“Very plausible! I suppose he tells you so. Are you still with him?”
“No, sir. I am with a miner from Colorado—a Mr. Stackpole.”
“Is he the desperado referred to by Mr. Snowdon in his letter?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Upon my word, I congratulate you on your choice of associates. Where is he now?”
“In New York, at the Grand Union Hotel. I have been staying there with him.”
“Has he adopted you?”
“No, sir. Mr. McCracken, there is one question I would like to ask you.”
“What is it?”
“You are my guardian. Have you charge of my property for me?”