Mr. Burdoch had not heard this conversation. Had he been within hearing, they would have been more careful in their speech. As to Gerald, they looked upon him as a mere boy, and did not feel it necessary to be on their guard.
Gerald, however, lost no time in imparting the information he had obtained to Mr. Burdoch.
"The confounded rascal!" exclaimed the Yankee. "He has got up a very pretty scheme for fleecing your employer. So he says the mine is doing well?"
"Never better. He says a half interest is well worth forty thousand dollars."
"Humph! It may be worth looking up. I might decide to buy the mine myself."
Gerald regarded his companion with surprise. He had not looked upon him as a rich man, but thought he might be worth one or two thousand dollars.
"Do you really mean it?" he asked.
"Certainly I do."
"I did not suppose——" Here Gerald hesitated.
"Oh, I see—you didn't think I had money enough. Well, Gerald, I don't mind telling you I could buy two such mines as this one here. I ain't no dude, but I've got the gold."