Chapter XXXVI: Conclusion: “Too bad! I thought there would surely be some word from Oliver to-day.”

It was Mr. Bright who spoke. He sat in an invalid chair on the side porch, propped up by soft pillows. Donald, the man of all work, had just returned from the post-office with the information that there were no letters.

Mr. Bright was getting well rapidly, but the lines of care were plainly to be seen upon his brow. He started up with a deep sigh.

“Nearly two weeks since I received any word,” he murmured to himself. “How slowly the time drags! Can it be possible that he was too hopeful and that the Aurora has proved worthless after all?”

He passed his hand over his brow.

“If that is so what is to become of us? I am getting too old to work, and he has no trade to which he can turn his hand.”

As he concluded, the latch on the gate was lifted, and, looking up, the sick man saw Dr. Tangus enter the yard, and walk up the gravel path.

“Good-morning, Mr. Bright,” he said stiffly.

“Good-morning, doctor,” was the low reply. “Take a seat on the bench. I am sorry there is not a chair here.”

“This will do very well.” The learned man paused for a moment. “How are you feeling?” he asked.

“Much better, thank you. Another week and I think I will be all right.”

“I am glad to hear it. I suppose you know the purpose of my visit to-day.”

“You are after the payment of that money.”

“Yes. You know it was due yesterday.”

“I know it was. But cannot you wait a few days longer? I am expecting word from my son by every mail or by telegraph.”

“Concerning that mining scheme you mentioned?”

“Yes.”

Dr. Tangus tossed his head.

“I don’t believe that amounts to much,” he said. “You are altogether too sanguine about it.”

“My son Oliver――”

“That boy isn’t as smart as you think he is. His going off on a wild-goose chase――”

“It was no wild-goose chase, doctor.”

“I think it was. But, of course, that is none of my business. All I ask is that you pay the money due.”

“I cannot do that just at present.”

“Then I will have to put the case in my lawyer’s hands――”

“At once?”

“At once.”

Mr. Bright felt a deep pang shoot through his heart. His pecuniary difficulties were to be dragged before the public at last.

“Well, if you must,” he began slowly. Then he stopped short and half rose from his chair. That figure hurrying so swiftly down the road towards the house seemed strangely familiar. Was it――could it be――“Oliver!” he cried out, “Oliver, my boy!”

“Yes, father, home again!” was the glad response; and a moment later father and son were in each other’s arms.

“I did not write or telegraph because I wanted to surprise you,” said the boy. “How do you feel?” And then, noticing Dr. Tangus, “Excuse me, Doctor, I did not see you before. How do you do?” and he held out his hand.

Dr. Tangus took it coldly.

“So you are back from your wild trip,” he remarked.

“Yes, sir; and glad of it.”

“Dr. Tangus has just called for his money,” put in Mr. Bright. “He says he must be paid at once or he will go to law. Tell me the worst, my boy.”

“There is no worst to tell,” replied Oliver. “Dr. Tangus shall be paid whenever he wishes the money. The Aurora mine has been located, and is to-day worth one hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars.”

“Oliver!”

“It is true, father, every word of it. Here are the papers to prove the fact.” And the boy drew from his pocket a large envelope and handed it over.

“And your father owns an interest in this mine?” asked Dr. Tangus. He felt mighty cheap.

“My father owns five-eighths of it. Of the other three-eighths, one part belongs to the estate of one James Barr, and the other two to Mr. Whyland of Boston, who has very kindly loaned us his check for three thousand dollars to help my father out of his difficulties;” and Oliver passed the check over for inspection.

“Seems straight enough,” grunted the doctor. “I will call again to-morrow. I have no more time to spare to-day;” and catching up his hat, he left without another word.

“Oliver, you have saved us from ruin!” cried Mr. Bright with tears in his eyes. “But for you it would have gone hard indeed with us.”

“I am glad the search has ended so well,” said the boy; “glad for your sake, and glad for my own.”

* * * * *

Several years have passed. Oliver is now at college, and has for a room-mate Gus Gregory, who is as stout and as full of good-humor as ever.

The Aurora mine is in active operation, managed by competent and trustworthy men. James Barr’s interest was purchased by Mr. Whyland, and the money went to support the surveyor’s aged mother, his only known relative.

The Spaniard, known to the reader as Colonel Mendix, is now in prison, suffering the full penalty of the law. Let us trust that when he comes forth once more it will be with the determination to lead a better life in the future.

Mr. Bright still lives at his old home, surrounded with all the ease and comfort that money can procure. Of Oliver he never tires of talking.

“One boy in a thousand,” he says. “Thank God for giving me such a son in my old age!”

And with these words let us say good-by.

THE END.

