over to where Jim Ferrers was starting a fire in the camp stove.

"Now, put that stuff back in your pockets, or I'll throw it in
the fire!" sounded the angry voice of Ferrers. "You can't use
any of that stuff when you're working around me."

"The poor little cigarette pest must have been trying to use his
newly acquired 'makings,'" grinned Tom.

While Ferrers was thus busied with preparation of the meal, Joe
Timmins had taken the guide's rifle and was keeping a watchful
eye over the approaches to the neighborhood.

"So you young men think you could serve me satisfactorily as engineers,"
questioned Mr. Dunlop.

"I think we could," Tom answered.

"But I am afraid you young men have a rather large notion as to the
pay you're worth," continued the mine promoter.

"That's right, sir," Reade nodded. "We have a good-sized idea
on the pay question. Now, when you go to Dugout City next you
might wire the president of the S.B. & L. railroad, at Denver,
or the president of the A.G. & N.M., at Tucson, Arizona, and
ask those gentlemen whether we are in the habit of making good on
large pay."

"How much will you young men want?"