"Oh, no," said he, "not a very large one.

I have had a good deal of experience with gold in California, and I suppose each one of those little bars is worth from two hundred and fifty to three hundred dollars." What we have represents a good deal of money.

But now, Ralph, I have something very important to say to you.

I am going to appoint you sole guardian and keeper of that treasure.

You are very young to have such a responsibility put upon you, but I know you will feel the importance of your duty, and that you will not be forgetful or negligent about it.