THE STRATEMEYER POPULAR SERIES

10 volumes Illustrated and handsomely bound in gold and colors
Attractive new cover designs Price $.75 per volume

Since the passing of Henty, Edward Stratemeyer is the most widely read of all living writers for the young, and each year extends the vast and enthusiastic throng. In obedience to the popular demand we have established this POPULAR SERIES comprising ten representative books by this great writer, on which special prices can be made. The stories are bright and breezy, moral in tone, and while full of adventure, are not sensational. These books, at a popular price, will be a rare treat for the boys and girls.

1. The Last Cruise of the Spitfire Or Luke Foster’s Strange Voyage

2. Reuben Stone’s Discovery Or The Young Miller of Torrent Bend

3. True to Himself Or Roger Strong’s Struggle for Place

4. Richard Dare’s Venture Or Striking Out for Himself

5. Oliver Bright’s Search Or The Mystery of a Mine

6. To Alaska for Gold Or The Fortune Hunters of the Yukon

7. The Young Auctioneer Or The Polishing of a Rolling Stone

8. Bound to be an Electrician Or Franklin Bell’s Success

9. Shorthand Tom the Reporter Or The Exploits of a Bright Boy

10. Fighting for His Own Or The Fortunes of a Young Artist

Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co., Boston

THE FAMOUS “OLD GLORY SERIES”

By EDWARD STRATEMEYER

_Author of “The Bound to Succeed Series,” “The Ship and Shore
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Six volumes Cloth Illustrated Price per volume $1.25

UNDER DEWEY AT MANILA
Or The War Fortunes of a Castaway

A YOUNG VOLUNTEER IN CUBA
Or Fighting for the Single Star

FIGHTING IN CUBAN WATERS
Or Under Schley on the Brooklyn

UNDER OTIS IN THE PHILIPPINES
Or A Young Officer in the Tropics

THE CAMPAIGN OF THE JUNGLE
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UNDER MACARTHUR IN LUZON
Or Last Battles in the Philippines

“A boy once addicted to Stratemeyer stays by him.”――_The Living Church._

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_For sale by all booksellers, or sent, postpaid, on receipt of price by_

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SOLDIERS OF FORTUNE SERIES

By EDWARD STRATEMEYER

VOLUME ONE

_ON TO PEKIN_
_Or Old Glory in China_

Cloth 330 pages Illustrated by A. B. Shute $1.25

The hero, Gilbert Pennington, goes from the Philippines with the Ninth Regiment to take part in the rescue of the beleaguered British Embassy at Pekin by the international forces. Mr. Stratemeyer has risen to the occasion by giving, in addition to one of his very best stories, a store of information concerning China and the Chinese, conveyed in a natural and entertaining manner.

The demands of boy readers are peculiar, and the author who can satisfy them, not once or twice, but uniformly, must possess rare ability in an extremely difficult field. Such an author is Edward Stratemeyer.――_Sunday News, Newark, N. J._

VOLUME TWO

_UNDER THE MIKADO’S FLAG_
_Or Young Soldiers of Fortune_

320 pages Cloth Illustrated by A. B. Shute Price $1.25

“Under the Mikado’s Flag” relates the adventures of two young Americans in Korea and Manchuria during the outbreak of the great war between Russia and Japan, one of the leading characters being Gilbert Pennington, the hero of “On to Pekin,” and the other, Ben Russell, who with his brothers, Larry and Walter, is so well known to the thousands of readers of the famous “Old Glory Series.” It closes with the great Battle of Liao-Yang, and is as valuable for the information conveyed as it is interesting as a story.

Mr. Stratemeyer is undoubtedly improving very greatly on the average book for boys.――_Star, St. Louis, Mo._

He knows how to attract and hold boy readers.――_Evening Standard, New Bedford, Mass._

VOLUME THREE

_AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR_
_Or A Young American in the Japanese Navy_

300 pages Illustrated by A. B. Shute Price $1.25

“At the Fall of Port Arthur” is another of Mr. Stratemeyer’s spirited war stories. It relates, primarily, the adventures of Larry Russell, so well known to countless thousands of readers of the famous “Old Glory Series.” Larry is on board his old ship, the _Columbia_, which is carrying a cargo for the Japanese government, and is made a prisoner. A chase ensues, followed by a thrilling sea fight, and the young American escapes to one of the Japanese cruisers. The young sailor joins the Japanese navy, and under Admiral Togo assists at the bombardment of Port Arthur. Life in the Japanese navy is described in detail, and also life in Port Arthur during the siege and bombardment, which has few parallels in history.

Mr. Stratemeyer is easily foremost among all writers of boys’ books dealing with great events as they occur.――_Observer, New York._

“At the Fall of Port Arthur” is very well told.――_Chronicle, San Francisco._

The story is timely, describing life in the Japanese navy in detail.――_Times, Buffalo, New York._

Mr. Stratemeyer is one of the few writers for boys whose works may be relied upon for historic accuracy without sacrifice of interest.――_Journal, New York._

Presented with the skill of one of the cleverest juvenile writers of the period.――_Globe-Democrat, St. Louis._

A rattling good story for boys.――_Republican, Denver, Col._

PAN-AMERICAN SERIES

By EDWARD STRATEMEYER

VOLUME ONE

_LOST ON THE ORINOCO_
_Or American Boys in Venezuela_

12mo Cloth Illustrated Price $1.25

This volume tells of five American youths, who, with their tutor, sail from New York to La Guayra, touching at Curaçao on the way. They visit Caracas, the capital, Macuto, the fashionable seaside resort, go westward to the Gulf of Maracaibo and lake of the same name, and at last find themselves in the region of the mighty Orinoco, and of course they have some exciting experiences, one of which gives name to the book. Just the book boys and young men should read, in view of the general interest in matters Pan-American.

Its pictures of South American life and scenery are novel and instructive.――_The Literary World, Boston._

The scenes described are of the sort to charm the hearts of adventurous boys.――_The Outlook, N. Y._

VOLUME TWO

_THE YOUNG VOLCANO EXPLORERS_
_Or American Boys in the West Indies_

12mo Cloth Illustrated Price $1.25

This is a complete tale in itself, but has the same characters which have appeared so successfully in “Lost on the Orinoco.” The boys, with their tutor, sail from Venezuela to the West Indies, stopping at Jamaica, Cuba, Hayti, and Porto Rico. They have numerous adventures on the way, and then set out for St. Pierre, Martinique, where they encounter the effects of the eruption of Mt. Pelee, and two of the boys are left on a raft to shift for themselves. Life in the West Indies is well portrayed, and the tale will appeal to many an older person as well as to the boys.

VOLUME THREE

_YOUNG EXPLORERS OF THE ISTHMUS_
_Or American Boys in Central America_

306 pages Cloth Illustrated by A. B. Shute Price $1.25

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_YOUNG EXPLORERS OF THE AMAZON_
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300 pages 12mo Illustrated by A. B. Shute Price $1.25

An absorbing tale of sight-seeing and adventures in Brazil. The five boys and their tutor travel the whole seacoast from Rio de Janeiro to Para, and then move up the Amazon into the rubber country and beyond. The volume is filled with pen-pictures of life as it exists in Brazil to-day, and will be heartily enjoyed by all young people.

The Pan-American Series by Edward Stratemeyer has been declared by the boys of this country to be the most up-to-date of all reading for the young. Filled with action and good fellowship.――_Waverley Magazine._

Mr. Stratemeyer has acquired the art of weaving a good deal of solid information with his web of startling adventure.――_San Francisco Bulletin._

COLONIAL SERIES

By EDWARD STRATEMEYER

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_WITH WASHINGTON IN THE WEST_
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12mo Cloth Illustrated by A. B. Shute 302 pages $1.25

Washington’s earlier life has received scant attention, notwithstanding its possibilities. Mr. Stratemeyer has woven into an excellent story something of Washington’s youthful experience as a surveyor, leading on to the always thrilling Braddock’s defeat. The hero, David Morris, is several years younger than Washington, with whom he becomes intimately associated. Pictures of pioneer life are given; scenes with friendly Indians; and old-time games.

SECOND VOLUME

_MARCHING ON NIAGARA_
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12mo Cloth Illustrated by A. B. Shute Price $1.25

This tale is complete in itself, but many of its characters have appeared in “With Washington in the West.”

The story relates the doings of two young soldiers who join the Colonial forces in a march on Fort Niagara, during the time of the war with France, when the whole territory between the Blue Ridge and the Great Lakes was in a state of unrest. Many side lights are thrown into the colonial homes, and much useful information is given of the pioneers who helped to make our country what it is to-day.

David Morris is a fine fellow, and about him is woven a fine “Injun” story that is sure to delight the boys.――_Universalist Leader, Boston._

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THIRD VOLUME

_AT THE FALL OF MONTREAL_
_Or a Soldier Boy’s Final Victory_

Illustrated by A. B. Shute 12mo Cloth Price $1.25

This volume relates the adventures of Dave Morris and his cousin Henry during the two last campaigns against the French for the possession of Canada and the territory below the great lakes. The scaling of the heights of Quebec under General Wolfe, and the memorable battle on the Plains of Abraham, are given in detail. There are many stirring scenes of battle, but the tale is not all of war. Pictures of the rough-and-ready camp life of that day are given, and there are also adventures while fishing and hunting, and with the Indians.

