"Good evening, ma'am," said the miner, as he rose to go. "I may not see you again just at present, but I'll look after that business of yourn. Come here, kid, you ought to get a prize for your writing. Here's something for you," and he handed the delighted boy a five-dollar gold piece. "Oh, ma, now may I have a new suit?" asked Albert. "If you want a new suit," said the miner, "I haven't given you enough. Here's another five to help along." "You are very kind, sir," said Mrs. Fenton. "Albert is really in need of clothes, and this will buy him something more than a suit." "All the better, ma'am. I'm glad to have the chance of doing a little good with my money." "I wish all who have money were like you. I wish you health and good fortune, and a safe return to your friends." "Those are three good things, ma'am. If I get there I won't kick." "Do you ever kick?" asked Albert, puzzled. "I see you don't understand me, kid. It's a slang term we miners use. I won't complain. That's a little better English, isn't it?" Fred conducted Mr. Sloan to the hotel nearby and saw him secure a good room. Then he was about to retire. "Hold on a minute!" said the miner. "Come up to my room. I want to talk a little to you on business." "Certainly, Mr. Sloan." Reaching the chamber, the miner unbuckled a belt that spanned his waist, and drew therefrom a large sum in gold pieces. He counted out five double eagles--a hundred dollars--and turning to Fred, said: "I want you to keep that money for me till I come back." "But, Mr. Sloan," said Fred surprised, "why not leave it with your other money? I might lose it." "I want you to put it in some savings bank in your own name, and, if you need it, to draw out any part of it. I don't want that mean scamp, the landlord, to get a chance to turn you out into the street." "But I might not be able to pay it back, Mr. Sloan." "I'll take the risk. I lend it to you without interest for a year, and if you have to use any of it I won't sue you." "You are very kind! It will make me feel much more easy in mind. I wouldn't mind being turned into the street on my own account, but mother couldn't stand it." "Just so, Fred. You've got a good mother, and you must look out for her." "I don't often meet a good friend like you, Mr. Sloan." "Oh, pshaw! you mustn't make too much of a little thing," said the miner modestly. "I'm only giving you the interest on a hundred dollars." Fred walked slowly homeward, feeling very cheerful. He hoped he should not need to use any of Mr. Sloan's kind loan, but it gave him a feeling of relief to know that he had a fund to draw from in case of need. On his way home, in passing a drinking saloon, Fred's attention was drawn to two men who came out, arm in arm, both of whom appeared to be under the influence of liquor. Something in the dress and figure of one looked familiar. Coming closer Fred recognized his country friend, Joshua Bascom. "What, Mr. Bascom! Is this you?"