“I am going over to Haight’s office for a few moments,” said Rutherford, “I may catch some message from the company that will show us the situation.”
“Just what I was intending to suggest,” said Houston.
“You will remain here until I come back?”
“Yes, unless I should detect some certain signs of danger; in that case I shall warn the men, and shall start for tunnel No. 3, that part of the mine will be safe for a while, in any event.”
“Very well, you will probably hear from me within twenty or thirty minutes,” and Rutherford started for the mills.
Haight, on returning to the office from dinner, waited some little time for the expected dispatch. At last it came:
“Cameron just arrived with Englishman, Lindlay, and attorney; going out to the mines on evening train. Are at Arlington Hotel, Van Dorn at same hotel and in telegraphic communication with some one at the Y. There is a conspiracy somewhere; what do you know? Answer at once; is everything ready?”
He was still studying the contents of the telegram, wondering just what the conspiracy might mean, when Minty slyly entered, and by means of the information she had secured, furnished him the needed key to the situation. In a few moments the following answer was returned:
“The truth is out; have just discovered Houston is Cameron’s nephew, out here in his interests; Van Dorn et al. working with him. Cameron coming out to-night for the grand coup. Everything is ready awaiting your orders.”
Just as the message was sent, Maverick passed on his way to his post, and seeing him, Haight stepped to the door and called him: