This last statement made Oliver feel certain that the two colonels were the same person. Colonel Mendix had asked Ezra Dodge where he could purchase the machinery he wanted, and that person had informed him he could get it in San Francisco.
“And you do not know anything of the Aurora mine?” went on Oliver.
“I do not. There was an Aurora mine somewhere up the Sacramento River, and another elsewhere; but both of them were abandoned years ago.”
Oliver’s heart sank for a moment.
“You do not know where the Aurora mine was situated?” he faltered.
“I don’t remember exactly. But I am quite sure it was not up the Mokelumne.”
“Then neither of them can be the one I am looking for,” returned the boy, with something of a sigh of relief.
“Are you interested in the mine?” asked the man kindly.
“My father is. Do you know the names of the mines that this Colonel Guerotaz is interested in?”