“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.

So Herbert found himself a half owner of the Blazing Star Mine, of Deer Creek, Colorado.

“I hope your mine will turn out well, Herbert,” said Melville, smiling.

“I wish it might for mother’s sake!” said Herbert, seriously.

“It won’t be my fault if it don’t,” said his partner.  “I shall stay here now, and get to work.”

“Ought I not to help you?” asked Herbert.

“No; Mr. Melville will want you.  I will hire a man here to help me, and charge it to your share of the expenses.”

So the matter was arranged; but Herbert rode over twro or three times a week to look after his property.

CHAPTER XXXIII.