The Princeton union., 1900-01-25

they call it here, or the sharpness to
find it out. Now, q man who has sus-
picions he cahnot prove should keep
those suspicious to himself until he can.
That is my advice to you. I wish you
good day" -
John Kenyon walked back to his hotel
more suspicious than ever. He wrote 4
letter to Wentworth detailing the con-
versation, telling him Melville had
sailed for home and advising him to
see that gentleman. He stayed in New
York that night and took the morning
train to Montreal In due time he ar.
rived at Ottawa and called on Won Brent.
He found that gentleman in his cham
bers, looking as if he had never left the
room since the option was signed. Won
Brent at first did not recognize his visit.
or, but, after gazing moment at him,
he sprang from his chair and held out
his hand. ~ ~
Il really did not know you,' he said !;
you have changed a great deal since
I saw you last. You look haggard and
not at all well. What is the matter witt,
you?" =. ..-s ri. .... ~
IT do not think an ything is the mat.
ter. 1 am in very good health, thank
you. I have had few busines worries
that is all.' 49, .: ts"
"Ah, yes!" said Won Brent. II am
very sorry, indeed, you failed to form
your campany.'
"Failed!" echoed KENYON. -..,.
you?"
"Well, don't know about that; we
are in a fair way to succeed. You met
Longworth and Melville, who came out
to see the mine. I saw Longworth in
New York, and he told me you had taken
them out there
care they interested with you in the
mine?'
Certainly; they are helping me to
form the company.
Won Brent seemed amazed. II did not
understand that at all. In fact, un-
derstood the exact opposite I thought
you had attempted to form a company
ttnd failed. They showed me an attack
in one of the financial papers upon you,
and said that killed your chances of
forming a company in London. They
were here, apparently, on their own
business
And what was their business?"
ITO buy the mine.''
"Have they bought tit?"
"Practically, yes. OF course, while
your option holds good I cannot sell it,
but that, as you know, expires in a very
few days.
Kenyon, finding his worst suspicion
realized, seemed speechless with amaze
ment, and, in his agony, mopped from
his brow the drops collected there.
"You appear to be astonished at this
said Won Brent.
II am very much astonished."
''Well, you cannot blame me. L have
acted perfectly square in the matter.
/ had no idea Longworth and the gen
tleman who was with him had any con-
nection with you whatever. Their at
tention had been drawn to the mine, ,they
said, by that article. They had in
vestigated it, and appeared to be salts
fed there was something in tin the
mine, mean, not in the article They
said they had attended meeting which
you had called, but it was quite evident
you were not going to be able to form
the company. So they came here and
made me a cash offer for the mine.
They have deposited 6 1000 at the bank
here, and, on the day your option closes,
they will give me check for the
amount
''Serves me right" said Kenyon. II
have been cheated and duped. I had
grave suspicious of it all along, but
did not act upon them. I have been too
timorous and cowardly. This man
Longworth has made a pretense of help
ing me to form a company. Everything
he has done has been to delay me. He
came out here apparently in the interest
Of the company was forming, and now
he has got the option for himself"
Eyes, he has," said Won Brent. II
may say am very sorry indeed for the
turn affairs have taken. OF course, as
1 have told you, had no idea how the
land lay. You see you had placed no
deposit with me, and had to look after
my own interests. However, the option
is open for a few days more, and will
not turn the mine over to them till the
last minute of the time has expired.
Isn't there any chance of your getting
the money before then?"
mot the slightest"
'"Well, you see, in that case cannot
help myself. I am bound by a legal
document to turn the mine over to them
on receipt of the 10000 the moment
your option is ended. Everything is
done legally, and 1 am perfectly help
less in the matter" r -.
= Yes, see that" said John. "Good-
by" He went to the telegraph office
and sent a cablegram. @r: II,
Wentworth received the dispatch in
London the next morning. 1t read:
I'VE are cheated. Longworth has the
option on the mine in his own name."
n .: ~. CHAPTER XXI.
When George Wentworthreceived this
message he read it several times over
before its full meaning dawned upon
T. = =