"Should they take alarm and try to get away, it will be evidence that they are guilty of fraud and we'll arrest them on the spot. If the answer proves that the men are what they pretend to be and that the mines really exist, no one will be the wiser. The detectives can say they have decided to put their money nearer home and go back to Kansas City.
"But I don't believe the answer will say they are known!"
"Now, is what you are to do clear in your mind?"
Ere his son could reply, however, there was a knock on the door and a servant announced that a telegram had arrived for Mr. Rozier.
Noiselessly removing the paper from the keyhole and unlocking the door, the banker took the despatch.
"The messenger boy wants to know if there's any answer," said the maid.
Hastily tearing open the envelope, the president of the savings institution glanced at the contents, then replied:
"Tell him 'no.'"
When the retreating footsteps of the servant sounded on the hardwood floor of the hall, the banker turned to his son.
"It's all right. The message says the men will leave tonight and arrive about seven in the morning.