Sappers and Miners Part 21

"Shall I go, father?"

"No, I think not, my boy. I don't suppose it is anything important, unless it is someone come to claim damages for the a.s.sault you committed on the man at the mine, and for confiscating the reel and line."

"Oh, it would not be that, would it, father?" cried Gwyn, anxiously.

"And besides--"

"He began it, eh? Well, we shall see. You had better stay."

The visitor was shown it, and entered with so smiling a countenance that at first Gwyn felt better; but a suspicion came over him directly after that the smile might mean a masking of the real attack.

For Gwyn's education was growing decidedly military, his father devoting a great deal of time to reading works on fortification and army matters.

But he was soon set at rest, for, after a few preliminary words of apology for the call, with some remarks on the fineness of the morning, and the pleasant drive over from the station, the visitor plunged at once into the object of his visit.

"The fact is, Colonel Pendarve, my professional business lies a great deal with mining companies, and one of those for whom I act have been for some time looking out for a spot here on the west coast, where they could exploit, so to speak, the land, and try with the newer machinery some of the old neglected workings. Now, I am instructed that you have on your estate one of these disused mines, and my company, for whom I act, are willing to run the risk of trying if anything can be made of it with the modern appliances. You see I am quite frank with you, sir. In other words, they are desirous of becoming the purchasers of your little estate here at a good advance upon the sum for which you purchased it."

"Indeed?" said the Colonel, smiling.

"Yes, sir; and I will not conceal from you the fact that they will be quite willing to agree to what would really be a most advantageous thing for you."

"Then the old mine must be very valuable," said Gwyn, excitedly.

"Eh?" e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.ed the visitor, turning his eyes sharply upon the boy.

"Oh dear me, no, my dear young friend. That does not follow. It might turn out to be, of course; but mining is a terribly speculative, risky business, and the probabilities are that this mine--let me see, Ydoll, I think, is the old name, and eh, young gentleman, not badly named? Been lying idle for a very long time, I suppose? Eh? You'll excuse the joke. We may lose very heavily in this one, while we gain on others.

But, of course, Colonel Pendarve, that is not my affair. My instructions, to be brief, are to ascertain whether you will sell, and, if you will take a reasonable price, to close with you at once."

"I wish father would ask him how he knows about the mine," thought Gwyn.

"May I ask how you became aware of the existence of this place, sir?"

asked the Colonel.

"Maps and plans, sir. I have pretty well every property marked out all through the country; picturesque and geological features all set down.

Quite a study, young gentleman. You have a nice place here Colonel Pendarve, but you must find it bleak, and I think I may venture to say this is an opportunity for parting with it most profitably."

"I suppose so, sir," said the Colonel, "for your clients would not be, I presume, particular about a few hundreds to obtain possession?"

"Well," replied the lawyer, smiling, "without committing myself, I think I may say that your wishes within reason would be met, sir, upon pecuniary points."

"Well that sounds satisfactory," said the Colonel, "but I have grown attached to the place, and so has my son."

"Oh, yes, father," said Gwyn, eagerly. "I don't want to go."

"Plenty of more beautiful places to be had, my dear sir," said the lawyer, "by the man who has money."

"I have improved the house, too, a great deal lately."

"So I should suppose, sir," said the lawyer; "but we should consider all that in the purchase money."

"And I have made my little garden one of the most productive in the county."

"All of which we will take into consideration, my dear sir. Now, not to take up your time, what do you say? I have a plan in my pocket of the estate, and I am quite prepared to come to terms at once."

"But is not this very sudden?" said the Colonel, smiling.

"Well, perhaps so, my dear sir; but I always advise the companies who intrust me with their affairs to be business-like and prompt. Let us have none of the law's delays, my dear sir, I say. It means waste of time; and as time is money, it is a waste of hard cash. Now, sir, you, as a military man, know the value of decision."

"I hope so," said the Colonel, who looked amused.

"Well, in plain English, sir, will you sell?"

"In plain English, Mr Dix," said the Colonel, promptly, "'No.'"

"Take time, my dear sir, take time," said the lawyer. "Don't, let me implore you, throw away a good chance. Name your terms."

"I have no terms to propose, sir. I like my house here, and I shall not part with it at any price.--Yes, Dolly? What is it?"

For the maid had tapped and entered, looking very round-eyed and surprised.

"Another gentleman to see you, sir."

"Indeed? You will not mind, Mr Dix?"

"Oh, by no means, my dear sir. But one moment, please. Why not close with my proposal? Come, my dear sir, to be plain, I will take the place at your own terms."

"You will not take the place at any terms, sir," said the Colonel, decisively. "Dolly, show the other gentleman in. But did he give you his card?"

"No, sir; said he'd like to speak to you himself."

"Show him in, then."

"Hah!" e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.ed the lawyer; "but you will alter your mind, Colonel Pendarve?"

"I hope not."

"But if you do, you will give me the first offer?"

"I will make no promises, sir," replied the Colonel.

At that moment a reddish-haired, sour-looking man was shown in, and he nodded shortly to the lawyer.

"You here?" he said.

"Yes, my dear Brownson, I am here. Business, my dear sir, business.

You really do not mean to say that you have come on the same mission as I."

"I beg pardon, Colonel Pendarve," said the fresh visitor. "I was not aware that Mr Dix here proposed visiting you. Can I have the pleasure of a few words on business of great importance?"

"Certainly," said the Colonel, who now looked very much amused; "but may I ask if it is concerning the purchase of the mine?"