rough the hard shell which is the outer man and into the soul
of him where the real self is hidden, acknowledged the two
introductions and sat down.

"I think that that is all, isn't it, Lieutenant?" Sothern was saying as
he picked up the thread of conversation which Drennen's entrance had
snapped. "Those are the people you want?"

"Yes." Max's words, though very quiet and low toned, had in them
something of the precision and finality of pistol shots. "They'll not
get away this time, Mr. Sothern."

"_He_ mustn't get away. But remember, Lieutenant, that the time is not
ripe yet. I positively can do nothing to help your case until . . .
until I am ready!"

"I'll wait."

Max lifted his hand in a sort of salute, turned and went out. Drennen,
bringing his eyes back from the departing figure, found that both
Marshall Sothern and McCall were studying him intently.

"Mr. Drennen," said Sothern, "I presume you are here to talk business.
You have a mine you want us to look at?"

"I am here for two purposes," answered Drennen steadily, his eyes hard
upon the older man's. "That is one of them."

"The other can wait. Mr. McCall and myself are at your disposal. From
the specimens I have seen I am inclined to think that you have not
discovered a new mine at all, but have stumbled on to the old Lost
Golden Girl. If so, you are to be congratulated . . . and so are we."

Drennen nodded, waiting for Sothern to go on.

"You made a certain offer to Charlie Madden," continued Sothern. "Was
that your bona fide proposition, Mr. Drennen? Or were you merely
sparring for time and putting out a bluff?"

"I meant business," returned Drennen. "I know that the property is
worth considerably more than I am asking. But I have a use for just
that sum."

"A hundred thousand dollars, cash, I believe? And a ten per cent
royalty?" put in McCall quietly.

"Exactly." Again Drennen nodded.

"You want me to look it over with you, Sothern?" demanded McCall. "It
isn't necessary, you know. Not now."

"I want you to do me the favour, McCall," answered Sothern. "Mr.
Drennen, yesterday the only man in the West empowered to do business
for the Northwestern upon such a scale as this was Mr. McCall. But
things have happened in the East. Our chief, Bruce Elwood, is dead.
Mr. McCall goes to-morrow to Montreal, stepping into Mr. Elwood's
place. I move on and up into Mr. McCall's."

He paused, his face inscrutable under its dark fr