discovered that it was a boy; then they laughed and lowered their
weapons.

Tad fairly staggered up to them.

"Act as if ye'd seen a ghost, young feller. What's the excitement
about?" demanded the first of the two men.

Tad explained as best he could between breaths, at which the men
laughed more heartily than ever.

"I want something to eat first of all. I'm half starved," he told
them.

"Sorry, younker, but we ain't got more'n enough for ourselves. It's a
long ways to where we kin git more."

"But I am willing to pay you for it. I must have food right now,"
protested Tad.

"So must we."

"Who are you?" demanded Tad indignantly. "I didn't suppose there was
a man mean enough to refuse a boy at least a piece of bread when that
boy was starving."

"We're prospecting. I reckon we know our business best. Ye can't get
any chuck out of this outfit."

"Then tell me where the Red Star Mine is. I've got to get there at