I don't propose to trouble the reader, as it would be a twice-told tale.

"Some folks seem born to luck!" said Mr. Fox furiously, when Harry had completed his story. "Joel may work and toil all his life, and he won't get no seven thousand dollars. It seems hard!"

John Fox had been much impressed by Harry's luck, and his avaricious soul was busying itself with some scheme for turning it to his personal advantage.

"I'm glad you've been so lucky, Harry," he said with affected cordiality. "It beats all, I must say. I've no doubt you are ready now to carry out your dear father's dyin' wish."

"What was that, Mr. Fox?"

"He wanted me to be your guardeen. It stands to reason a boy of sixteen aint to be trusted with so much money. Now I'm an experienced man of business, and I'm willin' to be your guardeen, and I won't charge you a cent for takin' care of your property except board money."

"Thank you, Mr. Fox," said Harry, with an amused smile, "but I am offered a place in New York at fifteen dollars a week, and I have friends who will advise me about the investment of my money."

"Fifteen dollars a week!" repeated Mr. Fox dolefully. "Can't you get a place for Joel in the same store?"

"If I can find Joel a satisfactory place in the city I will do so," said Harry, "but I ought to say that my employer only pays me high wages out of favor."

"I'll take ten," said Joel eagerly. "You know you and me was always friends, Harry."

"Joel always liked you," said politic Mr. Fox.

Harry knew better, but he was on good terms with the world, and he did not dispute this statement.

"I'll do what I can," he said. "Meanwhile, Mr. Fox, I should like to make Joel and his sister a small present."

He gave them each a ten-dollar bill, which made Joel's eyes sparkle with joy.

Mr. Fox renewed his suggestion that Harry select him as a "guardeen," but Harry politely but firmly declined to entertain the proposal. Nevertheless, when he left the house, he was warmly urged to come again and often. He understood the reason of the cordiality, and knew very well that if he had come back poor his reception would have been very different.

Before going back to New York he made a visit of a couple of days to his old friend and employer, Professor Hemmenway, the prestidigitateur, who was delighted with the success of his young friend. He offered Harry a new engagement, but of course it was declined.

In New York he met Jack, and inquired how he had fared.

"I found my step-father dying," answered Jack. "In fact he drank himself to death after wasting all mother's property. But I have bought her a small house, and insured her an income sufficient to keep her comfortable. The last will require some of my principal, but I shall be earning good wages, and can make it up when I return home."

"When do you sail, Jack?"

"Next week, on one of Mr. Woolson's ships. I am to go to China."

"I hope you'll steer clear of the island we were wrecked on, Jack."

"I never want to see it again, Harry; still it brought us luck."

"I shall be sorry to part with you, Jack. I wish you could be content to stay in New York."

"No, Harry, I can't give up the sea yet. It is my great ambition to command a ship myself some time."