Page 217 - In A New World

"Gosh all Jerusalem! you aint yarnin', be you? Seven thousand dollars!"

"Who's talkin' of seven thousand dollars?" asked a familiar voice, as Mr.
Fox entered the room.

"Harry Vane says he's worth seven thousand dollars!" exclaimed Joel in a
tone made up of amazement, jealousy, and wonder.

"Is that true?" asked John Fox in equal amazement.

"Yes, Mr. Fox."

"But how on 'arth— "

Then Harry gave a full explanation, with which I don't propose to trouble
the reader, as it would be a twice-told tale.

"Some folks seem born to luck!" said Mr. Fox furiously, when Harry had
completed his story. "Joel may work and toil all his life, and he won't get

no seven thousand dollars. It seems hard!"

John Fox had been much impressed by Harry's luck, and his avaricious soul

was busying itself with some scheme for turning it to his personal
advantage.

"I'm glad you've been so lucky, Harry," he said with affected cordiality. "It
beats all, I must say. I've no doubt you are ready now to carry out your dear

father's dyin' wish."

"What was that, Mr. Fox?"

"He wanted me to be your guardeen. It stands to reason a boy of sixteen

aint to be trusted with so much money. Now I'm an experienced man of
business, and I'm willin' to be your guardeen, and I won't charge you a cent

for takin' care of your property except board money."