Therefore, as his instructions permitted him to visit whatever part of Newfoundland he chose, he decided to avoid St.Johns for the present rather than risk the results of a companionship that now seemed so undesirable.
Somewhat earlier on that same day one of Thorpe's travelling companions, named Gregg, spoke to him of Newfoundland's mineral wealth, and referred particularly to the Bell Island iron mines.
"Yes," replied Walling, who had never before heard of Bell Island, "they must be immensely valuable." "Oh, I don't know," said the other, carelessly.

"Several American companies are trying to get control of them; but perhaps they are not what they are cracked up to be after all." "Isn't a New York man by the name of Hepburn one of the interested parties ?" asked Thorpe, at a venture.
"Yes, he is," responded Mr.Gregg, turning on him sharply.

"Why, do you know him ?" "I can't say that I know him; but I know a good deal about him, and have every reason to believe that he has just sent an acquaintance of mine, a young mining engineer, up here to examine that very property." "Is he an expert ?" "Oh, yes.

He and I were classmates at a technical institute." "Then you also are a mining engineer ?" "I am." "Have you come to Newfoundland to investigate mineral lands ?" "Not exactly; though I may do something in that line if I find a good opening.

At present I am merely on a pleasure trip." "I see, and I am glad to have made your acquaintance, as I am somewhat interested in mineral lands myself.