So the telegram was sent without further delay, after which the pair began to look around for the cheapest method of getting to Detroit. From a man who had traveled a good deal, they learned that the cheapest and quickest way for them would be to take a regular steamer from Bangor to Boston. Here they could change to a train running through Albany to Buffalo, and from Buffalo they could get a lake steamer direct for their destination.
"You won't lose much time that way," said the traveler, "and you'll save quite a few dollars on car-fare," and so it proved.
As soon as passage was secured on the steamer bound for Boston, the young lumbermen dressed in their best and started to pay the promised call on Jefferson Wilbur. This time Dale carried the mining-claim papers with him, resolved to get some information concerning them if it was possible to do so.
But at the hotel a disappointment awaited them.
"Sorry," said the clerk at the desk. "But Mr. Wilbur got a telegram last night that seemed to upset him, and he and his wife left early this morning."
"Did he say where he was going?" questioned Owen.
"He said something about making connections for New York and the West. I fancy he and his wife went to New York."
"Thank you," said Owen, and he and Dale walked away. Dale was much disappointed, but said nothing, for talking would not have mended the matter.
"I suppose he was so upset he forgot all about us," said Owen. "I wonder what it was all about?"
"Something wrong in business, most likely. These big dealers are always up to something new, and when a thing goes wrong they have to hustle to make it come out right."