“You’d better take me up on that Dead Open and Shut bargain, Colonel. It’s worth more to you than anyone else.�
“Haven’t I enough invested in desert rocks already?� asked the Colonel. “Besides,� he continued, “Wycliff is my mining partner. I want him to share my chances of making a dollar at mining. But for his bravery I might be poor to-day. How soon do you want your money?�
“Pay me any sum you please to-night, and I’ll give you a bond for a deed before you leave the office.�
“Here’s five hundred dollars I took in for cattle to-day. I’ll pay you the rest in thirty days. Is that satisfactory?�
“Perfectly.�
Half an hour later the Colonel was galloping toward home with the precious bond in his pocket.
CHAPTER XIV.
SHERIFF COGGSWELL’S family apartments were in the front part of the jail building, and here he entertained his old friend, Wycliff, until the notice came from Congressman Baldwin that he made no charge against him. Wycliff then thanked the Sheriff and his family, and walked out upon the streets of Elmfield, a free man.
At the gateway of the jail-grounds he was met by a messenger from Papyrus bearing a telegram from Colonel Lathrop:—
“Rich vein struck at the Rattlesnake. Syndicate offers one million for mine. Full particulars by letter.