He has withdrawn his account from the
Exeter and so I've lost sight of all of his transactions." Here a
new idea seemed to strike him: "Did he seem very anxious about
getting hold of the land?"
A queer smile played about Jack's lips:
"He seemed NOT to be, but he was"
"You're sure?"
"Very sure; and so would you be if you knew him as well as I do. I
have heard him talk that way to dozens of men and then brag how
he'd 'covered his tracks,' as he used to call it."
"Then, Jack," exclaimed Peter in a decided tone, "there is
something in it. What it is you will find out before many weeks,
but something. I will wager you he has not only had your title
searched but has had test holes driven all over your land. These
fellows stop at nothing. Let him alone for a while and keep him
guessing. When he writes to you again to come and see him, answer
that you are too busy, and if he adds a word about the ore beds
tell him you have withdrawn them from the market. In the meantime
I will have a talk with one of our directors who has an interest,
so he told me, in a new steel company up in the Cumberland
Mountains, somewhere near your property, I believe.
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