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Updated: June 9, 2025
Batley, he thought, was to some extent an adventurer, one engaged in a hazardous business at which he could not always win, and he had some desirable qualities good-humor, liberality, coolness and daring. The well-bred gentleman who served as his decoy, however, possessed none of these redeeming characteristics. His part was merely despicable; there was only meanness beneath his polished exterior.
He could barely see it, but Lisle called out sharply: "What has brought you on our trail, Batley?" The man came toward them with a breathless laugh and sat down. "It isn't your trail but Gladwyne's I'm interested in, and I can't say that I've succeeded in following that. I merely pushed on, until I struck this cañon and as I couldn't get across, I followed it up."
It was evident that the idea of being credited with the qualities mentioned appealed to the lad, and Lisle realized that Batley was wishing him far away. He had, however, no intention of withdrawing, and taking out a cigar he chose a cue and awkwardly proceeded to practise a shot. "This," he said nonchalantly, "is an amusement I never had time to learn, and I really came along for a quiet smoke.
Now that I've been candid, do you feel inclined to reciprocate?" "Not in the least," Lisle replied shortly. "I'm not sure I even sympathize. But since you've turned up you'll have to stick to us; I don't want to waste time in leading another search party. As soon as there's a little more light, we'll try to get across the cañon." "Thanks for the permission," smiled Batley, lighting a cigar.
It's fortunate that you can be of help in this case, because I think some Canadian mining shares are to be the latest deal. From what Jim said it looks as if Batley was to give him some information about them on Wednesday, when Gladwyne and he are expected at Marple's. Can't you come? I understand you have been asked." "Yes," promised Lisle. "If I have an opportunity, I'll see what can be done."
Nasmyth did not think that the man had been most strongly influenced by that desire, but he addressed Crestwick: "Hadn't you better gather some more branches or driftwood for the fire, Jim?" Crestwick disappeared, and Nasmyth filled his pipe before he turned to Batley.
Though these books were subsequently destroyed in a big fire that demolished the entire street, luckily for him, he had sent his MS. to the publishers, Messrs. Bettesworth and Batley, a week or so before the conflagration broke out; so that he was, at any rate, spared the loss of his own arduous and invaluable work. The publishers did not accept the MS. at once.
"It certainly looks promising," Lisle heard Crestwick say; "you have pretty well convinced me that it can't go wrong." "I can't see any serious risk," declared Batley. "That, in the case of mining stock, is as far as I'd care to go. On the other hand, there's every prospect of a surprising change in the value of the shares as soon as the results of the first reduction of ore come out.
"I've heard nothing about your part in the water," Nasmyth said to Batley. "There's not much to tell. It isn't astonishing that my memory's by no means clear. Anyhow, I wasn't far from Gladwyne, who was swimming well, when he was swept away from me and in among the lower boulders by the swirl of an eddy.
It was innocent enough, but Lisle fancied that there was sufficient flattery in the speech to incite the headstrong lad, who had now emptied the glass at his hand. He remembered that on another occasion when there had been a good deal at stake, Batley had played on Crestwick's feelings, though in a slightly different manner.
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