'I do not exactly know. I could cable to Mr. Von Brent. Von Brent is the
owner of the mine, and the man who gave John the option. I do not know
how far he is committed to the others. If he is as honest as I take him
to be, he will accept the money, providing it is sent in before twelve
o'clock, and then we shall have the mine. Of that I know nothing
whatever, because I have no particulars except John's cable-message.'

'Then, I can do no more just now?'

'Yes, you can. You will have to write a cheque for the twenty-five
thousand pounds. You see, this cheque is crossed, and will go into
your banking account. An other cheque will have to be drawn to get the
money out.'

'Ah, I see. I have not my cheque-book here, but perhaps you can send this
cheque to the bank, and I will return. There will be time enough, I
suppose, before the closing hour of the bank?'

'Yes, there will be plenty of time. Of course, the sooner we get the
money away the better.'

'I shall return shortly after lunch. Perhaps you will then have heard
from Mr. Kenyon. If anything comes sooner, will you send me a telegram?
Here is my address.'

'I will do that,' said Wentworth, as he bade her good-bye.

As soon as lunch was over, Miss Longworth, with her cheque-book, again
visited Wentworth's office. When she entered he shook his head.