“I thought I would come down and show you through myself,” he said blandly; “it is not often that I have visitors, and I think it my duty to show you all the points of interest. Restrepo, you may go to work again.” And he added some words in Spanish to the man, who departed at once.
Oliver could not help but feel uncomfortable. Why this sudden change in the colonel’s manner? Did he suspect anything?
Then he began to wonder if Colonel Mendix had overheard the slip Gus had made. He sincerely hoped not. It might prove the cause of trouble.
But the colonel appeared to suspect nothing. He led the way, chatting gayly, pointing out this object and that in the most natural manner, until both boys were completely disarmed.
“Never seen a mine like this before?” he said. “Well, it is a sight well worth a good many miles of travel. Of course to us it is a very humdrum business, blasting and crushing day in and day out.”
“And do you never leave the mine?” asked Oliver.
“Very seldom. Once in a while I take a trip to ’Frisco on business, but that is all. I have no family ties, and this life here suits me just as well as any other.”
Before the boys were aware an hour had slipped by. Colonel Mendix led them into a number of abandoned passages, and they did not see the miners quit work for the day and leave the mine.
“Now, if you can do a little climbing, I will show you the richest lode in the mine,” said the colonel at length, when he was sure they were left alone.