“To close it!” Mr. Livingston echoed incredulously. “In view of the new discovery?”
“The pit is not worth the expense involved. Your sample assayed as practically worthless.”
“It can’t be! That emerald looked flawless!”
“Emeralds are deceptive. I admit I was deceived myself as to its value. But my orders are definite. The vein must be sealed, and the mine closed no later than tomorrow.”
“What will you do?” Mr. Livingston asked slowly.
“Naturally, I’ll have to obey orders. I’ll dismiss the miners tonight and join my wife in Bogota. You’ll have to leave in the morning. I advise an early start.”
The Scout leader made no reply.
“You understand?” Rhodes said sharply. “This is not a bluff. The mine will be shut down tomorrow.”
“We understand,” Mr. Livingston replied.
After Rhodes had gone, he and the two Scouts discussed the predicament in which they now found themselves. They were reluctant to leave the mine with Corning missing, and word expected momentarily from Willie and War.