“You’ve got an interest in a mine up yonder?” said the stranger, nodding toward the mountain that loomed above the town.
“Another man and I own the Silent Sue,” was the serious answer.
“Shucks! I don’t mean that,” exclaimed the visitor jovially.
“What do you mean, then?” asked Mr. Havens. “Not that it’s any of my business.”
“Sure it’s your business,” cried the stranger. “I’ve come here to talk to you about it.”
“About what?”
“The Crayton claim.”
“Oh!” Mr. Havens eyed him silently and with much curiosity. But he had learned to wait and let the other man do the talking. That was why he was so successful in business.
“Yes,” said the stranger. “I got hold of a share of the Crayton claim in a curious way. And I’d like to own it all, Mr. Havens. I learn at the Office of Record that you own a part. Will you sell?”
“That’s odd,” said Chet’s father slowly, and still examining the stranger with serious gaze. “I became possessed of a share of the claim in a curious way, too, and I want to control it. Will you sell, Stranger?”