Land wilderness and worked uncomplainingly for months. No grander
man ever lived."

CHAPTER XXVII.

SELLING STOCK SHORT.

After a few days more Jack and Rose returned to England.

Soon after their return, one of the morning papers had an announcement
that the banking house of Campbell & Co. (Limited), No. ---- street, was
promoting the "Wedge of Gold," a mining property in Southern Africa, near
the border of the Transvaal, which was believed to be a most promising
property.

The same day Emanuel dropped into the house of Jenvie, Hamlin & Stetson.
He was seedy-looking, and seemed a good deal run down both in purse and
spirits.

"What do you think of the 'Wedge of Gold' announcement?" asked Jenvie.

"What is it?" asked Emanuel. He was shown the paper.

"What do I think?" he said. "I think may be the young man needs a little
money. The mails came in from Port Natal yesterday. Is there any news
from the mine?"

"None at all that we can find," said Jenvie.

"I have no idea," said the Portuguese, "but if it is more than three
shillings per share, it is one good chance for a bear to sell it short
and hug himself for his own act."

With this he went out. The three men were silent for a good five minutes.
Then Jenvie rang the bell, and when it was answered he said to the
messenger: "Go to Campbell & Co.'s; find out the price of 'Wedge of Gold'
stock, and ask what data the house has from the property."

The clerk returned in half an hour, and reported that it was held at L1,
and he produced a statement of the property.

This was eagerly run over by the three. "Why," said Jenvie, as he
completed reading it, "this is but a rehash of the statement of a year
ago; the same depth is given, all the details just as they were. Jack
must be making a desperate play for money."

"One pound per share!" said Hamlin. "Why, the man must be after some
other Nevada miner who has more money than judgment."

"The 'Wedge of Gold' was our good fortune," said Stetson. "Through it
we got a real start. We made a good bit out of it, which we have since
doubled. Let us try another venture in the stock."

"What! Buy it at L1 per share?" asked Hamlin.

"No, no," said Jenvie. "Let us sell 20,000 shares to be delivered in
three months at ten shillings. We can send Emanuel and get it at four or
five shillings."

After weighing the matter in every way they decided to increase the
amount and sell 30,000 shares.

The offer was take