“Say a hundred and fifty thousand, and we accept the offer,” said Jefferson Pettigrew.

After a little haggling this offer was accepted, and Rodney found himself the possessor of seventy five thousand dollars in cash.

“It was fortunate for me when I fell in with you, Mr. Pettigrew,” he said.

“And no less fortunate for me, Rodney.  This mine will bring us in a rich sum for our share, besides the cash we already have in hand.”

“If you don’t object, Mr. Pettigrew, I should like to go to New York and continue my education.  You can look after my interest here, and I shall be willing to pay you anything you like for doing so.”

“There won’t be any trouble about that, Rodney.  I don’t blame you for wanting to obtain an education.  It isn’t in my line.  You can come out once a year, and see what progress we are making.  The mine will be called the Rodney Mine after you.”

The Miners’ Rest was sold to the steward, as Mr. Pettigrew was too busy to attend to it, and in a week Rodney was on his way to New York.

CHAPTER XXXVII.

CONCLUSION.

Otis Goodnow arrived at his place of business a little earlier than usual, and set himself to looking over his mail.  Among other letters was one written on paper bearing the name of the Fifth Avenue Hotel.  He came to this after a time and read it.

It ran thus: 

DEAR SIR: 

I was once in your employ, though you may not remember my name.  I was in the department of Mr. Redwood, and there I became acquainted with Jasper Redwood, his nephew.  I was discharged, it is needless to recall why.  I had saved nothing, and of course I was greatly embarrassed.  I could not readily obtain another place, and in order to secure money to pay living expenses I entered into an arrangement with Jasper Redwood to sell me articles, putting in more than I paid for.  These I was enabled to sell at a profit to smaller stores.  This was not as profitable as it might have been to me, as I was obliged to pay Jasper a commission for his agency.  Well, after a time it was ascertained that articles were missing, and search was made for the thief.  Through a cunningly devised scheme of Jasper’s the theft was ascribed to Rodney Ropes, a younger clerk, and he was discharged.  Ropes was a fine young fellow, and I have always been sorry that he got into trouble through our agency, but there seemed no help for it.  It must rest on him or us.  He protested his innocence, but was not believed.  I wish to say now that he was absolutely innocent, and only Jasper and myself were to blame.  If you doubt my statement I will call today, and you may confront me with Jasper.  I desire that justice should be done. 
                                            Philip Carton.

“Call Mr. Redwood,” said the merchant, summoning a boy.