In passing the little office, he heard someone stirring around inside, and impulsively opened the door and peered in.
Rhodes was in the inner room, beside the safe. For a moment he did not hear or see the youth. The engineer was deeply engrossed in emptying the vault of valuables, including the little box of newly mined emeralds.
“So the vein has been producing?” Jack remarked to draw the man’s attention.
Rhodes whirled around, thrusting the emeralds into his pocket.
“These samples are worthless,” he muttered, his eyes smoldering.
“Then why bother to take them with you? You are leaving, aren’t you?”
“That’s right,” Rhodes returned with a sneer. “I’m shaking the dust of this mine from my feet forever. Why should I worry what becomes of the place or whether bandits take over as soon as I’ve cleared out? Why should I worry about the company? Did it ever do anything for me?”
“Going to Bogota?”
“I am! I’ll be away from here within the hour, to join my wife. I hope I never see you or the lousy place again!”
“Corning?”