is vacant. I reckon I can get it for you."

"When?"

"Now--to-night."

"I'm ready."

"Come, then."

In ten minutes they were in the company's office, where its manager, a
man famous in those days for his boldness and shrewdness, still lingered
in the dispatch of business.

The young clerk briefly but deferentially stated certain facts. A few
questions and answers followed, of which Jeff heard only the words
"Tuolumne" and "Yuba Bill."

"Sit down, Mr. Briggs. Good-night, Roberts."

The young clerk, with an encouraging smile at Jeff, bowed himself out as
the manager seated himself at his desk and began to write.

"You know the country pretty well between the Fork and the Summit, Mr.
Briggs?" he said, without looking up.

"I lived there," said Jeff.

"That was some months ago, wasn't it?"