All the facts became known at a stormy meeting between Mr. Wingate and Jenkins, which took place in the house on Chelten Road. Nat's uncle was very angry when he learned of Mr. Somers' visit. As is usual in such cases, each blamed the other, and in the war of words that followed Nat's presence was disregarded.
"Somers," said Nat, sheepishly, when he saw him later on, "this is the truth—Uncle Parson never told me the real reason why he wanted you kept back. 'It's a business matter,' he would say; 'there are other people trying to buy this land, and if Bob Somers gets out there he couldn't help discovering it.' I couldn't see any particular harm in what he wanted done. That's the reason I helped. It was only just a lot of sport to me."
"What made your uncle say anything about it in the first place?" asked Bob.
"I heard him talking over the 'phone one day, and found that he was trying to buy the land. He had to tell me, for fear I might say something to you."
"But when the 'Rambler' was stolen, then damaged, and at last blown up, didn't you know anything about it?"
"Honestly, Somers, I went to my uncle and asked him a few questions, and he flew into a terrible rage. 'Do you think I'm in the business of blowing up boats?' he said. 'Of course not! I had nothing to do with it.'"
"I suppose it was the same men who stole the boat?"
"You're right! Say, Somers, I'm awfully2 sorry, and hope you don't bear any ill will toward me."
Bob held out his hand.
"Of course I don't," he said, heartily3.
And the rival leaders shook hands.
In Tocono lived Mr. Horatio Strang, a well-known copper4 mining expert.
Mr. Somers visited him and finally induced him to accompany the party to their destination. Thus it happened that two gentlemen and five boys started off, early one morning, on a Clair Bay steamer.
The boys carried pickaxes and all other
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