"No, I do not. If I hear anything connected with him which warrants it, I will notify you." "I wish Abel had his chance," thought Mrs. Lane, as she rose to go. "Mr. Nugent is infatuated with that boy." ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CHAPTER XXVIII A TRIP ON HORSEBACK THREE months passed and found Gerald still in his new home. There were no striking incidents during this time, but in a quiet way Gerald had effected a good deal in the way of change and improvement. The house was provided with new comforts, a safe had been sent from Helena, in which Thomas Nixon kept securities and valuable papers, a good deal of correspondence was carried on, Gerald acting as private secretary. Meals were no longer sent in from the boarding-house, but a young Swedish woman was engaged as servant and housekeeper. In short, Mr. Nixon was beginning to live like other people. To Gerald the most important event was the purchase of a horse for his use. At that time railroad facilities hardly existed in Campville, walking was difficult and fatiguing over the rough hills of Montana; and in traveling about for his employer Gerald found a horse of great service. He at any rate was in a position to contradict the statement that Thomas Nixon was a miser, for the old man repeatedly offered him money outside of his salary, but thus far Gerald had declined with thanks. One day Gerald brought back a letter from the morning mail, which Mr. Nixon read with thoughtful interest. "I may have to send you on a journey, Gerald," he said. "All right, sir." "This letter is from the superintendent of a gold mine in Ransom, seventy-five miles from here. I own a half interest in the mine. He writes me that the output for the last six months has been falling off, and that the value of the mine has greatly depreciated. He ends by offering twenty thousand dollars for my share." "Why should he want to buy it if the mine is falling off so largely?" "That is what occurred to me. He closes by inviting me to go on and investigate for myself. He knows that I should not be likely to accept the invitation as my health is not sufficiently good." "Did the superintendent offer to buy for himself?" "He intimated that there was a man from New York whom he could induce to buy. I presume by a misrepresentation of the paying qualities of the mine." "That would be a fraud," said Gerald. "Certainly, and I don't care to defraud anyone." "What did you regard as the value of your half of the mine?" "At least thirty-five thousand dollars." "Whatever I can do for you in this matter, Mr. Nixon, I shall be glad to do." "I will send you to Ransom, not as representing me, but on a visit of investigation. Look about you, find out what you can, and report to me." "I hope I shall be able to acquit myself to your satisfaction."