“Was there a passenger on the Rosabel named Whyland—Thomas Whyland?” continued the colonel anxiously.
The clerk looked over the register.
“No, sir.”
“You are sure?”
“His name is not here. If he was aboard he must have sailed on some one else’s ticket.”
“Ah, I see. Thank you.”
Colonel Mendix turned and left the building. Almost mechanically Oliver followed him.
He knew not what to make of the unexpected meeting. Had Mendix just returned from South America or had he never been to that country?
“I must find out,” thought the boy. “Perhaps if I discover his business here I may be able to find out something about the Aurora mine also. I wish I had caught the name of the man he asked for.”
He had the day before him, and also Tuesday, and he resolved to make good use of the time. Who knew but what he might be able to gain a deal of information before starting for the West?