"At the time it did not appear that gold could be profitably obtained from this district and the claim was abandoned and forgotten. Modern engineering methods, however, have recently revealed deposits of almost fabulous value in the district, and my clients have obtained a concession to work it over a very large area of ground. Subsequent investigations into their title, meanwhile, have brought out the existence of this small — ah — prior concession granted to Sidney Farlance, which is situated almost in the centre of my client's territory and in a position which — ah — exploratory drillings have shown to be one of the richest areas in the district."
Mr. Westler digested the information, and in place of the first sinking vacuum which had afflicted his stomach when he saw the word Law on his visitor's card, a sudden and ecstatic awe localized itself in the same place and began to cramp his lungs as if he had accidentally swallowed a rubber balloon with his breakfast and it was being rapidly inflated by some supernatural agency.
"You mean my grandmother owned this concession?"
"That is what — ah — my clients are endeavouring to discover. Farlance himself, of course, left no heirs, and we have been unable to trace any surviving members of his family. In the course of our inquiries, however, we did learn of his — ah — romantic interest in your grandmother, and we have every reason to believe that in the circumstances he would naturally have made her the beneficiary of any such asset, however problematical its value may have seemed at the time."
"And you want to buy it out — is that it?"
"Ah — yes. That is — ah — provided that our deductions are correct and the title can be established. I may say that my clients would be prepared to pay very liberally—"
"They'd have to," said Mr. Westler briskly. "How much are they good for?"
The lawyer raised his hands deprecatingly.
"You need have no alarm, my dear Mr. Westler. The actual figure would, of course, be a matter for negotiation but it would doubtless run into a number of millions. But first of all, you understand, we must trace the actual concession papers which will be sufficient to establish your right to negotiate. Now it seems, that in view of the relationship between Farlance and your grandmother, she would probably have treasured his letters as women do even though she later married someone else, particularly if there was a document of that sort among them. People don't usually throw things like that away. In that case you will doubtless have inherited these letters along with her other personal property. Possibly you have not yet had an occasion to peruse them, but if you would do so as soon as. possible—"
One of Harry Westler's few Napoleonic qualities was a remarkable capacity for quick and constructive thinking.