Over in the corner Vance Corliss leaned against the piano, deep in conversation with Colonel Trethaway.

The latter, keen and sharp and wiry, for all his white hair and sixty-odd years, was as young in appearance as a man of thirty.

A veteran mining engineer, with a record which put him at the head of his profession, he represented as large American interests as Corliss did British.

Not only had a cordial friendship sprung up between them, but in a business way they had already been of large assistance to each other.

And it was well that they should stand together,--a pair who held in grip and could direct at will the potent capital which two nations had contributed to the development of the land under the Pole.
The crowded room was thick with tobacco smoke.