Sir John was on his feet in a moment.
"A very rich vein?" he questioned eagerly.
"Extraordinarily rich," was the indifferent reply. "Good-afternoon."
"Wait a moment—wait a moment!" Sir John cried excitedly.
"Thank you, but I have no further remarks to make." And Ralph passed out to the landing.
Sir John rushed past him and planted himself at the head of the stairs.
"You are not fooling me?" he questioned eagerly. "Say honestly, are you speaking the truth?"
"Do you wish to insult me?" Ralph asked scornfully. "Am I in the habit of lying? Please let me pass."
"No, no! Please forgive me. But if what you say is true, it means so much to me. You see, I am practically in exile here."
"So I understand. And you are likely to remain in exile, by all accounts."