CHAPTER XX.

A FLYING GLANCE.

“Yes, San Francisco at last,” repeated Gus and Mr. Whyland; and the latter added, “Now, the question is, what is it best to do first?”

“I guess we’ll find out quick enough,” said Oliver. “Let us take a look about the city and see if we can find out if Colonel Mendix has arrived.”

“Of course he has arrived; that is, unless he stopped on the way.”

“That is just what I mean. He may have stopped in Chicago or St. Louis for that machinery he wished to purchase.”

“I don’t think it would be a bad plan to look over the registers at the various hotels.”

“That’s a good idea,” replied Oliver. “We can do that this morning.”

“I know what I am going to do,” said Gus. “I’m going to the post-office and see if my father has written to me.”

“Let’s all go,” burst out Oliver. “I am as anxious to hear from home as any one.”

“And so am I,” laughed Mr. Whyland.

They had landed near the foot of Brannan Street, and now walked up to Kearney Street. A policeman directed them to the post-office, and it did not take the party long to reach the place.

There were letters for all three. How eagerly Oliver cut open the envelope and read that which had been penned by his father! This was what he wrote:――

“I trust that when you receive this you will have had a safe journey. I suppose you found the trip a tedious one, not because it is devoid of interest, but because you were undoubtedly anxious to reach its end and begin the active part of your quest.

“I received your letter containing the particulars of what occurred in New York. I believe you are able to go ahead without my advice, and all I have to say is, be careful; for I am now sure that Colonel Mendix is a thoroughly bad man, and may get desperate if brought to bay.

“I inclose you an express money-order for one hundred dollars. Use it as you think best. I know you will not do so recklessly.

“I suppose that Gregory boy is with you. If he is, see that he does not get into trouble. His parents are much worried about him.

“I am getting well rapidly, and expect to be about before long. In the meanwhile I trust you will keep me posted on what you are doing, as I am getting more anxious every day. Write as soon as you receive this.”

Such was the gist of the affectionate father’s epistle. But there was much besides,――kind, loving words that need not be repeated here, but which, nevertheless, went straight to Oliver’s heart.

“I’ll write him a letter at once,” he thought; and buying stamps and paper, did so, stating that a long letter would follow almost immediately.

Gus Gregory’s face lengthened considerably when he read the letter his father had written to him. It was kind, but firm, and told how much all at home had suffered on account of his unexpected departure. When Gus read how his mother had wept over his foolish act, his own eyes grew dim, and he half wished himself back at Rockvale.

But the latter end of the letter was more cheerful. Mr. Gregory had intended, during the summer following, to let his son take a trip to Europe before settling down to college work. Now, instead, he wrote that Gus might spend the present time in California, and give up the trip across the ocean.

He also inclosed a money-order for fifty dollars, and said that more might follow when he heard what his son was doing. He also hoped that Gus was with Oliver and that they would stay together, for he knew that Oliver was a manly fellow and one to be trusted.

Oliver blushed when Gus showed him this part of the letter.

“Oh, nonsense,” he exclaimed; “you are big enough to take care of yourself.”

“No, I am not, as that adventure with the shark proves,” replied the stout youth. “Just wait till I write to them about that.”

“I suppose you will make it as sensational as you can, and put me in as a regular dime-novel hero,” laughed Oliver; and he blushed more than ever.

Mr. Whyland’s letter was from his business partners, and told him that everything in the East was running smoothly. This news brought great relief to him, and he said that now he would be able to bend all his energies to hunting down Colonel Mendix and the Aurora mine swindle.

“I think we had better attend to our money-orders first,” suggested Oliver.

This was agreed to, and they started out at once. Being strangers, they had some difficulty in getting the orders cashed; but finally this was accomplished, and the two boys emerged upon the streets richer than before.

“Now that father has written that I can stay in California for a while, I intend to unite my fortunes with you,” said Gus; “that is, if you will allow me to do so.”

“I am perfectly willing, if you wish it,” replied Oliver; “but I do not know about Mr. Whyland.”

“I shall be pleased to have Mr. Gregory along if he wishes to come,” said that gentleman. “But you must remember we may have some pretty rough experiences before we accomplish what we have set out to do,” he added seriously.

“I am willing to put up with whatever comes, sir.”

“The West is not the East in more ways than one,” continued Mr. Whyland. “Many things are mighty rough here, especially when you get up in the mountains.”

From the express-office they started for the nearest hotel, where they looked carefully over the register; but looked in vain.

“Failure number one,” said Oliver. “I suppose we may have a number of them before we are lucky enough to strike the right house.”

“It would be funny if we ran across this Mendix the first thing,” said Gus. “My, wouldn’t he be surprised!”

“He doesn’t know me, I believe,” said Oliver.

“And that is where you have an advantage,” put in Mr. Whyland. “Perhaps you can get into his good graces, and learn much before you make yourself known.”

“That is certainly an idea,” returned Oliver.

From the first hotel they went to a number of others, but nowhere could a trace of the colonel be found.

“I have half an idea he uses a false name while here,” suggested Oliver. “A man like him would not hesitate at anything.”

“It may be so. If it is, there is no use in searching further. Suppose we go around to some of the mining stock brokers or to the exchange? We may find out about him there. We will certainly discover something of the Aurora mine.”

This was agreed to, and the remainder of the forenoon was spent down in Pine and Montgomery Streets. They entered a great number of offices, but no one had heard of the Aurora mine, nor did any one know such a person as Colonel Mendix.

“This completely baffles me,” said Mr. Whyland at last. “I was sure the mine would be known here. How can he work it if it is not known? Such a place must give employment to scores of men. It is a great mystery.”

“We _must_ find out about it,” replied Oliver with determination. “I sha’n’t give up in this fashion. If I can’t find him by his name I’ll see if there isn’t some one who knows him from his appearance.”

“Good! I like such grit!” cried Mr. Whyland. “If your determination has anything to do with it we shall certainly win.”

They were out on the street once more. Oliver had the address of a large hotel on Market Street, and this place he said he would visit and examine the register.

“It won’t take a great deal of time,” he said “and I don’t want a single chance to slip of bringing him to justice.”

“That’s right,” put in Gus. “Do the work thoroughly while you are about it.”

Suddenly Mr. Whyland gave a cry and pointed to a cable-car that was just then passing.

“See, it is Mendix himself!” he exclaimed, indicating a man on the rear platform.

Oliver looked, and saw that he was right.