There was no mistake about his having accepted his companion's invitation to be frank.
"Mr.Trevethick," said Richard, gravely, "your disappointment would be natural enough, if your long-cherished plan had really failed; but you have misunderstood me altogether.

I am grateful to you for confiding to me the whole of what I had already guessed in part; and you shall have no reason to repent your confidence.

Your secret is safer now than it has ever been; for from my lips Mr.Whymper shall never have his suspicions with respect to Wheal Danes confirmed.

I have been too long your guest, I feel myself too much the friend of you and yours, to act in any way to your disadvantage." Trevethick looked at him inquiringly, suspicion and disfavor glowing in his dusky face.

"But if your story is true, young gentleman, this mine will be your own some day ?" "It may, or it may not be, Mr.Trevethick.My father's intentions are not to be counted upon, as you must be well aware, for twenty-four hours.