Benson surveyed him critically. He wondered what his business was; he wondered also what was the value of the land and if it had not a special value to Southerland—he rather thought it had.
“I'll tell you,” he said at last. “I'd like to look over the property myself before I commit my client in any way.”
“You won't see much but scrub-timber and rocks,” said Southerland.
“And minerals,” suggested Benson at a hazard.
“Coal,” nodded Southerland.
Benson was thoughtful.
“Go back with me,” advised Southerland. “I'll show you over it. I know every rod of it.”
“Do you?” said Benson drily. “Well, I'll go back with you.”
“When, Mr. Benson?”
“At once—to-morrow if you like,” answered Benson.