Moreover, you are familiar with this lode and the manner of working these mines. You are likewise accustomed to this climate, hence I conclude that your chances against accident or disease would be from fifteen to twenty per cent. in favor of your returning. In conclusion, I beg, without meaning any offense, but on the other hand, with a sincere desire to serve you, to say that I have a few hundred dollars on hand, enough perhaps to cover all your indebtedness here. If you would care to use it, it shall be yours, _in hearty welcome_, until such time as you can conveniently return it. I beg, sir, to subscribe myself your friend and servant, JAMES BREWSTER. "God bless you, Brewster," said Harding impetuously. "That is a boss lether," said Corrigan. "I could not do better than that myself," was Ashley's comment. "It is a diamond drill, and strikes a bonanza on the lower level," said Carlin. "The formation is good, the pay chute large, the trend of the lode most regular, the grade of the ore splendid," said the Professor. Wright said: "It is a good letter, sure." "It reads as I fancy the photographs of the Angels of Mercy and Justice look when taken together," suggested Alex. The Colonel remarked that the letter established the fact that Brewster was not so bad a man as he looked to be. What should be sent to Miller was next discussed again. It was finally determined that all the letters should be sent except Harding's; that he should rewrite his, and instead of sending the certificate of deposit, should, like Corrigan, instruct Miller to draw on him if he needed money, and that any such drafts should be shared by the whole Club. Then the money to pay the bills was raised among the old members of the Club, and placed in Carlin's hands to be paid out next day. When all was finished a sort of heaviness came upon the company. There was an impression of sorrow upon them. They had been happy in their innocent enjoyment, but suddenly one who was a favorite, who was at heart the most generous one of the company, had failed them, and they brooded over the change. At length Harding roused himself and said: "Miller must be sleeping somewhere down in the desert to-night. I wish I could call to him by telephone and bring him back." "That reminds me," said Alex, "of something that I heard of yesterday. Down at the Sisters' Academy there is a telephone. There is a little miss attending that school, and every morning at a certain hour there is a ring at a certain house down town. The response goes back, 'Who is it?' and then the conversation goes on as follows: 'Is that you, papa?' 'Yes!' 'Good morning, papa!' 'Good morning, little one.' 'Is mamma there?' 'Yes.' 'Say good morning and give my love to mamma.' 'Yes.' 'Goodbye.' 'Good bye.'