When he had left the room Grant said: “I’m sorry to see Benton here. I am afraid he will give us trouble.”
“In what way? By giving us too much of his company?”
“Partly that, but if he had any suspicion as to the contents of the chest he wouldn’t rest till he had opened it.”
“He wouldn’t find it a very healthy proceeding,” remarked Tom Cooper grimly.
CHAPTER XXIX.
BENTON HAS A PLAN.
Some days passed. The new-comer did not appear to find anything to do. He had sauntered out to the claim worked by Grant and Tom, and looked on, but had made no discoveries. He did not know whether to think they were prospering or not. He determined to obtain some information, if possible, from his landlord.
One morning, after the two friends had gone to work, he lingered at the table, asking for an extra cup of coffee as a pretext for remaining longer.
“Do you think my friend Grant and his chum are doing well?” he remarked carelessly.
“They can’t be making much,” answered Paul. “I think they are fools to waste their time here.”
“They must be making something,” said Mrs. Crambo. “They pay their board bills regularly.”