"If our talk should be overheard, it might defeat my plans."
If anything were needed to strain the boy's wonder to the breaking point, the mysterious words and actions furnished it and eagerly he demanded:
"Why have you sent for detectives?"
"Ah, you read my message," smiled his father. "Well, I suppose it's natural. I sent for them because I want to use them in the role of friends of mine of great wealth."
"Then where do I come in?"
"Just have patience and I'll tell you," returned the banker, lighting a cigar.
"Now listen attentively. If there's anything that isn't clear to you, ask about it. I've time to explain now, and later I might not have.
"In the morning you are to drop around to this 'Howard's' tent. I don't believe that's his right name, but never mind. You are to forget all unpleasantness and to act as though you wished to be friendly with him.
"During the course of your conversation you can mention that you have heard that he and his companions have some rich mines in Colorado. Ask him where they are and get him to talk about them as much as he will.