first steps in the study of metallurgy. They had succeed in mastering
the comparatively simple art of assaying gold and silver.

So now, with the summer past, we find our young engineers out in
Nevada, taking a little more rest just because no new engineering
task of sufficient importance had presented itself.

"If we're going to be engineers out West, though, Harry, we simply
must know a good deal about assaying precious metals," Tom had
declared.

So, though the chums were "taking a rest," as they phrased it, they
had brought with them a small furnace and the rest of the outfit for
assaying minerals in small quantities.

Today, however, was altogether too fine for thoughts of work. Just
after breakfast Harry Hazelton had borrowed the only horse in camp,
belonging to Jim Ferrers, their cook and guide, and had ridden away
for the day.

Barely had Hazelton departed when Alf Drew, hungry, lonely and
wistful, had happened along. He asked for "a job." There really
wasn't one for him, but good-natured Reade created one, offering
five dollars a month and board.

"No telling, young man, how long the job will last," Tom warned him.
"We may at any hour break camp and get away."

But Alf had taken the job and gratefully. Not until after the noon
meal had the little fellow revealed his unfortunate vice for