“Everything’s simple when you understand it, I’m ready to believe. If we could learn the secret of the universe, we’d be astonished to find out what a simple proposition it is.”
“You’re getting pretty deep,” smiled Miles.
“Perhaps I am. But I’m confident that the effects of dishonesty on the dishonest person are similar to the effects of the use of an untrue square in the construction of a building. He absolutely can’t help growing out of plumb. When you appreciate that rule, you will understand how I knew that Maxwell committed the theft.”
It was months after the resignation of Rodney Maxwell before the boys of Lakefarm learned of the stealing of the gems, and then the information came to them in a vague manner. Pepperill Humphrey let the first hint drop, and the curiosity of the young Scouts would not let him alone until he revealed some more of his information. Pepper had many good qualities, but he was very talkative, and did not require much pumping to set him going in earnest, and soon the secret ceased to be a secret.
The conversations between the doctor and Mr. Miles on the subject of their collections led to a move highly pleasing to the Boy Scouts of Lakefarm. Dr. Byrd had several times expressed a desire to explore the cave behind the waterfall, where the aviator’s lost bag of souvenirs had been found. To both of them this cave was a place of some mystery, and naturally they felt considerable interest in a solution.
“I’d like to know how that bag got in there,” said the doctor one day. “And the first step toward finding out must consist of an inspection of the cave and its immediate vicinity.”
“I agree with you,” returned Miles. “I’d like to go with you when you inspect the place, but it’ll be a week or two before I can stand any vigorous exercise.”
“It seems to me that you’re entitled to accompany the first expedition of discovery,” continued the doctor slowly. “But, as you say, you won’t be able to move about in a lively manner for some time. Now, I have a plan. It’s been working in my mind for several days, and I’ve about decided to put it into execution.
“It is this: Mummy Cañon is really a remarkable place. It’s a wonder to me that it hasn’t been exploited as a resort long before this. I’m seriously considering, Mr. Miles, a plan to purchase the whole of the cañon from the government and to enter on an extensive real estate project.
“Of course I’ll incorporate, but I propose to retain a controlling interest in the stock company. I’ll buy the land, get out my incorporation papers, and then invite some eastern promoters here to look at my proposition.