Dinner was served as quickly as possible, as Mr. Parsons was limited for time, and was to return to Silver City on the evening train. Most of the conversation at the table was on mines and mining, Mr. Blaisdell trying to impress each one present, Mr. Parsons in particular, with his extensive knowledge, both theoretical and practical, on all that pertained to the subject, as well as with a sense of the immense value of the properties owned by the company. "Mr. W. E. Cameron, of New York, owns some very valuable mines out here, I understand," said Mr. Parsons casually, his innocent remark producing rather a startling effect upon the minds of his listeners, though they, one and all, succeeded in preserving a calm exterior. "He has an interest in some very fine properties," replied Mr. Blaisdell blandly, though with a visible contracting of the muscles about the mouth, "you are acquainted with Mr. Cameron, I presume?" "Oh, no, on the contrary, I never even met the gentleman, but he is extensively known among the leading business houses of Chicago, and he was pointed out to me, the day I came away, as the owner of some of the finest mines in this locality," Mr. Parsons explained, thereby carrying consternation to the heart of every one present. "Did I understand you to say that Mr. Cameron was in Chicago?" inquired Mr. Blaisdell, while Mr. Rivers' restless eyes were at once on the alert. "Certainly, he was there the day I left; at least, a gentleman with whom I happened to be talking about western investments, pointed him out to me, and cited him as the owner of western properties." "Ah, yes, did you hear anything said as to whether he was coming this way?" "Nothing, nothing whatever, except what I have stated." "It's all right," said Mr. Rivers, speaking for the first time, and in his quick, incisive way; he feared Mr. Blaisdell had betrayed his anxiety; "all right, only we would like to know his whereabouts, as it will be necessary to wire him in a day or two, regarding some ore shipments. Can you give us the hotel where he was stopping?" "I am very sorry that I cannot oblige you, but I have not the least idea where he was located; I simply saw him passing on the street." "It is of no consequence," replied Mr. Blaisdell, with assumed indifference, "we can of course ascertain his present address from the New York house; it will take a little more time, that is all. We had better proceed to the mines at once, if Mr. Parsons is ready." When they had left and Haight was on his way to the mills, the four young men held a few moments' consultation outside the house. "By Jingo!" exclaimed Ned Rutherford, "it looks as though old Buncombe was going to get on to our surprise party that we're planning for him! What are you fellows going to do about it?" "Well," said Van Dorn. "I'm not sure whether this is going to interfere with our arrangements or not; what do you think, Everard? will the company 'smell a rat' anywhere?"