“And is it called the Aurora Mine?” continued Mr. Whyland with intense interest.
“It is!” cried Oliver. “But how did you know the name?”
“I am looking for the same mine myself.”
“You!”
“Exactly. Do you know the owner of the claim?”
“My father owns the claim,” replied Oliver decidedly.
“But Colonel Mendix”—
“Do you know that man?” asked Oliver quickly.
“Quite well, although I have not seen him for two years. He sold me a quarter interest in the mine for ten thousand dollars, and then he disappeared.”
“My father gave him a quarter interest to open up the mine for him. That must be the interest he sold you. You say you have not seen Colonel Mendix for two years; I saw him in New York the day before we sailed.”