The little man’s smile became benignantly tolerant. “You young men are like Mr. Kipling’s puppy at times; you _will_ chew soap, knowing perfectly well that it is soap.” Tregarvon’s answering laugh admitted the justness of the charge. “Possibly some of us like the flavor of soap,” he retorted. “There is no accounting for the depravity of some tastes, you know.” “Oh, well,” said the visitor, with the air of one who is far too wise to combat the vagaries of youth, “go on and have your fling. It is harmless enough. If you can afford to buy a little amusement in this way, why shouldn’t you do it? It won’t hurt you, and it is a Godsend to Tait and the poor devils on your pay-roll while it lasts.” “But if I can’t afford it?” suggested Tregarvon. “Ah; that is another matter. From what Wilmerding has let fall, I have been assuming that you and Mr. Carfax desired the experience and the fun of it rather than any possible money gain.” “The money side of it may not appeal to Carfax; but it does to me, very forcibly.” “Still, you are throwing good money after bad in putting down these test-holes.” Tregarvon shrugged his shoulders. “What would you?” he asked. “I inherited the Ocoee, and it is up to me to make something out of it, if I can.” The round-bodied bookkeeper laughed until he shook like a bowl of jelly. “It is very evident, Mr. Tregarvon, that you were born in the purple. If you wish to make money out of the Ocoee, why don’t you sell it?” “Because I should first have to find a purchaser, and before I could find a purchaser--I should think--it would be a condition precedent that I should find the coal. It resolves itself into the vicious circle, as you see.” Mr. Thaxter smote his gloved hands together softly and appeared to be debating a nice point with himself. When he spoke again his manner had lost the touch of brisk impersonality. “Pardon me if I seem to crowd the mourners,” he apologized, “but it strikes me that this is a matter in which the good-natured bystander may quite properly take a hand. Is it possible that you haven’t been told of the offer made by our people to your father?” “It is more than possible; it is a fact.” “I am truly astonished! Your lawyers must know of it.” “There has never been any mention of it made to me. What was the offer?” “If I remember correctly, it was one hundred thousand dollars for all the titles.” “Thank you!” exclaimed Tregarvon triumphantly. “That is the best news I’ve heard in many a day. If your company ever made any such an offer as that, it proves conclusively that there is coal in the property, somewhere.” The bookkeeper shook his round head in evident dismay.