rs to please themselves, if they fail to cheat us
out of our property."

Now that one cause for anxiety was removed the partners devoted more
time to discussing the question of title, and before night-fall had
succeeded in making themselves feel decidedly uncomfortable.

During the evening Mr. Hunter called with cheering news.

"Among the subscribers I have found four gentlemen of means, who will
advance the funds necessary for defending the suit, provided they are
allowed a certain additional amount of stock in case of success. The
four owners of the property must sign an agreement to that effect, and
the business is settled."

"How will that affect our interest?" Fred asked.

"I think an equitable arrangement would be to give you jointly one-half
the amount of stock issued, and with the remainder there will be no
difficulty in raising sufficient to open and operate the mine."

"Is that a fair division? We know very little about such things."

"If there had been no trouble your share would be larger; but, under the
circumstances, I think the proposition a generous one."

"Then we are satisfied," Joe replied. "Bring on your documents so we can
sign 'em, for I want to get back to-morrow."

"I will write the agreement, and go to Farley's with you on the first
train. Money for your personal expenses is to be advanced, and here is
an installment. When it is gone come to me for more."

"A hundred dollars!" Joe exclaimed, as he counted the bills. "We can't
complain but that your subscribers are doing the thing in good style."

"So they should since a large amount of money is to be made, if we are
successful with the suit."

Then Mr. Hunter left the partners, and Skip, who was already looked upon
as a member of the new company, and they found ample material for
conversation until it was time to retire.

Next morning the party started for Farley's in company with the lawyer
and one of the gentlemen who proposed to advance the capital.

There were only a few people at the depot; but from them Sam received a
most cordial welcome. Men whom he had never spoken to before
congratulated him upon the happy result of the trial, and many were the
harsh words spoken against the superintendent and cashier.

After he ran home to see his mother for a moment the four partners
assembled in Bill's chamber, and there the necessary documents were
drawn up.

"I have already applied for a charter," Mr. Hunter said, when all had
s