r run out?"

"Yes. Well, there is a movement on foot to put somebody else in his
place. If they do that--well, he'll be out, that's all."

"What will he do then?"

"That's just it. I don't know what he can do. He used to be in an office
business, but he gave that up to go into politics. Now, if he gets out,
he will have to start all over again."

"Hasn't he anything at all--I mean any business?"

"Not anything regular. He dabbles a little in real estate."

"Then I hope they don't put him out, Roger."

"And--er--that isn't all, Dave. I wouldn't tell anybody but you--and
maybe Phil. He has spent a lot of money while in politics--it costs a
good deal to live in Washington. I heard him tell mother about it. If he
goes out, it will go hard with him. Now, if we had that mine, and it was
as valuable as they think it is----"

"I see, Roger. We'll have to do our level best to find the mine."

"If mother had the mine she could let dad use the money in any way he
pleased. But if we haven't got the mine to fall back on, and dad gets
out of politics--well, it is going to make hard sledding for us."

"Roger, if it gets too bad, don't you hesitate to come to us!" cried
Dave, quickly. "I am sure my father, and my Uncle Dunston, would be only
too glad to help you out."

"Thank you, Dave; but I don't think it will get to be as bad as that,"
answered the senator's son. And then the train came along and Dave had
to bid his chum good-by.

The car was only half filled with people, so Dave had a double seat to
himself. He placed his suit-case in the rack overhead and then sank down
by the window, to gaze at the swiftly moving panorama and give himself
up to thought.

"Hello, Dave!"

The youth looked up, to see, standing beside him, Nat Poole, the son of
the money-lender of Crumville--a tall, awkward youth with a face that
was inclined to scowl more than to smile. In the past Nat had played
Dave many a mean trick, and had usually gotten the worst of it. Nat had
been in the class with our hero, but had failed to pass for graduation,
much to his chagrin.

"Hello, Nat!" cried Dave. He put as much warmth as possible in the
salutation, for he felt sorry for the boy who had failed. "Bound for
home?"

"Yes." The money-lender's son hesitated for a moment. "Want me to sit
with you?"

"Certainly, if you like," and Dave shoved over to make room.

"Been visiting an old aunt of mine," explained Nat as he sat down. "Had
a slow time o