“It’s a queer story,” said Mr. Wakefield. “Part of it I want you to hear for yourselves from him, part I will tell you. It seems that James Nestor, which is his name, found quite a rich claim out in Arizona. He staked it out and, with some of the gold in his possession, came East to see if he could find a former partner he wanted to share in his good luck.
“He reached Cresville and there he was taken sick. He went to the old hut, where you found him, and there, while he was helpless, some one, whom you boys know to be Jack Pender, came along and robbed him.
“Nestor made his way to New York, after his mysterious disappearance from the hut, and he found poor but faithful friends in the tenement house.”
“What part of the story do you want him to tell us himself?” asked Ned.
“About his claim—his gold mine,” said Mr. Wakefield. “I would rather you get that from him direct.”
“Is he very sick?” asked Jerry.
“The doctor thinks he will be around in a few days.”
“And what do you propose?” asked Bob, who could see that Mr. Wakefield had something on his mind.
“I think if you boys are going to make a western trip you cannot do better than take this miner along with you,” answered the gentleman. “I talked to him about it, after the doctor had given him some quieting medicine, and he said he would be glad of a chance to get out West.”
“Shall we wait here until he gets well?” asked Jerry.