Cupell welcomed the party, and then presented Jefferson Jones.
Jones did not pay much attention to the Boston men, nor to Bates, the expert, but he gave more than casual attention to Mr. Horace Montgomery.
“Why do you wish to see this assay, Mr. Jones?” asked Montgomery.
“Merely to satisfy myself as to the value of the Royal Ophir mine.”
“With a view to investing?”
“That remains to be seen.”
“I don’t think there will be any chance for you. The Royal Ophir, I am satisfied, is a good thing, and myself and these other two gentlemen want it all to ourselves.”
A slight smile wreathed about the lips of Jefferson Jones.
“I suppose you won’t object to letting me see the assay made?” he asked.
“Certainly not; only don’t deceive yourself with false hopes, that’s all.”