But he had no personal fear of Lacy: not, at least, if he could once get the backing of Cavendish's money.

But these other people--Beaton, Miss Donovan, and still another expected to arrive soon from the East--how were they connected with the deal?
How were they involved in the controversy?
Had Lacy organised a company and got hold of some money in New York?
It might be possible, and yet neither the man nor the woman impressed him as financiers risking fortunes in the exploitation of mines.

The problem was unsolvable; the only thing he could do was guard his property and wait until they showed their hand.

If he could only hear from Fred Cavendish---- He was so deeply engrossed in these thoughts, the smoked-out cigar substituted by a pipe, that he remained unaware that Timmons had left the office, or that the Chinese man-of-all-work had silently tiptoed down the stairs and was cautiously peering in through the open doorway to make sure the coast was clear.

Assured as to this, the wily Oriental sidled noiselessly across the floor and paused beside him.
"Zis Meester Vest-c-ott ?" he asked softly.
The miner looked up at the implacable face in surprise, lowering his feet.
"That's my name, John; what is it ?" The messenger shook a folded paper out of his sleeve, thrust it into the other's hand hastily, and, with a hurried glance about, started to glide away as silently as he had come.