“You’ve decided not to sell it—even to me?”
Roberts paused.
“Yes,” he said at last; but he offered no explanation.
Randall waited, hoping for a lead whereby light might come. But none opened, and the subject dropped.
“I judge the mine’s making good,” he commented, with the trace of awkwardness he always felt when approaching the other’s personal affairs. “Will you return soon?”
“Probably not soon.” The voice was almost listless. “I put everything in shape for an indefinite absence before I came away. To answer your question: It’s a wonder, bigger than I ever hoped. It’ll still be a great mine a generation from now.” 325
Randall caught his breath. The big game was yet new to him, and the volume of wealth suggested was cumulatively overpowering.
“Bigger than you expected!” he echoed. “Then that means—millions!”
Roberts glanced at his companion curiously. Slowly he smiled.
“Yes,” he said, “it means millions. I haven’t even an idea how many eventually.” The smile left his face, every trace of expression as well. “I could sell for ten to-day if I wished; but I have no intention of selling.”