This was staggering. Merriwell supposed that Brad’s father had leased the ground. In that section of the country there were very few places so adapted to the needs of the Ophir fellows as was the grove and mesa at Tinaja Wells.
“We’ve leased the ground ourselves!” shouted Brad, “and we’ve got it down in black and white.”
“He’s shy a few,” said Lenning, and drew a paper from the pocket of his coat and showed it to Merriwell.
It was a written memorandum of agreement. In consideration of twenty dollars, in hand paid, one Lige Struthers had given the Gold Hill Athletic Club exclusive camping privileges at Tinaja Wells.
“This appears to be all right, Brad,” said Merriwell, bewildered.
“Who leased the ground to Lenning?” demanded Brad.
“A man named Struthers; Lige Struthers.”
Brad laughed ironically.
“Struthers doesn’t own the ground,” said he. “Newt Packard is the owner, and he’s the one that gave us our lease. Hold your bronks a minute.”
Brad turned and hurried off to one of the tents. When he came back, he brought a paper showing that Bradlaugh, senior, had secured the site exclusively for the Ophir club.