Part 27 (1/2)

If we work it as a stock company it will make us money; but young c.o.x being in such bad shape physically, and his finances being as they are, we'll probably decide to sell out to a syndicate of Denver people. c.o.x will close the contract with them before he comes East, it may be, and on such terms,” added Uncle Jabez with a satisfaction that he could not hide, ”that it will be the very best investment I ever made.”

”Oh, Uncle!” cried Ruth Fielding.

”Yes,” said Uncle Jabez, with complacency. ”The mine is going to pay us well. Fortunately you was insistent on finding and speaking to young c.o.x. If you had not found him-and if he had not recovered his health-it might have been many months before I could have recovered even the money I had put into the young man's scheme. And-so he says-_you_ saved his life, Ruthie.”

”That's just talk, Uncle,” cried the girl. ”Don't you believe it.

Anybody would have done the same.”

”However that may be, and whether it is due to you in any particular that I can quickly realize on my investment,” said the miller, rising suddenly from the table, ”circ.u.mstances are such now that there is no reason why you shouldn't have another term or two at school-if you want to go.”

”_Want to go to Briarwood!_ Oh, Uncle!” gasped Ruth.

”Then I take it you _do_ want to go?”

”More than anything else in the world!” declared his niece, reverently.

”Wall, Niece Ruth,” he concluded, with his usual manner. ”If your Aunt Alviry can spare ye--”

”Don't think about me, Jabez, don't think about me,” cried the little old woman. ”Just what my pretty wants-that will please her Aunt Alviry.”