Adieu." For some days Rosenblatt had been at work quietly in the colony, obtaining information and making friends.

Among the first who offered their services was old Portnoff and a friend of his,--an old man with ragged beard, and deep-set, piercing eyes looking out from under shaggy brows, to whom Portnoff gave the name of Malkarski.

As Portnoff seemed to be a man of influence among his people, Rosenblatt made him foreman over one of the gangs of workmen in his employ.

It was through Portnoff he obtained an accurate description of the mine property.

But that same night Portnoff and Malkarski were found at Brown's house.
"There is a man," said Portnoff, "who wishes to know about the mine.