"You are certainly kind," came from Owen.
"Not at all. I owe you both something for what you did for me and my family, and I want to do what I can for you. Of course, if you don't care to go to Oregon——"
"To tell the truth, I do care very much," burst in Dale. "And I have a special reason for it, too," he went on. "I was going to mention it to you when you were in Bangor, but you went away before we could call on you a second time."
"Yes, I remember; I got a telegram about important business in New York and here. But why do you wish particularly to go to Oregon?"
"I want to look up an old mining claim in which my father was once interested. He bought the mine, but it didn't pay, and was abandoned. I've been wondering if the ground couldn't be of some value."
"It might be, Bradford, although I wouldn't bank on it if I were you. I know of a number of places where mines were opened, and the land is rocky and barren to the last degree, not even fit for grazing purposes."
"Oh, I'm not over-hopeful," said Dale. "But still I should like to know the exact truth."
"I can't blame you for that. Where is the land located?"
"I can't describe it to you off-hand. I have the papers in my trunk. I'll let you see them if you wish."
"I'll take a look at them when I have time. You see, I came to Detroit on the run. I am due in Chicago inside of twenty-four hours from now."