Pete's face fell.

"How long will it take you?"

"Let me consider. I shall have to arrange for other lawyers to appear for
me in cases now pending, which will imply lengthy consultations and
crowded days. It will be very inconvenient and may not have the happiest
results. But I will do the best I can to meet your wishes, and will
stretch a point in your favor, hoping it may be remembered when we come
to discuss final terms with each other. Shall we say a week?" He tapped
his knuckles with the folded letter and added carelessly: "And, of
course, I shall have to pack, and all that. You must advise me as to
suitable clothing for roughing it. How far is your mine from the
railroad?"

"Oh, not far. About forty mile. Yes, I guess I can wait a week. I stand
the hotel grub pretty well."

"Where are you staying, Mr. Johnson?"

"The Algonquin. Pretty nifty."

"Good house. And how many days is it by rail to--Bless my soul, Mr.
Johnson--here am I, upsetting my staid life, deserting my business on
what may very well prove, after all, but a wild-goose chase! And I do not
know to what place in Arizona we are bound, even as a starting-point and
base of supplies, much less where your mine is! And I don't suppose
there's a map of Arizona in town."