“She is,” assented the rancher, dryly. “I suppose you’re goin’ to leave me?”
“Yes,” said Shea, gravely. “After that upper flat is plowed.”
“Tell you what. Wait till Sunday. I’m goin’ to Magdalena then, to see a lady friend. Take ye in the car if you’re goin’ that way. Then I’ll pay you—got to give you something for the work, Shea. So go to Magdalena with me Sunday.”
“Mackintavers’ ranch lies over there, doesn’t it?”
“North. Yes.”
“All right. That’ll suit me.”
CHAPTER XII—THE STONE GODS VANISH
The loss of ten thousand dollars was not a negligible matter, even to Sandy Mackintavers, who was accustomed to gambling on a large scale. Like a good gamester, he swallowed the bitter pill and said nothing. However, the loss left a scar which, contrary to the custom of scars, grew more red and angry with each passing week.
The realization that he had been outwitted and outgamed by the despised Mehitabel Crump was bad enough; the actual monetary loss made itself more gradually felt. However, Mackintavers knew that he would recoup tenfold once his hands gripped Number Sixteen. So, by means of various reports from Eastern sources, he discovered that Coravel Tio, the curio dealer of Santa Fé, was negotiating for the sale of the property, and held an interest in the mine. Over this, Mackintavers laughed long and loud—and perfected his plans for taking over Number Sixteen.
In the meantime, he gave his attention to the seven stone gods and his scientific reputation.