"I know him well."
"Ah! I congratulate you. Perhaps this is—er, Wayland money behind you?"
"That I am not at liberty to discuss," the younger man replied, evasively. "However, just to make your loan absolutely sure, I have taken steps to sell my season's output in advance. The commission men will be in town shortly, and I shall contract for the entire catch at a stipulated price. Is that satisfactory?"
"Entirely so," declared Mr. Hilliard, heartily. "Go ahead and order your machinery and supplies." As Boyd rose to go, he added, "By the way, what do you know about the mineral possibilities of the region back of Kalvik?"
"Not much; the country is new. There is a—woman at Kalvik who has some men out prospecting."
"Cherry Malotte?"
"Do you know her?" asked Boyd, with astonishment.
"Very well, indeed. I have had some correspondence with her quite recently." Then, noting Boyd's evident curiosity, he went on: "You see, I have made a number of mining investments in the North—entirely on my own account," he hastened to explain. "Of course, the bank could not do such a thing. My operations have turned out so well that I keep several men just to follow new strikes."
"Has Miss Malotte made a strike?"
"Not exactly, but she has uncovered some promising copper prospects."