Louis Wheeler laid himself out to be social and agreeable, and made himself quite popular with the other boarders at the hotel. As Jefferson and Rodney said nothing about him, he was taken at his own valuation, and it was reported that he was a heavy capitalist from Chicago who had come to Montana to buy a mine. This theory received confirmation both from his speech and actions.
On the following day he went about in Oreville and examined the mines. He expressed his opinion freely in regard to what he saw, and priced one that was for sale at fifty thousand dollars.
“I like this mine,” he said, “but I don’t know enough about it to make an offer. If it comes up to my expectations I will try it.”
“He must have been robbing a bank,” observed Jefferson Pettigrew.
Nothing could exceed the cool assurance with which Wheeler greeted Jefferson and recalled their meeting in New York.
“You misjudged me then, Mr. Pettigrew,” he said. “I believe upon my soul you looked upon me as an adventurer—a confidence man.”
“You are not far from the truth, Mr. Wheeler,” answered Jefferson bluntly.
“Well, I forgive you. Our acquaintance was brief and you judged from superficial impressions.”
“Perhaps so, Mr. Wheeler. Have you ever been West before?”
“No.”