“Trickeries—sharpings,” said Geoffrey. “It is very evident that to sell that mine, or may be to impress shareholders with its value, the place has been more than once salted, as miners call it.”
Mr Penwynn nodded.
“Tin ore from other mines has been thrown down, and, of course, I saw through that directly; but in several places right at the end of drifts, Pengelly and I have found great pieces of ore fitted into the solid rock in the most artful manner, so that it needed no little care to find out that it was a trick.”
“But are you sure that it is a trick?” said Mr Penwynn.
“Certain, sir. It would have deceived an ordinary miner or owner.”
“But did not deceive you?”
“Well, sir, I take no credit to myself for that. I went through a course of mining study, and it is as simple as A B C.”
“How so?”
“Why, look here, sir. Only yesterday Pengelly called me to show me a rich place he had found.”
“Yes. Well?”