“Whatever its worth, Ken, the gem belongs to the mining company.”
“Sure, but will Mrs. Rhodes turn it over to agents in Bogota or Cartagena?”
“That’s one thing I want to learn, Ken. I have a hunch Rhodes doesn’t want to reveal to company officials that the old mine has been located. If his wife delivers the emerald, it will be a dead give-away because any expert will know immediately that the gem didn’t come from the Last Chance.”
“And if she fails to turn it in?” Jack suggested.
“That would be enough to arouse company officials.”
“So you’re figuring Rhodes and his wife may be forced to show their hand one way or the other?”
“I have a hunch Rhodes is trying to bleed this mine for his own benefit,” the Scout leader replied. “His decision to open a pit at the new mine before the sample is assayed, convinces me of that. He figures on working the vein fast, and getting out with what he can before the company clamps down on him.”
“And before Corning is found, either dead or alive,” supplied Ken.
“That’s the way I see it,” Mr. Livingston nodded. “Unless Willie or War can be found in the next few hours, you must go to Bogota with Mrs. Rhodes, Jack. See that she turns the emerald over to company officials. Report Corning’s disappearance, and that Willie and War are missing.”
“I’ll send the authorities.”