“Cyrus is over at the barn, Jefferson,” she said.  “I’ll ring the bell and he’ll come in.”

“No, Aunt Nancy, I’ll go out and let him know I am here.”

Presently Cyrus Hooper came in, accompanied by Jefferson.

“Uncle Cyrus,” said the miner, “let me introduce you to my friend Rodney Ropes, of New York.”

“I’m glad to see you,” said Cyrus heartily.  “I’m glad to see any friend of Jefferson’s.”

“Thank you, sir.  I am pleased to meet you.”

“Jefferson says you are goin’ to Montany with him.”

“I hope to do so.  I am sure I shall enjoy myself in his company.”

“How far is Montany, Jefferson?”

“It is over two thousand miles away, Uncle Cyrus.”

“It must be almost at the end of the world.  I don’t see how you can feel at home so far away from Vermont.”

Jefferson smiled.

“I can content myself wherever I can make a good living,” he said.  “Wouldn’t you like to go out and make me a visit?”

“No, Jefferson, I should feel that it was temptin’ Providence to go so far at my age.”

“You never were very far from Burton, Uncle Cyrus?”

“I went to Montpelier once,” answered the old man with evident pride.  “It is a nice sizable place.  I stopped at the tavern, and had a good time.”

It was the only journey the old man had ever made, and he would never forget it.

“Uncle Cyrus,” said Jefferson, “this is the young man who I thought might advance you money on a new mortgage.  Suppose we invite him to go over the farm, and take a look at it so as to see what he thinks of the investment.”

“Sartain, Jefferson, sartain!  I do hope Mr. Ropes you’ll look favorable on the investment.  It is Jefferson’s idea, but it would be doin’ me a great favor.”

“Mr. Pettigrew will explain the advantages of the farm as we go along,” said Rodney.

So they walked from field to field, Jefferson expatiating to his young friend upon the merits of the investment, Rodney asking questions now and then to carry out his part of the shrewd and careful boy capitalist.

When they had made a tour of the farm Jefferson said:  “Well, Rodney, what do you think of the investment?”

“I am satisfied with it,” answered Rodney.  “Mr. Hooper, I will advance you the money on the conditions mentioned by my friend, Mr. Pettigrew.”

Tears of joy came into the eyes of Cyrus Hooper and his worn face showed relief.

“I am very grateful, young man,” he said.  “I will see that you don’t regret your kindness.”

“When will Squire Sheldon be over to settle matters, Uncle Cyrus?” asked Jefferson.

“He is comin’ this afternoon at two o’clock.”

“Then Rodney and I will be over to take part in the business.”

CHAPTER XXVII.

THE FAILURE OF SQUIRE SHELDON’S PLOT.