“It was some time ago.”
“Then that is the mine you worked in?” said Oliver.
The man bit his lip.
“I didn’t say so,” he said.
“But you meant it,” put in Mr. Whyland. “Are not the Cortez and the Aurora one and the same mine?”
Felix Cottle started.
“You want to know everything without paying a cent!” he cried. “I guess I had better get out.”
“No, don’t go,” exclaimed Mr. Whyland, catching him by the arm. “I will pay you well. We want to get to the Aurora mine. You say you know the road—”
“Yes; I’ll take you there as straight as straight can be. There ain’t a better guide in the town of ’Frisco, if I do say it myself.”
“I suppose we’ll need a guide—” began Oliver.