ble to make them."

"Well, while the metal didn't have any platinum in it, it had a peculiar
quality of steel. It is very valuable, and I--that is we"--turning
toward his father--"have just sold it to a large firm that wants it to
make some very fine springs with."

"Yes, the deal is just completed," broke in Mr. Darby. "My judgment in
that old metal is confirmed. I have accepted an offer of two thousand
dollars for it. Under the terms of the incorporation papers one-half of
that goes to Dick. I now take pleasure in handing you my check for that
amount, as president of The International and Consolidated Old Metal
Corporation," and with a grand air "Hank" handed Dick a slip of paper.

"Is this mine?" asked the millionaire's son, in some bewilderment.

"It is," replied Mr. Darby. "It is part of the return from your
investment of two hundred and fifty dollars which you put into the firm
of which I am president, you treasurer, and my son secretary and general
manager."

"That is, I collect the old iron and sell it," explained Henry, seeing
that Mr. Larabee looked puzzled. "Dick was kind enough to invest some
money with our company last year, and I am glad I can make a return for
him--or, rather, dad can, for he bought the metal that turned out so
valuable."

"Then--then--" began Dick, a light slowly breaking over him, "without
intending it, I have made a good, paying investment. A thousand dollars
for two hundred and fifty is good, isn't it, dad?"

"Fine, I would say," cried Mr. Hamilton, with a smile.

"And this is my birthday! The year is just up!" went on Dick. "I--I
won't have to go and live with Uncle----"

He stopped in some confusion.

"Do you mean to tell me that this is a bona-fide investment, Mortimer?"
asked Mr. Larabee, turning to his brother-in-law.

"Perfectly legal and legitimate," interrupted Mr. Darby. "Here is a copy
of the incorporation agreement."

"Well," remarked Uncle Ezra, with a disappointed air, "I suppose you
have fulfilled the conditions of your mother's will, Nephew Richard. I
congratulate you," and he shook hands rather stiffly.

"Well, who would have thought it?" gasped Dick, hardly able to believe
his good fortune. "I never gave that investment a thought--in fact, I
never considered it an investment, Henry."

"It was, all the same, and I'm glad I am able to do you a favor, for you
did me a mighty good turn. The old metal business is in fine shape, and
I have more than I can a