“And how long before you will be back?” asked Oliver.
“Depends on where I catch Dan Shattock. Not longer than three days, I reckon.” And with these final words Cottle rode away.
“I trust he will be lucky enough to find his man at once,” said Mr. Whyland. “Having the sheriff here will be a great help to us.”
“I suppose Gus and I had better ride back to carry out the deception,” said Oliver. “Mendix will be looking for us.”
“And I will remain in camp down here in the hollow,” said Mr. Whyland. “I think as long as the colonel does not see me we will be safe. But if you need me, fire off a shot as before agreed.”
A moment later Oliver and Gus were on the return. They followed the track they had come by, and in less than half an hour had passed the abandoned mine, and were once more at the Cortez’s office.
“Well, are you satisfied now?” asked the colonel as he came out to meet them.
“That mine is certainly abandoned,” replied Oliver, raising a light laugh, far, however, from natural.
“Yes; it is utterly worthless.” Colonel Mendix paused. “Was that all you were hunting in this region?”
Oliver hesitated for a moment, not knowing exactly what to say in return.