"Yes, I received a long night letter from home, this afternoon. But they do not say whether there is anything left to pay my way in New York, or whether I ought to start for home," said Polly. Eleanor was shocked at her words. "Why, Polly, surely you have no dread of such being the case, just because our old gold mine is choked again?" "Don't you understand, Nolla, that starting work on the mine, and all the machinery for it, costs so much that not only is the lava mine involved, but the very ranch is risked. Maybe father will have to sell out his beloved farm and go away," explained Polly, with quivering lips. "Oh no, Polly," hastily came from Mr. Latimer. "We are all stock-holders in this venture, you know, and one man alone does not bear the costs of the mine and its losses. That is why Mr. Dalken and I came over, tonight, when we got word that John had written you. We feared you might not understand matters." "But I understand father, well enough, Mr. Latimer. He will never permit anyone to lose a penny because of him or his interests." "Maybe he won't, Polly, but this mining venture was as much our interest as yours, or your father's, remember. It seems gone, this time, but we must take our loss as courageously as we would our profits. Tom wired me to come and see you and explain that you need make no change in any of your plans, as everything would go on as usual at the ranch. He and John will devote all of their time to the Cliffs now, instead of dividing their attention between the two mines, as they have been doing, heretofore," explained Mr. Latimer. "But your mother wrote me, Polly," now said Mr. Dalken, "that finances would be rather strained for the next year, because of this tremendous outlay on the mines and no income; and the terrible drought that killed off so many head of cattle on the ranch this year, makes things look rather unpromising. I know how practical you are, and I thought it best to let you hear how matters stand. Your folks asked me not to mention it, because they wanted you to finish your studies here, and there are ample funds to pay for that. But I took it upon myself to warn you about going deeply into any antique purchases, in your auction fever." "I'm so glad you did, Mr. Dalken. As you say, I am not a silly child, and now that I know exactly how matters are at home, I will see if I cannot do something while studying in New York, to pay my own way," responded Polly, anxiously. "Oh, it isn't as bad as that, Child!" laughed Mr. Latimer; "but it is best for you not to buy in Fifth Avenue shops, or give away rare old bargains from the country." Polly smiled. "Mr. Latimer, this is what I propose doing to earn my expenses in New York. Instead of buying old objects for fun, I shall secure them to sell again and make money." "Poll is right! And I propose going with her as the partner in her first business venture!" declared Eleanor.