Palmer did not wish to go into the details of his bitter experience, so without delay he began to tell of his visit to Mrs. Talbot and of what she had done and said, and then before Robert could interrupt him he told of the meeting with James Talbot. "Yes, my step-father was here," said Robert. "I am satisfied that he is not to be trusted. I shall write my mother a long letter about him as soon as I can get the chance. But now I must be off, as I have some important business to attend to for Mr. Marden. What are you going to do?" "I am going to call upon Mr. Gray and see if he intends to open up again," answered Livingston Palmer. "After this office life will be good enough for me." CHAPTER XXVIII. THE CONSPIRATORS ARE DISGUSTED. Less than an hour later found Robert at Herman Wenrich's modest home. A ring at the door bell brought Nettie Wenrich, who smiled pleasantly upon seeing our hero. "My father is much better, thank you," said the girl, in reply to Robert's question concerning her parent's health. "I was afraid he would not get well before, but now I am sure he will." "I am glad to hear that," answered the boy. "Those men were here again," went on Nettie. "They are very anxious to get the map, and they offered my father fifty dollars for it." "They offered two hundred dollars," came from the bedchamber, for Robert and Nettie were ascending the stairs, and old Herman Wenrich had overheard the talk. "The fifty dollar offer was only their first." The old lumberman shook hands cordially. "But you have the map, haven't you?" questioned Robert eagerly. "To be sure I have, my lad. Herman Wenrich's word is as good as his bond." "You know I am authorized to give you a hundred dollars," went on Robert. "And didn't I say I didn't want a cent from Felix Amberton?" cried the old man. "All I want is that order, to make certain that I am not going astray--not but what you look honest enough." "Here is the order, just received by mail," and Robert handed it over. Herman Wenrich had his daughter bring spectacles and he perused the paper with great care. "That's all right--I know Amberton's signature well--saw it on many a check he gave me. You shall have the map. Nettie, bring me my tin box." "I will, father," answered the daughter, and left the room. "What did those men have to say when you told them that I had said they were not working for Felix Amberton's interest?" asked Robert while she was gone. "I didn't tell them anything about it. I merely told them to hold off for a day or two, and I would consider their offer." "They'll be mad when they learn the truth." "I shall show them this order for the map. They probably know Amberton's signature as well as I do." "Perhaps so." "I suppose you are going to send that to Timberville by the first mail." "I am going to take it up myself. Mr. Marden wants to come up." "You will find it a wild section of the country--a good bit different from around here."