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Page 11
"I think," Will suggested after a time, "that we'd better find
Canfield and get his advice before we do anything in the way of
setting up a search. I hate to admit that two members of our party
got into a scrape on the same night we struck the mine, but I guess
there's, no way out of it."
While the boys talked together, the door opened softly and the
caretaker entered, accompanied by a short, paunchy man with a very red
face and eyes which were black, small and suspicious. He was a man
well past middle age, but he seemed to be making a bluff at
thirty-five. His hair, which had turned white at the temples, and his
moustache were both dyed black.
Canfield introduced the new-comer as the detective, Joe Ventner, of
New York, and the boys greeted him courteously.
He accepted their proffered hands with an air of condescension which
was most exasperating. He puffed out his chest, and at once began
talking of some of his alleged exploits in the secret service of the
government.
"How did you pass the night, boys?" ask Canfield.
"Slept like pigs," replied Will with a laugh.
"Where are the others?" asked Canfield.
"They're out getting a breath of fresh air, I reckon," answered
George.
The boys did not take to the detective at all. There was an air of
insincerity about the man which at once put them on their guard.
Had Canfield visited them alone, they would have explained to him the
exact situation. In the presence of this detective, however, they
decided to do nothing of the kind.
"Now then," the detective said after a moment's silence, "if you boys
will outline the course you intend to pursue in this matter, I think
we can arrange to work together without our plans clashing."
"We have talked the matter over during the night," Will replied, "and
have decided to remain here only long enough to obtain some clue as to
the direction taken by the boys in their departure."
"Then you think they are not here?" asked the detective.
"There is no reason why they should be here, is there?" asked Will.
"I don't know that there is," replied Ventner.
"Can you imagine any reason for their wanting to linger about the
mine?" asked George.
"No," was the reply. "It has always been my opinion that the boys
left the mine because they feared arrest for some boyish offense
committed in some other part of the country, and that they are now far
away from this place."
Both lads observed that the detective seemed particularly pleased with
the statement that they proposed to abandon the search of the mine
immediately. Somehow, they caught the impression that they would
interfere with his plans if they remained.
"It might be well," Ventner said, directly, "to keep me posted as to
any discoveries you may make. We must work together, you know."
"Certainly," replied Will, speaking with a mental reservation which
did not include giving up of any information worth while.
"Well, then I'll be going," the detective said, strutting across the
room, with his little round belly protruding like that of an insect.
"You can always find me at the hotel down here, if I'm in this part of
the country. Just ask for me ask for me and I'll show up."
Canfield was turning to depart with the detective when Will motioned
him to remain. The caretaker turned back with a surprised look.
Will waited until the door had closed on the detective before
speaking. Even then, he went to the door and glanced down the
passage.
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