Oliver surveyed the man from head to foot.
“What is it you want?” he asked rather shortly, for he had never seen the fellow before.
“Didn’t I hear you say something about the Aurora mine?” asked the man.
“You did,” replied Oliver with sudden interest. “What of it?”
“I know all about that mine,” was the slow reply.
“You do?” cried the boy. “Who are you?”
“My name is Felix Cottle. I used to be a mining boss. I worked for Colonel Guerotaz for two years. Then we had a terrible row, and he kicked me out; but I know a good many of his secrets.”
“Then, perhaps you are just the man I want to see,” replied Oliver.
“And you are just the party I want to meet,” said Felix Cottle. “By your manner, I take it you have it in for this Spaniard, and I would do ’most anything to get square with him. What do you want to know, and what is it worth to you?”