It was after dinner and Wannop, lounging comfortably over his cigar in Frobisher's smoking-room, smiled at Andrew, who sat opposite. "This is a very nice house and I like your friend," he commented. "It's lucky he invited us, because I don't know how they'd have put us up at the hotel." "What brought you over with Leonard?" Andrew asked bluntly. "Gertrude wanted to make some visits this winter, which set me free. I've never been much away from home, and it struck me as a good chance for seeing Canada; then Jack Cartwright--you may remember him--is in Toronto. It's twelve years since I've met him, though he has often urged me to come over; and there's another man I know in Winnipeg." "I wonder whether that was all?" Wannop looked amused. He was stout and clumsy, but he had his jovial air. "You seem to have been getting smarter since you came to Canada," he said. "Perhaps I'd better admit that I was anxious to see how you were getting on." "Didn't Leonard tell you?" "Leonard was as guarded and diplomatic as usual. He informed us that there had been some trouble at the mine and he was afraid you hadn't experience enough to deal with the situation. Then he gave us the impression that you were inclined to be rash and might make a mess of things unless he came over and put you right." "Ah!" exclaimed Andrew; "I expected something of the sort." They looked at each other with mutual comprehension. "Can matters be straightened out?" Wannop asked. "Not in the few days that Leonard intends to devote to it. It's most unlikely that the Rain Bluff will ever pay." "I'm sorry to hear it. A good deal of my money and Gertrude's has gone into the mine." "You needn't be alarmed. I don't think the shareholders will suffer." Andrew's tone was impressive, and Wannop looked at him sharply. "That doesn't seem to agree with your last remark." "I've a plan for working a richer lode, but I can't tell you anything further, because the secret belongs to another man until the minerals have been recorded; and it wouldn't be fair to Leonard and the directors, who haven't been consulted about the project yet. When my plans are ready, they will be disclosed. Perhaps I'm straining your confidence." "It will stand some strain. But are you sure that Leonard will be fair to you?" "That is another matter," Andrew said quietly. "Well, I'm glad you have told me something: it gives me a lead. It was obvious that you and Leonard were at variance. In fact, I've foreseen a split for some time, and if a side must be taken, I'd rather stand by you." "Thanks! But it may get you into trouble." Wannop lighted another cigar and then looked up with a chuckle.