"Well, no, I guess not," replied Mr. Blaisdell confidently, with his complacent smile, "I don't think you fellows could get along without me, just yet. I don't know what we would do with him, though, in case of any disagreement, he's as independent as though he were a millionaire instead of a salaried clerk; he would never care a rap for anything we might say, he would take his own way every time," and Mr. Blaisdell gave an account of his interview with Houston at the Y. "Humph!" sniffed Mr. Rivers contemptuously, "You'd better let me manage that fellow, Blaisdell, he'll run away with you." "He'll run away with those mines up there, Blaisdell," chuckled Mr. Brunnell, peering over his glasses at the general manager, who was strutting pompously about the office. "Well, you fellows may joke as much as you please," said Mr. Blaisdell, a little testily, "I tell you the man is smart." "Confound it! I know he's smart; I tell you he's too damned smart for you!" responded Mr. Rivers, who had very little respect for Mr. Blaisdell's business ability, but found him a very convenient cat's-paw. As early as possible after the completion of the new arrangements at the mines, Houston and Van Dorn, in accordance with a previous engagement, visited Jack at his cabin. The hour was late, and as they entered the room already familiar to Houston, a lamp was burning brightly, but a heavy screen hung over it, concentrating the light upon the table beneath, on which lay various drawings and tracings, and allowing only a dim light to pervade the room. Houston introduced Van Dorn, whom Jack greeted with characteristic courtesy, though with something of his old reserve, and having seated his guests, he at once proceeded to the discussion of the business which had brought them together. In reply to an inquiry of his regarding the present situation of affairs, Houston informed him of the arrangement just completed by which he was to have entire charge of the work at the mines for the next few weeks, until the coming of Mr. Barden. "Your present position is much more favorable for your work," replied Jack, "it is exceedingly doubtful whether the company will have any use for the services of Mr. Barden." Houston then stated briefly what had been done since Van Dorn's arrival, adding in conclusion, "Of course, we would have accomplished more within this time, had it not been for the confusion and changes resulting from Morgan's sudden death." "Yes," said Jack, "that has hindered you temporarily, but it will result to your advantage. All that I regretted was that an examination which I hoped you and Mr. Van Dorn might be able to make last week, immediately upon his arrival, will now have to be postponed until next week, but even that is better as it is." "How is that?" inquired Houston, with much interest, "to what do you refer?" "I refer to the Lucky Chance mine; are you familiar with that property?"