Therefore the Major was helpless. After all, the Captain might be speaking the entire truth; and if so all argument was useless. Threats do not affect a man of his temperament, and beyond threats the Major did not care to go, even to secure the information he wished. Bribery, in such a case, was absurd. Therefore nothing could be done but bear the disappointment with a good grace. The Major’s fortune was, for the present, ample, and I wondered why he should ever care to visit the island again. As soon as the anchors were dropped the miners clamored to be set ashore, and by night they had all quitted the ship and established themselves in lodgings in the town, from whence they at once flocked to the bankers and began to turn their golden grains into cash. Uncle Naboth and I remained on board another day. There were settlements to be made with the sailors and various other details that needed attention at the close of the voyage; so that I was kept busy with my books of accounts and Uncle Naboth stood constantly at my elbow to give me the necessary instructions. We both longed to be on shore again, however; so as soon as the last formalities were completed, we put our heavy sacks of gold into a boat and carried them to the docks, from whence an escort of our trusty sailors accompanied us to the bank wherein Mr. Perkins was accustomed to keep his deposits. So many ships had lately returned from Alaska bearing gold from the mines that Mr. Perkins’ heavy deposit aroused no wonder except as to its extent, and the banker warmly congratulated him upon his good fortune in making so successful a voyage. Both Uncle Naboth and I remained at the bank until every sack of gold had been carefully weighed and sealed, and the proper receipt given. Then, breathing freely for the first time since the gold had been in our possession, we repaired to my Uncle’s former lodging house, where Mr. Perkins was warmly welcomed. “We’ll have the best dinner tonight the establishment can set up, Sam, my boy,” said the old man, rubbing his hands gleefully together; “for we’ve got to celebrate the success of the new partnership. You must ’a brought the firm luck, my lad, for this here is the biggest haul I’ve heard of since I’ve been in the business. We’re rich, nevvy—rich as punkins!” “How much do you suppose we’re worth, Uncle?” I enquired, rather curiously. “I can’t tell exactly, o’ course, till after we’ve got the quality of our gold properly graded, and put it on the market; but my opinion is, we’re at least fifty thousand dollars to the good.” “As much as that!” I exclaimed, greatly elated. “Full as much, I judge.” “Then,” said I, drawing a sigh of relief, “I can pay Mrs. Ranck that four hundred dollars I owe her for my board.” Uncle Naboth made a wry face.