busted proposition of the people who were handling it, and have assumed
their debt. They didn't run it right. They had a sort of a wildcat
individual in charge of the thing, and he got contracts for sinking
shafts with all the turtlebacks out there, and then didn't pay for
them. Now, what we want you to do is this: First of all, you're to take
charge financially at that end of the line. That means paying the local
debts as we send you the money, and looking after whatever expenditures
may become necessary. Then you'll have to attend to the assessment
work. Do you know what assessment work is?"

"No, sir."

"Well, in order to hold the various claims legally, the owners have to
do one hundred dollars' worth of work a year on each claim. If the
work isn't done, the claims can be 'jumped.' You'll have to hire the
men, buy the supplies, and see that the full amount is done. We have a
man out there named Davidson. You can rely on him, and he'll help you
out in all practical matters. He's a good enough practical miner, but
he's useless in bossing a job or handling money. Between you, you ought
to get along."

"I'll try, anyway."

"That's right. Then, another thing. You can put in your spare time
investigating what the thing is worth. I don't expect much from you in
that respect, for you haven't had enough experience; but do the best
you can. It'll be good practice, anyway. Hunt up Davidson; go over all
the claims; find out how the lead runs, and how it holds out; get
samples and ship them to me; investigate everything you can, and don't
be afraid to write when you're stuck."