“That remains to be seen. One emerald doesn’t make a mine, you know. I’ll send this sample to Bogota to be assayed. Meanwhile, I’ll put the men over there, opening up a new pit.”
Ken and Jack were rather dismayed at Rhodes’ proposal that he keep the emerald. To their surprise, Mr. Livingston appeared to fall in with the suggestion.
“How soon can the emerald be taken to the Bogota office?” he inquired.
“My wife had planned to return there today or tomorrow. She can take the gem.”
“You’re not afraid to have her travel alone with a valuable stone? She might meet Carlos.”
“I have no fear of him,” Mrs. Rhodes spoke up quickly. “Anyway, I have a means of carrying the gem—”
“You’ll start early tomorrow,” her husband interrupted, deliberately cutting her off.
“I’ll have one of my boys go along,” Mr. Livingston said, off hand. “Corning’s disappearance must be reported to the authorities.”
“My wife can take care of it.”
“I’d prefer to have a Scout along. Besides, your wife should have someone with her on the trail.”