"Of course, Mr. Howard, father doesn't mean that your mines aren't all right. What he wants to know is where they are.
"Have you any map of them or, rather, as of course you have one to show in New York, will you let me take it and show it to father?
"He has some capitalists consulting with him at the house now and he might be able to interest them so that it would not be necessary for you to go to New York for the money."
The purpose to unmask him through the mines he, himself, had said he owned was as clear to the great desperado as though he had been in the banker's study the previous evening when the plan was unfolded.
Remembering the old adage "forewarned is forearmed," Jesse determined to balk the attempt to catch him in the lie, yet not so bluntly as to let the bank president know that he had discovered his purpose.
"I am deeply obliged for your father's interest," he dissembled, "but I do not need any outside assistance. Mr. Bemis brought a gentleman here last night who has arranged for the money and Mr. Sloan went away with him to pass the papers.
"And now, if you'll excuse us, we have some business to discuss. Mr. Prentiss is returning to the mines in a day or so."
Bewildered by the dashing of his hopes, young Rozier allowed himself to be bowed from the tent.
As he stood on the other side of the canvass, Jesse's mocking laugh reached him.
With a start, the banker's son realized that he had done all talking, had shown his hand and learned nothing in return.