"What is his business?" inquired Paul, in an indifferent tone.
"He is part owner of one of our best mines."
"You say he is part owner; who is the partner?"
"Some rich man in Chicago. Ten to one old Simeon will fleece him."
"I suppose such a mine as that is worth considerable money."
"Why, youngster, you don't want to buy into it, do you?"
"Not in the present state of my finances," answered Paul, laughing.
"Oh, well, I'd give thirty thousand dollars myself for the Blackstone mine."
Thirty thousand dollars! That would make fifteen thousand dollars for a half interest, and Simeon Fox had tried to induce Mr. Bradford to sell his half for two thousand dollars! This was an obvious swindle.
"Would Mr. Fox sell out for that sum, do you think?" asked Paul.
"It's likely he wouldn't. He's making too much money out of it. But, youngster, you seem particularly interested in the mine."
He had rapidly decided that it would be for his interest to reveal to Jim Scott his real business at Custer City.
"Well, that's strange! What can it be to you?"
"Then I will tell you one. I am sent out here by Mr. Bradford, of Chicago, Simeon Fox's partner."
Scott whistled, and looked at Paul in evident amazement.
"He must have great confidence in you, youngster, to send out a boy of your age."
"I think he has," answered Paul, with pardonable pride. "Now, I want to know if you will help me?"
In answer Mr. Scott put his hard and horny hand into the boy's, and said:
"You can depend on Jim Scott every time."
"Then I'll tell you how the case stands. This Fox is continually sending on discouraging accounts about the mine to Mr. Bradford, and he lately offered him two thousand dollars for his half."
"The mean cuss! I beg your pardon, that ain't the word I meant to use, but maybe its the best."
"He thought Mr. Bradford would get discouraged, and sell out without taking any trouble to verify his statement."
"But he suspected there was a conspiracy to cheat him, and he sent me out with full power to act for him."
"That's a good 'un! And old Fox doesn't know of your bein' here."
"He has no idea that Mr. Bradford has sent a messenger."
"I shall be glad to see the old rascal taken in."
"Mr. Bradford gave five thousand dollars for his half of the mine."