"Confound the woman!" muttered Talbot, as he left the house. "It is most provoking to have her act in this way. Should she hear of the Golden Hope mine it would be most disastrous. Once let me obtain her release and I can sell it out for my own advantage."
CHAPTER XXII.
A CRAFTY SCHEMER.
"Your uncle has been here, Mark," said Mrs. Mason, when Mark reached home.
"I can tell you what business he came about, mother."
"He wanted my signature to a paper acknowledging that I had received my full share of father's estate."
"You didn't give it?" inquired Mark anxiously.
"No; I would not take such an important step without your knowledge."
"I feel much relieved. I have not told you what I found on my journey to Niagara."