CHAPTER XXIV.
Perkins Again Outwitted.
For several minutes after Fraser the carpenter had finished telling his story, Perkins was silent. From force of habit he ran his fingers upward through the scant growth of reddish side whiskers upon his face, and by the changes in expression passing continually over his countenance, Fraser was aware that the information he brought had greatly interested him.
“There can be no doubt, I suppose, Fraser,” began Perkins, very slowly pronouncing his words, “about there being a large amount of gold deposited in the foundations of the house?”
“There is no doubt of it, Mr. Perkins,” eagerly answered Fraser, again tipping forward upon the front legs of the chair. “Cameron didn’t want it known, you see, but it’s the gold pieces they lost in the cellar that spoiled his plan, and now it seems he isn’t worth the half he thought he was.”
“That’s it, Fraser, about as I thought it would be,” continued Perkins, well satisfied with the turn Cameron’s affairs seemed to have taken. “His gold that he brought back from the Cariboo Mountains has not turned out at the government mint to be near what he thought, so his creditors in the city are going to close in on him quick and get what they can. That’s about the case as I see it, Fraser, and I think our turn has come, just as you have said. Oh, by the way, Fraser,” as if suddenly recollecting, “where is the young friend of Cameron—LeClare—the city chap who came back with him?”
“Oh, he’s gone. Went away to see his people, they say over at The Front, but I guess he’s a wise one, eh, Perkins? Saw what was coming and got out in time.”
“It has been pretty rough sailing for us, Fraser, since Cameron returned, and although I have gotten back through him from the farmers around here over thirty thousand dollars, yet I am poorer by not being able to let the loans rest. You understand?”
“Yes, I see, Mr. Perkins. Bill Blakely says you have lost fifty thousand by being beat out on foreclosing, and they all seem to be laughing about it.”