Since the passing of Henty and Alger, Mr. Stratemeyer controls the field in this particular branch of literature. The chief charm of his stories lies in the fact that an enormous quantity of valuable information, collected from the most reliable sources, is deftly woven into the narrative without taking away from the interest.――_Philadelphia Inquirer._

FOURTH VOLUME

_ON THE TRAIL OF PONTIAC_
_Or Pioneer Boys of the Ohio_

12mo Cloth Illustrated by A. B. Shute Price $1.25

This volume tells of times in our country immediately after the war with France for the possession of Canada. The tale is complete in itself, but in it are introduced a number of characters which have already figured in this series, including that brave young soldier, Dave Morris, his sturdy cousin, Henry, and their common friend, Sam Barringford. Pontiac, the great chief of the Ottawas, is also a leading figure and much is told of his work in organizing his great conspiracy against the whites. A fight with the Indians and the French in a snowstorm is especially realistic, and the entire book carries with it the atmosphere of colonial times.

Boys are attracted to stories by Edward Stratemeyer, and they will enjoy “On the Trail of Pontiac.”――_Plain Dealer, Cleveland, O._

American Boys’ Biographical Series

By EDWARD STRATEMEYER

VOLUME ONE

_AMERICAN BOYS’
LIFE OF WILLIAM McKINLEY_

300 pages Illustrated by A. B. Shute and from Photographs $1.25

Here is told the whole story of McKinley’s boyhood days, his life at school and at college, his work as a school teacher, his glorious career in the army, his struggles to obtain a footing as a lawyer, his efforts as a Congressman and a Governor, and lastly his prosperous career as our President, all told in a style particularly adapted to boys and young men. The book is full of interesting anecdotes, all taken from life, showing fully the sincere, honest, painstaking efforts of a life cut all too short. The volume will prove an inspiration to all boys and young men, and should be in every library.

For nearly a year Mr. Stratemeyer has been gathering material and giving careful study to the life of the young William, his childhood, his boyhood, and all his inspiring and romantic history. The story was nearing its end when the awful finale came and tragedy ended the drama of President McKinley’s life.――_New York Journal._

VOLUME TWO

_AMERICAN BOYS’ LIFE OF
THEODORE ROOSEVELT_

300 pages 12mo Illustrated from Photographs $1.25

This excellent work for young people covers the whole life of our strenuous executive, as schoolboy, college student, traveler, author, hunter and ranchman, as assemblyman, as civil service commissioner, as Assistant Secretary of the Navy, as a daring rough rider, as Governor of New York, and lastly as President. Full of stories taken from real life and told in a manner to interest both young and old.

We unreservedly recommend Mr. Stratemeyer’s books for boys. They are wholesome, accurate as to historical details, and always interesting.――_Boston Times._

GOOD BOOKS FOR BOYS

By EDWARD STRATEMEYER

_LARRY THE WANDERER_
_Or The Rise of a Nobody_

Cloth Illustrated Price $1.00

This is a plain tale of everyday life, written especially for boys and girls who do not care particularly for stories with a historical or geographical background. Larry is a youth who has been knocked around from pillar to post for a number of years. The unravelling of the curious mystery which surrounds the lad’s identity makes good reading.

_JOE, THE SURVEYOR_
_Or The Value of a Lost Claim_

Illustrated by A. B. Shute 12mo Cloth Price $1.00

This story relates the trials and triumphs of a sturdy country youth, who is compelled, by the force of circumstances, to go forth into the world and earn, not alone his own living, but also support for his twin sister and his invalid father.

_TWO YOUNG LUMBERMEN_
_Or From Maine to Oregon for Fortune_

320 pages Cloth Illustrated Price $1.25

A splendid story, the scene shifting from Maine to Michigan and the Great Lakes, and then to the Columbia and the Great Northwest. The heroes are two sturdy youths who have been brought up among the lumbermen of their native State, and who strike out in an honest endeavor to better their condition. An ideal volume for every wide-awake American who wishes to know what our great lumber industry is to-day.

Mr. Stratemeyer’s books are not only entertaining but instructive.――_Daily Press, Portland, Me._

_BETWEEN BOER AND BRITON_
_Or Two Boys’ Adventures in South Africa_

Illustrated by A. Burnham Shute 354 pages Price $1.25

Relates the experiences of two boys, cousins to each other, one American and the other English, whose fathers are engaged in the Transvaal, one in farming and the other in mining operations. While the two boys are off on a hunting trip after big game the war between the Boers and Britons suddenly breaks out, and while endeavoring to rejoin their parents the boys find themselves placed between hostile armies.

A stirring story of the South African War.――_The Journal, Indianapolis, Ind._

* * * * *

Transcriber’s Notes:

――Text in italics is enclosed by underscores (_italics_).

――Punctuation and spelling inaccuracies were silently corrected.

――Archaic and variable spelling has been preserved.

――Variations in hyphenation and compound words have been preserved.