Job shook his fist at him. "Half that, my boy; let us say half, and I have risen to be what?" "Skipper of the beautiful modern steamer, the 'Golden Land,'" said Mac quietly. "Yes, Mr. Macdonald, you have hit it; that's the truth. I am the captain of this most admirable craft, and I have every reason to believe I shall end my days on her--at the bottom of the sea," said Job. "And yet with all its drawbacks and disadvantages I have never met a good sailor--like yourself, skipper--who wishes to give up the sea," remarked Barry. Jack had made up his mind. "I have five hundred pounds, will you invest it for me in the Great Tom mine?" he said quietly, and as though it was a matter of small importance. Barry Tuxford regarded him curiously; this was a proposal he was not prepared for. The Great Tom mine was all very well in its way, but for a "new chum," with none too much cash, it was hardly the kind of investment to recommend, although he had faith in it. "Five hundred is rather a large amount," he said. "I can get you the shares, but I think a hundred will be sufficient for you to risk. It is a mine that has not yet been fully worked, and the additional capital will no doubt enable the holders to prove its worth; yet there is such a thing as being over sanguine, also failure." Harry Marton's experience of mining shares, as already stated, was not pleasant, and he strongly advised Jack not to risk so much. "Take his advice, and buy a hundred," he said. Jack Redland was, however, determined, and the sporting spirit in him roused. It was a big plunge, and he might lose the whole amount, but he made up his mind to take the risk. "If you will purchase me five hundred shares I shall be much obliged," he said. "I am quite willing to take the risk, and I need hardly add I shall not blame you if I lose the lot. Something, however, tells me this will be a lucky deal, I am almost certain of it." "You are a good plucked one!" exclaimed Barry admiringly, "and you will get on in our country. I'll do it for you, and I may add it is the exact number of shares I hold." "Buy me fifty," said Captain Seagrave. "And me ten," chimed in Sam. "Now, Mac, how many do you want?" asked the captain. Mac muttered something about fools and their money, and was understood to say he'd see the Great Tom mine somewhere before he'd sink coin in it. Barry Tuxford agreed to purchase the shares desired, and said when Jack and Harry were prepared to leave Captain Seagrave's hospitable ship, he would put them up until the schooners were ready to sail. As he went down the gangway he said to Jack-- "I believe you have done a good day's work. It would not surprise me if they struck it rich in the Great Tom mine before you come back from the fishing, and if they do, and the shares jump up, you can sell out or hold on as you think best. Good luck!" CHAPTER NINTH _IN SHARK'S BAY_