Ben's Nugget, page 119 by Horatio Alger Jr.
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"I have just arrived, sir."
"Tired of California, eh?"
"For the present, yes, sir."
"I think my son Sam wishes to see you. He thinks of offering you a place."
Ben bowed and smiled. He understood what sort of a place Sam was likely to offer.
"Well, Mr. Stanton," asked the major, pompously, "have you decided to accept my offer for the house?"
"No, major. Your offer is too small."
"You are quite at liberty to look around for a higher bid, or rather you were. Now it is too late."
"Just so, major. On the whole I don't think I want to sell."
"'Don't want to sell'?" repeated the major, frowning; "you will have to sell."
"Why will Uncle Job have to sell?" demanded Ben, irritated by the major's tone.
"Young man," said the major, grandly, "this is not a matter with which you have anything to do. Your uncle and I can arrange it between ourselves."
"Still, I shall advise Uncle Job to pay the mortgage, though he was swindled into agreeing to it."
"I apprehend," sneered the major, "he will have some difficulty in paying me five hundred and fifteen dollars."
"I guess I can manage to do it, major," said Job, mildly.
"I don't believe you," said the major, hastily.
"Have you got the mortgage with you?" asked Job.
"Yes; here it is."
"And here is your money," said the shoemaker, producing the bills.
Major Sturgis received them in amazement bordering upon stupefaction, and counted them over three times.
"I guess they're all right," said Job.
"Where did you get them?" inquired the major, unable to control his curiosity.
"I guess that doesn't matter so long as they're good," answered Job. "Still, I've no objection to tellin' you that it's Ben's money that he's kindly lent to me."
"Did you bring this from California?" asked the major, turning to our hero.
"Yes, sir," answered Ben.
"Have you any more?"
"I've got enough more, so that I don't expect to need