"Hardly here, for, you see, I have just sold out my shares in this concern. I am here to wind the matter up. In the future my business interests will be centered in New York City and in Oregon. As you perhaps know, we are organizing the Wilbur-Balasco Lumber Company of Oregon, with camps at different places. Mr. Ulmer Balasco is in charge out there, while I am looking up our interests in the East." "Do you want hands in Oregon?" asked Dale, with deep interest. "I think we do--unless Balasco has already secured them. But if you want to try your luck out there, say the word, and I will get you railroad tickets, and I'll give you a letter to Balasco, telling him to find an opening for you if he possibly can. You see, according to our contract, he is to run the camps to suit himself, and hire all his own help, but I fancy my letter to him will secure to you what you want." "You are certainly kind," came from Owen. "Not at all. I owe you both something for what you did for me and my family, and I want to do what I can for you. Of course, if you don't care to go to Oregon----" "To tell the truth, I do care very much," burst in Dale. "And I have a special reason for it, too," he went on. "I was going to mention it to you when you were in Bangor, but you went away before we could call on you a second time." "Yes, I remember; I got a telegram about important business in New York and here. But why do you wish particularly to go to Oregon?" "I want to look up an old mining claim in which my father was once interested. He bought the mine, but it didn't pay, and was abandoned. I've been wondering if the ground couldn't be of some value." "It might be, Bradford, although I wouldn't bank on it if I were you. I know of a number of places where mines were opened, and the land is rocky and barren to the last degree, not even fit for grazing purposes." "Oh, I'm not over-hopeful," said Dale. "But still I should like to know the exact truth." "I can't blame you for that. Where is the land located?" "I can't describe it to you off-hand. I have the papers in my trunk. I'll let you see them if you wish." "I'll take a look at them when I have time. You see, I came to Detroit on the run. I am due in Chicago inside of twenty-four hours from now." "Supposing I sent you the papers, or a copy of them, by mail?" "That is a good plan. I'll give you my permanent address. But now about going to Oregon. Will both of you accept my offer?" "I will, with thanks," came from Owen. "And some day I'll pay you back for the railroad ticket, Mr. Wilbur." "And so will I," added Dale. "No, no; you have already done enough," cried the lumber merchant. "Can you wait about an hour? Then I'll go down to the ticket office with you." "Certainly, we can wait," answered Dale.