“I’m speaking for the stockholders, of course,” said Ketchim, subsiding. “But, proceed, please.”
“There is no likelihood that this poor girl will ever be heard of again,” continued Reed. “Nor is it likely that the title papers, which she has with her, will be of any use to those into whose hands she has fallen. Her old foster-father held the title to this mine, but transferred it to the girl, stipulating that she and I should divide a large interest in the stock of a company formed to develop and operate it. For my share, I agreed to bring the young girl to the States and place her in a school, at my own expense.” He went on to relate the manner in which Carmen had been lost, and then continued: “Of course, the title to this mine is registered in Cartagena, and in the girl’s name, as the old man gave me power to have that change made. But, now that she is gone, the property naturally reverts to him.”
“We will relocate it!” declared Ketchim impatiently.
“No, that wouldn’t be right to the old man,” returned Reed. “But, it might be that the property could now be secured from him. He is old and penniless, and without any further interest 39 in life. It is a bare chance, but we might prevail upon him to join us in the formation of a company to take over his mine, La Libertad.”
“Is that the name of it?” asked Ketchim, reaching for a writing pad. “Spell it for me, please. And the name of the old man.”
Reed complied, and then continued: “Now, Mr. Ketchim, we are living strictly up to the letter of our contract by giving you this information. It would require not less than one hundred thousand dollars, cash in hand, to acquire that mine, develop it, make trails, and erect a stamp-mill. Mr. Harris and I are in no condition financially to advance or secure such an amount.”
“It is barely possible,” mused Harris, “that my father and Uncle John could do something.”
“We don’t have to call upon them!” cried Ketchim. “Your interest, Mr. Reed, in this mine already belongs to Molino, as you were acting under contract with us––”
“I have covered that point, Mr. Ketchim,” replied Reed evenly. “But the time has come for us all to put our shoulders to the wheel, act fairly with one another, help the Molino stockholders, and at the same time make good ourselves. Mr. Harris and I have barely entered upon our business careers, and we have come to New York to establish ourselves. This may afford the opportunity. We know where this mine is––we know the old man, and may be able to influence him. To forestall possible complications, we should begin negotiations with him at once. But––remember––everything must be done in the name of the company, not in your own name. And Mr. Harris and I must personally negotiate with the old man, and receive a very liberal compensation for our work.”
“Certainly!” cried the excited Ketchim. “Goodness, fellows! why didn’t you tell me this yesterday over the ’phone, and save me a night of torment? But I forgive you. Gracious! Rawlins,” he said, addressing that individual, who had entered in response to the buzzer, “’phone Cass to come right over. And tell Miss Honeywell to give you ten dollars for our lunch, and charge it to Molino. It’s company business. By Jove, fellows! this is a happy day for me. Since the old man gave you a share in the mine, Molino has property, after all!”