An answering call came clearly from somewhere near at hand. Beth felt
a sudden alarm to know there were human beings near. What sort they
were was a matter entirely of conjecture. Then presently she
discovered a number of small, rude buildings, and a fair-sized cabin,
planted next the hill. The door of the latter was open. A tall man
appeared in the frame.

"This," said Van, who had waited for the girl to ride once more to his
side, "is the Monte Cristo mine--the worst false alarm that ever
disfigured the map."




CHAPTER V

VAN'S PARTNERS

The Monte Cristo mining property comprised a tunnel in the hill, a
glory hole, a little toy quartz-mill--five stamps strong--the
bunk-house, kitchen, blacksmith-shop, stable, corral, and four human
beings. These latter were a Chinese cook named Algy, a Piute Indian
half-breed called Cayuse, and two rare souls--Napoleon G. Blink and
"Gettysburg"--miners, and boastful old worthies, long partnered and
beloved by Van.

Just at present the tunnel was empty, the glory-hole was deserted, and
the quartz-mill was silent. The mine had proved a failure. Van had
expended many thousands of dollars and ten months of time to