“You might use your influence.”
Frank shook his head.
“I wouldn’t think of that, sir. I would leave the question entirely to Hodge, and he could do as he pleased.”
“Do you fancy that there is a possibility that he might be induced to sell in case the offer seemed an advantageous one?”
“Yes, I think it possible.”
“Good!” nodded Kensington. “That being the case, we can discuss the matter further. Do you mind showing me the report of the assayer?”
“Not at all. Here it is.”
Merry took the paper from his pocket and handed it to Kensington, who glanced over the figures and statements, lifted his eyebrows slightly, puckered his lips, and whistled softly.
“Do you mean to tell me, Mr. Merriwell, that this assay was made from an average lot of quartz from your mine, or was it from specially chosen specimens?”
“Mr. Kensington, I had this assay made for myself, and not for the public. I had it made in order that I might find out just how valuable the mine is. That being the case, you can understand that I would not be foolish enough to pick what appeared to be the richest ore. On the contrary, sir, I took it as it came.”