"Wasn't that rather rash?"
"I don't know. It certainly appears so. Now Dombrain assures me that the shares are not worth the paper they are written on; but I've got my doubts on the subject; so I want you to go out to Melbourne and find out all you can about the mine."
"But what can I do? I know nothing about mining."
"Oh, you can find out from the brokers if the mine has any prospect of turning out well. Dombrain is arranging all the will business, so as soon as Kaituna is legally in possession of the shares I will send out the scrip to you, and also a power of attorney. Perhaps the mine will turn up trumps; if it does, you can sell, if not--well, there's no harm done."
There was silence for a few moments, during which Toby was thinking deeply, and his good-looking face wore a more thoughtful expression than usual.
"Of course, Archie," he said at length, "I am anxious to oblige you in all things; but you must admit that this is a little serious."
"Oh, yes. I told you it was a sacrifice," replied Archie, readily. "I would go myself, only I have a strong reason for remaining in England."
"May I ask that reason?"
"Yes. I want to find out who killed Sir Rupert."
"You'll never do that," said Toby, shaking his head. "Why, my dear lad, the police could find absolutely no clue."