“What for?” cried Dig.
“I bet the cave-in was started with this lever, too. They pried out some of the heavy timbering. This old shaft was shored-up with oak and was a good job. You know that, Dig.”
“But I don’t know what you’re getting at,” answered Digby.
“I’m getting at just this: The mouth of this old mine was closed on purpose, and very recently.”
“Oh!”
“Somebody must have had a reason for doing this, though I don’t see what. And father was interested in the Crayton claim. I know that. He spoke of having got control of it at a low price.”
“Petered out before you and I were born, Chet,” cried Digby Fordham, with impatience.
“Perhaps. But father had a reason for getting hold of it. Perhaps he thought the pay-streak of our mine was leading this way.”
“Then he wouldn’t have caved in this shaft,” Dig said slowly.
“No, no! Somebody else did it. I—don’t—see—”