you up
there to complete the purchase, paying him the balance, if you can, in
stock; then hire men, improve the dock, set up the machinery we shall
send you, and begin quarrying operations. That will be one of your
duties. The other, and principal, one will be to get the natives
interested in this home industry, and sell stock to them. To this end it
may be necessary for you to give a little away to those whose influence
may be of value. We have already booked several orders for building
stone, which you will get out as per specifications and shipments. It
will be necessary for you to hire one or two vessels for this purpose,
or else contract for delivery of stone to us at so much per cargo. There
is a small steamer which makes regular trips to this island, so we can
reach you by mail.

"Now there is another matter, also of great importance. In order to
stimulate your interest in the success of this enterprise, we shall make
you a present of five hundred shares of this stock provided you can
raise the money to purchase, at one dollar per share, another block of
five hundred, or, what would answer as well, induce your aunt to do so."

It was the glittering bait, intended by the wily Weston to catch and
hold his dupe, Winn Hardy.

"I have some money laid away," answered Winn, his sense of caution
obscured by this alluring offer, "and with a little help from my aunt, I
feel sure I can manage it; at least, I will try."

"We do not need this investment of five hundred dollars on your part,
Mr. Hardy," continued Weston, in a grandiloquent tone; "as you must be
aware, it is but a drop in the bucket, and we only wish it to induce
your more hearty cooeperation in pushing this enterprise to a successful
ending. If we make money, as we are sure to do, you will also share in
it. It is needless for me to tell you that this is the golden
opportunity of your life, and if you take hold with a will, and not only
manage this quarry with good business discretion, but, what is of more
importance, sell all the stock you can, you will reap a small fortune.
This enterprise is sure to be a money-maker and we expect inside of a
year to see Rockhaven go to ten, twenty, or possibly thirty dollars per
share."

And Winn Hardy, though sophisticated in a minor degree, believed it, and
true to his nature, leaped at once into the clouds, where sudden riches
and all that follows seemed within his grasp. Not only did he easily
persuade his excellen