“Is it possible,” he ejaculated, “and your father was so confident only the other night!” “You will not be angry with father?” said Louise, laving her hand on Vance’s arm. “Angry,” replied Vance, “no; why should I be? He and I are jointly interested in results. If they are unfavorable, why, he cannot be more disappointed than I am. Had he been successful, we would have been equal partners as well.” “Thank you,” said Louise, “I pity my poor father so much.” She dried her eyes a little and then went on: “Aunt Sally was so querulous with papa last evening when she heard the result, and it made papa very unhappy; indeed, he did not sleep any during the night, though I have comforted him as well as I could.” “And have not slept a wink?” said Vance, looking at her keenly. “How could I, when papa was so troubled?” Vance was silent. [179] Presently he spoke: “I will confess I never was more disappointed in my life. I was so hopeful your father would be successful. Mind,” he continued, hastily, glancing at Louise, “I attach no blame to him.” 0187 “Thank you,” she murmured, and Vance went on, “No, I do not blame him, neither do I blame myself. Hundreds, yes, thousands have pursued the same course. Some of them have been successful, and others, ourselves included, have not. I regret that your father should [180] have spent so many years of his life in that useless prospect shaft.” “There is hope yet, Mr. Gilder.” “Hope,” said Vance quickly, “where?” “The ore,” she continued, “is richer than at the 300 foot level.” “And do you believe—?” commenced Vance. “Do not ask me, please, Mr. Gilder, what I believe at this time. Mr. Grim was here early this morning and left a proposition with papa. He has not the heart, he says, to tell you of it, and requested me to do so. You know, Mr. Grim,” she continued, “is said to be a very good business man. He has examined the ore found at the 400 foot level, and says it is much richer than at the 300 foot level. He offers now, if you and papa will give him a half interest in the mine, to furnish the money to sink the shaft to the 500 foot level.” “So,” said Vance, reflectively. Presently he said: “If Rufus Grim has confidence to go to the 500 foot level, why not your father and I?” “But it will cost $6,000, Mr. Gilder, and neither papa nor I could think of asking you to put any more money into Gray Rocks.” “I do not think your father should take it to heart so; indeed, I do not.” “He does not care for himself, and neither do I care for myself, Mr. Gilder, but we do care for you.” Vance started and the blood mounted to his face “You have been so kind to my father and placed such unbounded confidence in his judgment, and now it seems as if it were impossible for him ever to [181] repay you, unless—,” she hesitated. “Unless what?” asked Vance, impatiently. “Unless you would be willing to join father in giving a half interest in Gray Rocks to Mr. Grim, and let him go on and develop the mine.”