"They were probably persistent men," he said.
Devine glanced at him sharply, but Brooke's face was, or at least he hoped so, expressionless.
"Well," he said, tranquilly, "I contrive to pay my debts as the usual thing, but we'll let that slide. What are you at up here in the bush?"
"Mining, just now," said Brooke. "To be more definite, acting as handy man about a mine."
"You'd make more rock-drilling. Feel fond of it?"
"I can't say I do. Still, I have a notion that it is going to lead to the acquisition of a few dollars presently."
Devine sat silent at a space, apparently reflecting, and then looked up again.
"Now," he said, "suppose I was to make you an offer, would you feel inclined to listen to me?"
Brooke had acquired in England a composure which was frequently useful to him, but he was young, and started a trifle, while once more the blood showed through his unfortunately clear skin.
"I think I could promise that much, at least," he said.