"Mr. Ferguson," rejoined Fred, fixing his eyes on the merchant, "do you advise my mother, as a friend, to accept this offer?" "Of course, of course. It is the best thing she can do." "I have no right to doubt your sincerity, but I think the land is worth more than you offer." "What can you know about it?" demanded Ferguson impatiently. "A gentleman who had traveled in Colorado called on us a while ago. He seems to think the land is quite valuable." "Stuff and nonsense! The man was humbugging you." "He was a miner," continued Fred placidly. "He promised to look up the matter for us." "You were very rash to trust a stranger. The best thing you can do is to disregard any advice he may have given you, and accept my offer." "There is one difficulty in the way," said Fred. "What is that?" "_We have sold the land!_" CHAPTER XXXVIII. CONCLUSION. "You have sold the land?" repeated Mr. Ferguson in dismay. "Yes, sir." "Then permit me to say that you and your mother have acted like fools!" said Ferguson harshly. "In a matter like this you should have consulted ME. What do you or your mother know about business?" "I think we did pretty well," said Fred placidly. "What did you sell for?" asked Ferguson abruptly. "Six thousand five hundred dollars!" answered the ex-train boy. Robert Ferguson stared at Fred in amazement and incredulity. "Don't play any of your practical jokes on me!" he said sternly. "I don't intend to, sir. We gave Mr. Sloan a power of attorney, and he sold it for us." "He _says_ he did!" sneered Ferguson. "You will never get the money." "Excuse me, Mr. Ferguson. We have received the money already." "When?" gasped the merchant. "Two days ago." The face of Robert Ferguson was a study. Disappointed cupidity succeeded his first incredulity. He began to consider that he must convince Fred that he had acted in good faith. With an effort he smoothed down his face and conjured up a smile. "You quite take my breath away," he said. "I can hardly believe that the land which I thought worthless should have realized such a sum. Have any mines been discovered on them?" "No, sir; but a village has sprung up in the immediate neighborhood." "I am heartily glad of it. Tell your mother so. How could I have been so deceived? By the way, it will be best for you to put the money in the hands of some responsible person to take care of for you. As a near relative I shall be glad to invest the amount for you safely along with my own." "Thank you, sir, but we have already invested it." Mr. Ferguson frowned. "I predict that you will lose half of it," he said. "I don't think so. I had advice in the investment." "Who advised you?" "John Wainwright, the banker." "Do you know him?" "Yes; he is my employer." "I believe I remember that Raymond told me so. Of course he is a good adviser. How much does he pay you?" "Twenty-five dollars a week." "Do you take me for a fool?" demanded Ferguson angrily.