CHAPTER XXXVIII
THE MINING STOCK IS SOLD.
"BUT I understood that you were poor," said Mr. Rockwell, surprised atMark's statement.
"That we are so is because Mr. Talbot as executor has concealed from mymother the existence of the stock as a part of grandfather's estate."
"How long since your grandfather died?"
"Nearly two years."
"And the stock is only now to be sold?"
"Yes; my uncle had advices that it would be well to wait, as it waslikely to go up."
"And your mother's share is half--say, two hundred shares?"
"Yes, sir."
"Then she will be comfortable for life. At the price I am thinking ofpaying, this will amount to over fifty thousand dollars. Now can yougive me any information about the mine?"
"Yes, sir; I made it my business to inquire. It is confidently expectedto go considerably higher. It is growing richer every day."
"I shall rely upon your statements and buy the stock. After it is sold Iadvise you to take immediate steps to secure your share. Have youconsulted a lawyer?"
"Yes; a young man."
"In a matter of this importance an older and more experienced lawyerwill be better. I will give you a note to my own lawyer."
"Thank you, sir."
"I am now going to the office of Crane & Lawton where I shall meet youruncle, and conclude the business. Come here in less than two hours and Imay be able to tell you the result."
"I will do so."
Solon Talbot was much elated when informed by Crane & Lawton that theyhad found a purchaser for his mining stock in the person of LutherRockwell, the well-known banker.
"Do you think he would stand a higher price?" asked Talbot.
"It would not be wise to ask it."
"He is very rich. He could afford to pay more."
"True; but he became rich through prudence and shrewdness. Sell to himand you won't have to wait for your money."
"No doubt you are right. I will be guided by your advice."
When Solon Talbot was introduced to Mr. Rockwell he made a deferentialbow.
"I am honored in making your acquaintance, Mr. Rockwell," he said.
"Thank you, sir."
The banker would have been more cordial but for what he had heard fromMark.
"How long have you owned this stock, Mr. Talbot?" inquired Mr. Rockwell.
"Three years."
"It is not held in your name."
"No; it belongs to the estate of my late father-in-law, Elisha Doane."
"I take it that you are the executor of the estate."
"Yes, sir."
Solon Talbot would not have been so communicative if he had supposedthat the banker was a friend to Mark. He had forgotten Mark's agency inprotecting Mr. Rockwell from the dynamite fiend.
"The stock was probably purchased at a very low figure."
"I presume so, though I do not know what was paid for it. Indeed I neverheard of it until I came to examine the items of my father-in-law'sestate. He didn't have much else."
"It is fortunate for his heirs."
"Yes," answered Talbot rather nervously.
He was afraid Mr. Rockwell might inquire who were the other heirs. Hadhe done so, he would have evaded the question or boldly declared thatthere was no other heirs except himself.
After half an hour's conversation the purchase was made, and a check forone hundred and four thousand dollars was handed to Mr. Talbot.
"I hope you will not have occasion to regret your purchase, Mr.Rockwell," said Solon.
"I think I shall not from advices I have received about increasingrichness."
At the time appointed Mark called at Mr. Rockwell's office.
"Well, Mark," said the lawyer, "I made the purchase."
"At two hundred and sixty?"
"Yes. I congratulate you."
"That is, if I succeed in getting our share from my uncle."
"I will give you a letter to my lawyer, Mr. Gerrish. Obtain a letterfrom him, as your counsel, and call to-morrow upon your uncle with aformal demand for your mother's share of the proceeds of the miningstock."
Mark Mason's Victory: The Trials and Triumphs of a Telegraph Boy Page 38
