"You were right," said Andrew. "It isn't a pleasant situation. I don't mind its not being flattering; that's the least trouble."
"What are you going to do about it?"
"The square thing, so far as I'm able. Allinson's, so to speak, guaranteed the undertaking."
There was some extra color in Andrew's face and pride in his voice, though he spoke quietly, and Frobisher sat silent a moment or two.
"Have you made any plans yet?" the American then asked.
Andrew told him that he proposed to take Carnally and Graham north to search for the silver lode; and Frobisher looked grave.
"There's a point to be remembered," he cautioned. "Minerals in Canada belong to the State, which makes a grant of them to the discoverer on certain terms. The lode will therefore become the property of whoever first locates and records it, which will be open to any member of your party."
"I've thought of that. The expedition will be financed by me, and I'll have an understanding with Graham and Carnally as to their share before we start."
"Three claims could be staked, and your companions could make them over to you when the development work was done. If properly patented, you would be the legal owner."
"I intend to become the owner."