of Mr. De Vere’s and Jack’s while Reuben dried and pressed theirs. Genung and De Vere wandered into the library and seated themselves before the fire where they were soon in earnest conversation. The latter had mentioned Mills’ offer and his promise to consider it.

30

“I should not sell,” said Mr. Genung with decision. “He will put up a sanitarium for consumptives, induce others to erect summer boarding-houses and turn this valley into a summer resort; in the end, killing all manufactories and leaving our vast mineral resources undeveloped. Hernando, who has spent nearly all his life among mines, says the precious metals are here. He found some specimens this morning which he says contain gold.”

“But I am afraid not in sufficient quantities for mining,” said Mr. De Vere resignedly.

“Those words are Mills’s,” answered Genung hotly. “I believe that man is a rascal.”

John De Vere judged others from his own31 standpoint. Absolutely incorruptible himself, he would not see wrong in another until compelled to do so, and Genung’s flat denunciation of Mills annoyed him, but restraining his annoyance, he said: “I fear Mills is in need of money.”

31

“Let me see, when does your mortgage come due?” said Genung, who always discussed business matters frankly with De Vere.

“January first.”

“I have five thousand dollars which I am anxious to invest, and unless you are in a position to pay your mortgage, I should like to take it.”

Although De Vere believed Mills’s intentions honest, he unconsciously felt a great sense of relief, and thankfully agreed to the transfer.

“One thing more,” said Genung, “Do not sell your mining claim until Hernando has prospected on it. He is a mining expert, and if he says gold is not there in sufficient quantities to pay for mining, I’ll not object if Mills puts up a pest-house on it.”

32 De Vere laughed as he said, “Genung, I value your friendship more than that of any man living; but I really think you misjudge Mills.”

32

Hernando was in the sitting-room with Celeste. She played the guitar charmingly and her voice was a clear, sweet soprano. One song followed another and Hernando 

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