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Although a little late, Houston and Rutherford, with Miss Gladden and Lyle, were awaiting them in the porch. The rare beauty of the two ladies elicited expressions of admiration from both Lindlay and Van Dorn, the latter exclaiming: "They evidently have some fine specimens of ladies out here, and no mistake; there seems to be no fraud in that direction.
On the grass, just outside the porch, in various easy attitudes, were Ned Rutherford, Van Dorn and Lindlay, and it was noticeable that under the influence of late events, even Ned's boyish face was gradually assuming a far more mature and thoughtful expression.
Lindlay and Mr. Van Dorn as guests in this house; thinking of the contrast between then and now; that was ushering in the close of the old regime, and this is the eve of the new." "When will the mines be reopened?" inquired Van Dorn. "Just as soon as possible after the rebuilding of the plant, next spring." "All these mines will be owned and controlled by the New York company, will they not?"
Houston then told of the plan for Van Dorn's coming in a few weeks, and later, for the arrival of Mr. Cameron with Lindlay. "Oh," Rutherford exclaimed, "now I see why Mort is so anxious to get here at just about a certain time; he knows all about this, and wants to be in at the death himself; well, that suits me exactly.
A little later, Van Dorn would come to his assistance without arousing suspicion, not being known as a mining expert, and when the time came for the final denouement, Lindlay would accompany Mr. Cameron to the mines, as he was a skilled expert, and having already visited the mines, could furnish testimony as to the fraud practiced by the company.
Van Dorn and Lindlay had agreed before hand that they would keep entirely separate, and each pursue his own course of investigation independently of the other, Van Dorn of course not being able to take any measurements, as he was not supposed to be an expert, and compare notes later.
Haight, on returning to the office from dinner, waited some little time for the expected dispatch. At last it came: "Cameron just arrived with Englishman, Lindlay, and attorney; going out to the mines on evening train. Are at Arlington Hotel, Van Dorn at same hotel and in telegraphic communication with some one at the Y. There is a conspiracy somewhere; what do you know?
"He is out on a piece of detective work on his own account," and Van Dorn briefly gave Lindlay an outline of what Houston had told him. A prolonged "Ah h" from Lindlay was the only response. "I thought I'd better tell you," said Van Dorn, "for fear you would include him in the lot out here, and be down on him with the rest. He is a splendid fellow, and I want you to know him."
"The evening previous to the day the examination was to be made, they met for a little conversation regarding the history of the mine, and to make plans for the following day. Of course, our talk was principally of mining in general. Well, didn't I play 'green' that evening. You can bet your sweet life that I did!" Here Lindlay elbowed Houston, who in turn nudged Van Dorn.
Blaisdell. "We can't wait for you, you're too slow," laughed Van Dorn. "Give our places to those gentlemen," said Lindlay, indicating Haight and Morgan, and with rather a painful emphasis on the word "gentlemen." "Egad!" he exclaimed a few moments later, "Van Dorn, what do you think of that for a mining proposition?"
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