Snubbin."

"So I see, but perhaps Mr. Summy Skim would."

"No. After he's read this telegram, I'll spell out my reasons to him, and he's too intelligent not to understand them. Then, when I've convinced him that we have to make the journey, he'll decide to go with me."

"What?" exclaimed Snubbin. "The happiest, most independent man that any notary ever encountered in the practice of his profession?"

"Yes, he's happy and independent, and I intend to double his happiness and his independence. What have we got to lose, after all, since we can always accept the price offered by this syndicate?"

"Nevertheless, Mr. Raddle, you will have to be very eloquent."

"No, only logical. Give me the telegram, Mr. Snubbin. I'm going to show it to Summy, and we'll come to a decision before the day is out."

"A decision in your favor?"

"In my favor, Mr. Snubbin, and we'll have to put it into effect as soon as possible."

Obviously, it was settled, and whatever the notary may have thought, Ben Raddle had no doubt that he would persuade Summy Skim to make the proposed journey.

After leaving the law office, he went back to the house on Jacques Cartier Street by the shortest route and went straight up to his cousin's room.

"Well," said Skim, "you've just been to see Mr. Snubbin. Is there anything new?"

"Yes, Summy, something new, and some news, too."

"Good news?"

"Excellent."

"Did you read the title deeds?"

"Of course, and they're quite in order. As our uncle's heirs, we're now the owners of the claim on the Fortymile River."

"That'll make a nice addition to our fortune," replied Skim with a laugh.

"Very likely," declared the engineer, "and probably more than you think."

"Ah! What news have you heard to make you talk like that?"

"Just what's in this telegram, which came to Mr. Snubbin's office this morning, with an offer to buy Claim 129.

And Summy Skim learned what was in the offer made by the North American Trading and Transportation Company.

"That's perfect," he said. "What are we waiting for? Let's sell our claim to that obliging company, and the sooner the better."

"Why would we sell something for five thousand dollars, when it's very likely worth a lot more?"

"But my dear Ben ..."

"Your dear Ben is telling you that's no way to do business and that there's nothing like seeing for yourself."

"You're still thinking that way?"

"More than ever! Think about it, Summy. If someone is making us that offer, it means they know what the claim is worth, that it's worth much, much more. There are other placers in the Klondike, along its streams and in its mountains."

"What do you know about it?"

"I just know, Summy, and if a company that already owns some claims wants to buy 129, it means that it has, not five thousand reasons for offering five thousand dollars, but ten thousand, maybe a hundred thousand."

"Really, Ben, you're playing with figures."

"But figures are life, my dear fellow, and in my opinion, you don't do enough figuring."

"I have no head for mathematics, Ben."

"It isn't a question of mathematics, Summy. Believe me, I'm talking to you very seriously, and after mature consideration. I might have been hesitant at first to leave for Dawson City, but since that telegram arrived, I've decided to deliver my answer in person."

"What! You want to go to the Klondike?"

"It's absolutely essential."

"And without getting any more information?"

"I'll get my information when I'm there."

"So you're going to leave me alone again?"

"No. You're coming with me."

"What, me?"

"Yes, you."

"Never!"

"Oh yes. This matter concerns both of us."

"I'11 give you power of attorney."

"No. I'm taking you along."

"But it means traveling five thousand miles."

"Plus another twelve hundred or more."

"And how long will it take?"

"It'll take as long as it takes ... if it's in our interest to work the claim instead of selling it."

"What do you mean, work it?" exclaimed Skim. "But that would mean a whole year."

"Two, if need be."

"Two years! Two years!"

"Do we need to think about that when every month will add to our fortune?"

"No! No!" exclaimed Skim, curling up and sinking into his armchair like a man who was determined never to leave it.

Ben Raddle made a last effort to convince him. He went over the matter from every angle. He proved by the most urgent reasons that their presence at the claim on the Fortymile was essential and that delay was out of the question.

"As for me, Summy," he concluded, "I've decided to leave for Dawson City, and I can't believe you'll refuse to go with me."

Then Skim began to talk about how much the trip would upset their normal existence. Within two months they were supposed to leave Montreal and move into Green Valley to resume their life of hunting and fishing.

"Fine!" replied Raddle. "There's plenty of game on the open spaces of the Klondike, and plenty of fish in its streams.