[“There is the Cortez mine, and just below it is the Aurora.”]
CHAPTER XXVII.
AN INTERESTING CONVERSATION.
The Aurora mine had been reached at last!
Oliver Bright, as he sat on his mule, drew a long breath. His tedious journey had come to an end.
“The Aurora mine!” he repeated. “That way, beyond that row of buildings, is the Aurora mine?”
“It is the shaft leading to it,” said Cottle. “It is a very peculiar mine, running, as it does, parallel to the mountain for some six hundred feet. I could never understand how Colonel Guerotaz, as he is called, could abandon it, seeing as it paid so well; but when he approached it from the extremity of the Cortez I began to smell a mouse, and what you have told me makes it as plain as day. He will be greatly surprised to see you.” And the guide gave a long, low laugh.
“I have been thinking I had better go down alone,” said Oliver. “He will know you, Mr. Whyland, and you too, Cottle.”
“I have been thinking the same thing,” replied the former. “But you had better take Gregory with you, and if you get into any trouble fire off your pistol. You know what to say.”