I have
been too timorous and cowardly. This man Longworth has made a pretence of
helping me to form a company. Everything he has done has been to delay
me. He came out here, apparently, in the interests of the company I was
forming, and now he has got the option for himself.'
'Yes, he has,' said Von Brent. 'I may say I am very sorry indeed for the
turn affairs have taken. Of course, as I have told you, I had no idea how
the land lay. You see, you had placed no deposit with me, and I had to
look after my own interests. However, the option is open for a few days
more, and I 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?'
'Not the slightest.'
'Well, you see, in that case I cannot help myself. I am bound by a legal
document to turn the mine over to them on receipt of the twenty thousand
pounds the moment your option is ended. Everything is done legally, and I
am perfectly helpless in the matter.'
'Yes, I see that,' said John. 'Good-bye.'
He went to the telegraph-office and sent a cablegram.
Wentworth received the message in London the next morning. It read:
'We are cheated. Longworth has the option on the mine in his own name.'
CHAPTER XXXIII.
When George Wentworth received this message, he read it several times
over before its full meaning dawned upon him. Then he paced up and down
his room, and gave way to his feelings.
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