“Pennington, after this I am going to be a different man--I swear it. This thing has opened my eyes. It doesn’t pay to--to--well, to cheat others, as I’ve been trying to do. I was going to try to get the best of you and the Bartletts, but I shan’t try any more. It’s a bad business.” “I agree with you on that point, Polk. The man who tries to do wrong is bound to come to grief sooner or later.” “Have you seen the Bartletts?” “Yes.” “Then you know why I am here.” “I do.” “I am glad of it, for it will make it easier for me to speak of what is in my mind. I suppose you have read the letters that were taken from me.” “I have.” “We were going to get old Bartlett to sell out for a song--if we could. I was to prove to him that the Importing Company was about to go bankrupt.” “I have suspected that for some time.” “The Importing Company is in first-class condition and making money,” went on Nuggy, quickly, as if afraid to keep back the information for fear of not being able to free his mind later. “You told me that at Manila.” “And the Bartlett stock is worth two hundred cents on the dollar.” “And what of the Pennington stock?” put in Gilbert, quickly. “The Pennington stock is worth just as much--and there is at least sixteen thousand dollars’ worth of it,” was the answer, which made the young lieutenant’s heart bound. “There, the cat is out of the bag--and I am glad of it. That secret has lain like a lump of lead on my soul ever since you saved my life.” “Sixteen thousand dollars’ worth of stock?” “Yes, and worth thirty-two thousand dollars in the money market. Pennington, you shall have what is due you, even if I have to force my father into giving it to you.” “That is the stock my father placed in his hands just before his death?” “Yes.” “How did you learn of this? Did your father tell you?” Nuggy Polk hung his head for a moment. “No, he didn’t tell me. I was at his private safe at home one day, and I found the missing certificates. I had had a row with father over some money matters; and, when he came home, I threatened to expose him if he didn’t give me what I wanted. Ever since that time we have worked hand in glove together, and he has allowed me all the spending money I wanted. But that is past now. I am going to lead a straight life, and I am going to try to get father to do the same.” CHAPTER XXXII BACK TO TAKU--CONCLUSION Now that he had confessed so much, Nuggy Polk seemed anxious to relate all the particulars; and it was a good hour before Gilbert could get away from the sick man. By that time Nuggy was very weak, and the doctor forbade him to talk longer. Gilbert returned to the encampment with a heart that was as light as a feather. He now knew exactly how matters stood with the Richmond Importing Company; and he felt certain that sooner or later he should come into every dollar which had belonged to his father’s estate.