"I guess there's some foundation for that," Carnally said pointedly.
Neither spoke for the next few moments; and then Andrew looked up with a grim smile.
"I'm beginning to understand your attitude toward me when I first came. You thought I was in the ring—one of the people who, knowing how bad it was, led investors into this rotten scheme!"
"I allow I did think something of the kind."
"And afterward? My guess isn't flattering, but I can't blame you, Jake. You believed I was what you call a sucker, sent here because I was too big a fool to find things out."
Carnally looked embarrassed.
"I figured it out like this," he said: "the people who sent you expected you'd spend your time hunting and fishing, without taking much interest in the mine. Then, if trouble came, they'd leave you to face it. Being on the spot, it would be your fault for not learning what was wrong."
"A clever plan. After all, it's possible they took too much for granted."
"They did," Carnally declared. "You have shown a grip of things they didn't look for. In my opinion they picked the wrong man for the part: but you're in a pretty tight place. You can't make this mine pay."
"No," said Andrew; "I don't mean to try. If I can get his consent, I'm going to look for Graham's lode."