“Why, he must have the chance—­he’s got to have the chance!” she cried excitedly.  “What do you think of it yourself?”

Bostwick fanned the blaze with conservatism.

“It’s quite a sum of money and Glen might overestimate the value of the mine.  I’ve inquired around and learn that the property is considered tremendously promising.  If we—­if he actually secures that claim it will doubtless mean a for——­ I don’t like to lose my sense of judgment, but I do want to help the boy along.  Frankly, however, I don’t see how I can let him have so much.  I couldn’t possibly send him but thirty thousand dollars at the most.”

Beth’s eyes were blazing with excitement.  She had never dreamed that Searle could be so generous—­so splendid.  An impulse of gratitude and admiration surged throughout her being.

“You’d do it?” she said.  “You’ll do as much as that for Glen?”

“Why, how can I do less?” he answered.  “That claim will doubtless be worth half a million, maybe more—­if all I hear is reliable—­and I get it from disinterested parties.  The boy has done a good big thing.  I’ve got to help him out.  It seems too bad to offer him only half of what he needs, but I’m not a very wealthy man.  I can’t be utterly Quixotic.  We’ve all got to help him all we can.”

“Oh, thank you, Searle—­thank you for saying ‘we,’” she said in a voice that slightly trembled.  “I’m glad of the chance—­glad to show dear Glen that a sister can help a little, too.”

He stared at her with an excellent imitation of surprise in his gaze.

“You’ll—­help?” he said in astonishment, masterfully simulated.  “Not with the other thirty thousand?”

“Why not?” she cried.  “Why not, when Glen has the chance of his life?  You don’t really think I’d hesitate?”

“But,” said he, leading her onward, “he needs the money now—­at once.  You’d have to get it here by wire, and all that sort of trouble.”

“Then we’d better get things started,” she said.  “You’ll help me, Searle, I’m sure.”

“If you wish it,” said Bostwick, “certainly.”

“Dear Glen!” she said.  “Dear boy!  I’ll write him a letter at once.”

Bostwick started, alertly, as she ran in her girlish pleasure to a stand where she had placed her materials for writing.

“Good,” he commented drily, “I’ll mail it with one of my own.”

She dashed off a bright effusion with all her spontaneous enthusiasm.  Bostwick supplied her with the address, and presently took the letter in his hand.  He had much to do at the bank, he informed her, by way of preparing for the deal.  He promised to return when he could.

On his way down street be deliberately tore the letter to the smallest of fragments and scattered them widely on the wind.

CHAPTER XVII

UNEXPECTED COMPLICATIONS