At once the daughter complied. Herman Wenrich listened attentively.
"Ah, yes, I remember this Marden now," he said slowly. "He was the son of Amberton's youngest sister. Where does he come from?"
"He belongs in California and is a rich miner. But he was brought up down east—in Vermont, if I remember rightly."
"Exactly—he is Grace Amberton's boy. A good fellow, too—if he takes after his mother. So Amberton is sick and has put Dick Marden in charge. Then what those two men told me is a—a string of falsehoods."
"You can see what I am authorized to offer you for the map," said Robert. "I started for here with the money in my pocket——"
"Stop, Mr. Frost. You do not understand old Herman Wenrich. I am not thinking to sell the map."
"But you are willing to see justice done to Mr. Amberton, are you not?"
"Yes, yes—full justice—for he deserves it. He could have had the map before, but it affected some land of mine—which I have since sold."
"Then you will let him have the map!" exclaimed Robert, much delighted. "I will pay——"