"I'm afraid it wouldn't make the mines any good, or save the money dad and I put into them," said Dick. "No, I don't believe it would. Besides, they are a slick crowd, I suppose, and you'd have trouble convicting them. Perhaps it is better to let it drop. I'll be on the watch, however, and if I hear of anyone about to invest in the stock of any mines Smith and his men are interested in I'll warn him." Dick called to say good-bye to Simon. He found the bad boy a little improved, and when informed that he would be well taken care of the tears came into the eyes of the youth who had done so much to injure Dick. "You--you're a brick!" he stammered. "I don't deserve it, but if--if I ever get well maybe I can do something for you." "Oh, that's all right," replied Dick, somewhat affected by Simon's misery. "You'll soon be as well as ever, and when you do get around again, you'd better steer clear of such men as Colonel Dendon." "I will," promised Simon, and he tried to return the pressure of Dick's hand, but it was hard work, for he was very weak. Early the next morning Dick and his friends started for home. Dick was a little thoughtful, and Frank asked: "Worrying about your lost money, Dick?" "Well, not so much about the money as I am over the consequences. I counted on this mine investment being a good one. But, I have another. I guess my stock in the milk concern will pan out pretty well." "If it don't youse had better come to N' York wid me, an' sell papes," advised Tim. "I'll think of it," promised Dick, with a smile. The ride back home was uneventful. Tim decided he would not go back to Hamilton Corners, as he was anxious to get to New York. "Got to look after me paper business," he said, with a laugh. "I left me pardner in charge an' he's a little chap. Some of de big guys might drive him offen de swell corner we has. It's de best corner in N' York fer doin' business," he explained. "I stands in wid de cop on de beat an' he sees I ain't bothered. But I'm gittin' worried. I see some of de yellow journals is predictin' bad times an' I wants to be prepared for 'em. Besides, I've got some customers what owe me--one man run up a bill of a quarter jest 'fore I went on dat fresh-air racket, an' I want to collect it. So I t'ink I'll git back to little old N' York." The boys parted from Tim with regret, for they liked his sterling character, which shone out through a coat of rough manners. He changed at a junction point for a train that went direct to the big city, and gaily waved his hand to them as it departed. He had profited much by coming to Hamilton Corners, for Dick had fitted him up with some good clothes, and, at parting, had slipped a bank bill into his hand. Mr. Hamilton was glad to see his son back, and listened with interest to the account of the western trip. "And so our money is gone," finished Dick.