He left them and Andrew quietly filled his pipe, while Carnally watched him with interest. Andrew had had a shock, but he had borne it well. Instead of unnerving, it had braced him to grapple with a difficult situation. He had courage and determination; but there was something else he must be told. "Jake," Andrew said at length, "this has been a blow. I put a good deal of money into the Company and will lose it, but that's only half the trouble--the rest will hardly bear thinking of. My firm put its stamp on this venture, backed it with its name; and it was rotten from the first!" His face suddenly darkened with suspicion. "How Leonard came to take it up I can't imagine." "If he's the man who fixed things in Montreal, I guess he'd tell you it was a fair business risk; but you don't quite understand the matter yet. It's clear that Mappin has the support of Mr. Hathersage; he finds him the money, gives him the job at prices higher than you need pay, and no doubt takes a share of the profit." Andrew started. "It's hard to admit, but I believe you're right!" Then his mind leaped to a wider conclusion. "I dare say the Company was started solely for Hathersage's benefit!" "I guess there's some foundation for that," Carnally said pointedly. Neither spoke for the next few moments; and then Andrew looked up with a grim smile. "I'm beginning to understand your attitude toward me when I first came. You thought I was in the ring--one of the people who, knowing how bad it was, led investors into this rotten scheme!" "I allow I did think something of the kind." "And afterward? My guess isn't flattering, but I can't blame you, Jake. You believed I was what you call a sucker, sent here because I was too big a fool to find things out." Carnally looked embarrassed. "I figured it out like this," he said: "the people who sent you expected you'd spend your time hunting and fishing, without taking much interest in the mine. Then, if trouble came, they'd leave you to face it. Being on the spot, it would be your fault for not learning what was wrong." "A clever plan. After all, it's possible they took too much for granted." "They did," Carnally declared. "You have shown a grip of things they didn't look for. In my opinion they picked the wrong man for the part: but you're in a pretty tight place. You can't make this mine pay." "No," said Andrew; "I don't mean to try. If I can get his consent, I'm going to look for Graham's lode." Carnally started. "It's a great plan! Will you want me?" "Of course! I'd be helpless without you." "No," Carnally corrected him with a smile. "So far, I've given you hints about things you couldn't be expected to know; but I've taught you all I can, and you take your right place now. You're boss in this new proposition, and I'll be glad to be your second." "Thank you," said Andrew. "We'll start for the Landing to-morrow and see Graham."