They swung up a road and passed between two stone pillars, upon which were mounted electric lights. These were brightly illuminated, and they showed walls running in both directions. The pillars constituted a gateway. The gates were open.
"Mayo is expecting us," declared Hawthorne. "That's why the lights are on. There's the lodge, straight ahead."
The house was set in a level clearing. It was of old English style, and very elaborate for a hunting lodge. They pulled up in front. The door opened, and a tall, genial baldheaded man stood awaiting them. They went in the house, Hawthorne introducing Stuart to Mayo as they entered.
Stuart looked around the living room in admiration. It was sumptuously furnished for a hunting lodge. An excellent rug lay on the floor. A bright fire crackled in the fireplace. A glass-eyed deer head looked down from above the mantelpiece.
Stuart noted the bookcase, with its array of neatly placed volumes. Each article of furniture was distinctive. All of the chairs were elaborate, and no two were exactly alike. While Stuart was wondering who kept the place so tidy, the explanation came in the form of a Filipino valet, who entered with a tray of glasses.
The servant was neatly attired in a white coat, and he moved with catlike stealth. Stuart took a sudden dislike to the man. Why, he did not know.
Conversation began. Mayo and Hawthorne became involved in a friendly discussion of affairs at Greenhurst. Stuart was an interested listener. He noted that Mayo was rather indulgent.
"So you're going on with the developing, eh?" asked Mayo. "What if it goes flat?"
Hawthorne shrugged his shoulders.
"Remember the price I offered you?" quizzed Mayo. "It's a lot more than you paid for that acreage!"