THE CAPITALIST EXAMINES THE MINE.
CHAPTER XVII.
THE CAPITALIST EXAMINES THE MINE.
The capitalist frankly told Max and Len, as the three sat a little apart from the others, that he had great faith in that region, and was willing to invest a reasonable amount of money in any prospect that gave him sufficient encouragement.
He recalled how the attempt had been made to dupe him at Old Bob’s diggings a short distance below, and said that he had felt so well satisfied that nothing this creek could show was good, that he had resolved never to look at any property on its banks again.
At the same time, the behavior of Mr. Brehm, during the examination of Bob’s prospect-hole to which he had just alluded, was so upright and intelligent, that when he heard that something different had been discovered on Panther Creek, and by whom, he had readily consented to come and see it. “Now I want to see all you have to show me; and if you have anything good, I’ve no doubt we can make some sort of a bargain. But I don’t profess to understand these things as well as some, and at any rate two heads are better than one. ‘In a multitude of counsellors there is wisdom,’ the Wise Man says. Therefore I shall ask you to let my superintendent go in with us.”
This long speech was not in the least tiresome to its hearers, as you may well believe; indeed they took a great liking to Mr. Anderson’s frank, bluff, and business-like manner, which inspired both respect and confidence.
At once, therefore, the little lamps were lighted, old canvas coats were lent to the visitors, and the four started into the Last Chance tunnel, Max leading the way, and Len bringing up the rear.
Sandy remained at the cabin, partly because he felt himself an outside factor, and partly to bear company with Buckeye Jim, Morris, and the Deputy Sheriff, who were guarding the prisoner, and chatting over Rocky Mountain adventures in a way very entertaining to the Scotchman.