"Very well," he said; "we will go at once."
They proceeded to the mine, half a mile away, and Hawk signaled for the elevator. It was a large cask, operated by a windlass.
"Get in," he said.
They did so, and began slowly to descend. The mine was about three hundred feet deep. Touching bottom, they left the tub, and Hawk began to show Gerald about, talking in a desultory way. At length they reached a side cavern, and Hawk led the way in. Then his manner changed.
"Boy," he said, "are you authorized to sell Mr. Nixon's interest in the mine?"
"Yes, sir."
"I will give twenty thousand dollars."
"I can't take it."
"Be careful! You may come to harm if you don't?"
"What do you mean?" demanded Gerald, startled.