Under the Great Bear | Page 5

some things, as well as developed some
traits, that are to be regretted, I am satisfied that you are at least worthy
of a trial in the position we desire to fill. So, if you are willing to
relinquish your proposed trip around the world, and enter the employ of
this company instead, you may consider yourself engaged for the term
of one year from this date. During that time all your legitimate
expenses will be met, but no salary will be paid you until the expiration
of the year, when its amount will be determined by the value of the
services you have rendered. Is that satisfactory?"
"It is, sir," replied Cabot, "and with your permission I will at once
telegraph Thorpe Walling that I cannot go with him."
"Write your despatch here and I will have it sent out. At the same time,
do not mention that you have entered the employ of this company, as
there are reasons why, for the present at least, that should remain a
secret."
When Cabot's telegram was ready, Mr. Hepburn, who had been
glancing through a number of letters that awaited his signature, handed
it to his secretary, to whom he also gave some instructions that Cabot
did not catch. As the former left the room, the president turned to our
young engineer and said:
"As perhaps you are aware, Cabot, there is at present an unprecedented
demand all over the world for both iron and copper, and our company

is largely interested in the production of these metals. As existing
sources of supply are inadequate it is of importance that new ones
should be discovered, and if they can be found on the Atlantic seaboard,
so much the better. In looking about for new fields that may be
profitably worked, our attention has been directed to the island of
Newfoundland and the coast of Labrador. While the former has been
partially explored, we desire more definite information as to its
available ore beds. There is a small island in Conception Bay, not far
from St. Johns, known as Bell Island, said to be a mass of iron ore, that
is already being worked by a local company. From it I should like to
have a report, as soon as you reach St. Johns, concerning the nature of
the ore, the extent of the deposit, the cost of mining it, the present
output, the facilities for shipment, and so forth. At the same time I want
you to obtain this information without divulging the nature of your
business, or allowing your name to become in any way connected with
this company.
"Having finished with Bell Island, you will visit such other portions of
Newfoundland as are readily accessible from the coast, and seem to
promise good results, always keeping to yourself the true nature of your
business. Finally, you will proceed to Labrador, where you will make
such explorations as are possible. You will report any discoveries in
person, when you return to New York, as I do not care to have them
entrusted to the mails. Above all, do not fail to bring back specimens of
whatever you may find in the way of minerals. Are these instructions
sufficiently clear?"
"They seem so, sir."
"Very well, then. I wish you to start this very day, as I find that a
steamer, on which your passage is already engaged, sails from a
Brooklyn pier for St. Johns this afternoon. This letter of credit, which
only awaits your signature before a notary, will, if deposited with the
bank of Nova Scotia in St. Johns, more than defray your year's
expenses, and whatever you can save from it will be added to your
salary. Therefore, it will pay you to practise economy, though you must
not hesitate to incur legitimate expenses or to spend money when by so

doing you can further the objects of your journey. You have enough
money for your immediate needs, have you not?"
"Yes, sir. I have about fifty dollars."
"That will be ample, since your ticket to St. Johns is already paid for.
Here it is."
Thus saying, Mr. Hepburn handed over an envelope containing the
steamship ticket that his secretary had been sent out to obtain.
"I would take as little baggage as possible," he continued, "for you can
purchase everything necessary in St. Johns, and will discover what you
need after you get there. Now, good-bye, my boy. God bless you and
bring you back in safety. Remember that the coming year will probably
prove the most important of your life, and that your future now depends
entirely upon yourself. Mr. Black here will go with you to the banker's,
where you can sign your letter of credit."
So our young engineer was launched on the sea