"The State of California must look further," returned Key in his old pleasant voice; "there are no such names among my party."
"Who are you?"
"The manager of the 'Sylvan Silver Hollow Company,' and these are my workmen."
There was a hurried movement, and the sound of whispering in the hitherto dark and silent circle, and then the voice rose again:
"You have the papers to prove that?"
"Yes, in the cabin. And you?"
"I've a warrant to the sheriff of Sierra."
There was a pause, and the voice went on less confidently:—
"How long have you been here?"
"Three weeks. I came here the day of the fire and took up this claim."