over the rocky ground. Each had as many specimens as he could
carry. The result of the exploration had tended to confirm Tom's
notion as to where the vein lay.

"Now, let's see about where we'd stake the claim," Tom proposed.
"Of course, we want to get the best rock obtainable. We don't
want to leave the best part of this slope for some one else to
stake out. It seems to me that the claim ought to start up by
that blasted tree. What do you say, Jim?"

"Well, I don't like to make mistakes where you young gentleman
are concerned," Ferrers answered, taking off his felt hat and
scratching his head. "You see, it isn't my claim."

"The dickens it isn't!" Reade retorted.

"Why, you---you gentlemen didn't plan to take me in, did you,"
asked Ferrers, opening his eyes very wide in his amazement over
the idea. "You see I---I can't contribute my share of the brains,
along with a pair like you," continued the guide. "Look at you
two---engineers already! Then look at me---more'n twice as old
as either of you, and yet I'm only a cook."

"You're an honest man, aren't you, Jim?" demanded Reade.

"Why, there's some folks who say I am," Ferrers slowly admitted.

"And we're among those who believe that way," Tom continued.
"Now, Jim, you're with us, and you've every right to be a partner
if we find anything worth taking up in the mine line."