“This is my brother Joseph, Mr. Jackman. And this, Joseph, is my partner, Mr. Jackman.”
The two men glared at each other for a moment in silence. Jackman was the first to speak,—
“Well, I’m dummed!”
“How came you to be known as Jackman? You posed as Hankins in Utah.”
“An’ you was Joe Addicks, pard. Better not tell tales out o’ school. That’s a game two can play at.”
“There are no tales to tell on my part. I am masquerading no more. Can you say as much?”
“I’m just a-beginnin’, as it were.”
“How in the name of Fate did you come across that chap, John?” asked Joseph, as they alighted from the buggy.
“He has taken a donation claim on the mountain-side which includes the water-power for our mill site. At least, he says it does. Burns and I haven’t had time to survey it yet.”
“Better go slow with that fellow, John.”