"Yes, I know, Cousin Ida."
"I am desirous that he should know that I am in San Francisco, but, unfortunately, though I know he is in California, I have no idea where, or in what part of it he is to be found. Once in communication with him, I need have no further apprehension of interference or persecution on the part of my guardian."
"To be sure," said Ben straightforwardly. "I suppose you would marry him?"
"That may come some time," said Miss Sinclair, smiling, "but he must be found first."
"You will travel about, I suppose?" said Ben.
"No; I shall engage some one to travel for me. It would not be suitable for a young lady to go from one mining-camp to another."
"Have you thought of any one you can send?" asked our hero.
"Yes," said Miss Sinclair. "He is rather young, but I shall try the experiment."
"Do you mean me?" asked Ben quickly.
"Yes; are you willing to be my agent in the matter?"