“Why, it's Mr. Holden!” he exclaimed.
“Jack Holden, my lad,” said the hunter, correcting him. “Is this the man you're living with?”
Jack Holden was unconventional, and had been brought up in a rude school so far as manners were concerned. It did not occur to him that his question might have been better framed.
“I am Mr. Melville,” answered that gentleman, seeing that Herbert looked embarrassed. “Herbert is my constant and valued companion.”
“He's a trump, that boy!” continued Holden. “Why, if it hadn't been for him, there'd been an end of Jack Holden yesterday.”
“Herbert told me about it. It was indeed a tragic affair. The sacrifice of life is deplorable, but seemed to have been necessary, unless, indeed, you could have disabled him.”
“Disabled him!” echoed the hunter. “That wouldn't have answered by a long shot. As soon as the reptile got well he'd have been on my trail ag'in. No, sir; it was my life or his, and I don't complain of the way things turned out.”
“Have you buried him?” asked Herbert.
“Yes, I've shoved him under, and it's better than he deserved, the sneakin' rascal. I'm glad to make your acquaintance, Mr. Melville. Didn't know I had changed neighbors till the boy there told me yesterday. I've tramped over this mornin' to give you a call.”
“You are very kind, Mr. Holden. Sit down here beside us.”
“I'm more at home here,” answered Holden, stretching himself on the ground, and laying his gun beside him. “How do you like Colorado?”
“Very much, as far as I have seen it,” said Melville. “Herbert probably told you my object, in coming here?”
“He said you were ailin' some way.”
“Yes, my lungs are weak. Since I have been here, I am feeling better and stronger, however.”
“There don't seem to be anything the matter with the boy.”
“Nothing but a healthy appetite,” answered Herbert, smiling.
“That won't hurt anybody. Mr. Melville, do you smoke?”
“No, thank you.”
“Queer! Don't see how you can do without it? Why, sir, I'd been homesick without my pipe. It's company, I tell you, when a chap's alone and got no one to speak to.”
“I take it, Mr. Holden, you are not here for your health?”
“No, I should say not; I'm tough as a hickory nut. When I drop off it's more likely to be an Indian bullet than any disease. I'm forty-seven years old, and I don't know what it is to be sick.”
“You are fortunate, Mr. Holden.”
“I expect I am. But I haven't answered your question. I'm interested in mines, Mr. Melville. Have you ever been to Deer Creek?”
“Yes, I went over with Herbert to visit the store there one day last week.”
“Did you ever hear of the Blazing Star Mine?”
“No, I believe not.”
“I own it,” said Holden. “It's a good mine, and would make me rich if I had a little more money to work it.”
“Are the indications favorable, then?” asked Melville.
“It looks well, if that's what you mean. Yes, sir; the Star is a first-class property.”
“Then it's a pity you don't work it.”
“That's what I say myself. Mr. Melville, I've a proposal to make to you.”
“What is it, Mr. Holden?”
“If you could manage to call me Jack, it would seem more social like.”
“By all means, then, Jack!” said Melville smiling.
“You give me money enough to develop the mine, and I'll make half of it over to you.”
“How much is needed?” asked Melville.
“Not over five hundred dollars. It's a bargain, I tell you.”
“I do not myself wish to assume any business cares,” said Melville.
Jack Holden looked disappointed.
“Just as you say,” he responded.
“But Herbert may feel differently,” continued Melville.
“I'd like the lad for a partner,” said Holden, briskly.
“But I have no money!” said Herbert, in surprise.
George Melville smiled.
“If the mine is a good one,” he said, “I will advance you the money necessary for the purchase of a half interest. If it pays you, you may become rich. Then you can repay the money.”
“But suppose it doesn't, Mr. Melville,” objected Herbert, “how can I ever repay you so large a sum?”
“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 two or three times a week to look after his property.