“He showed me one,” answered Denver and, try as he would, he could not keep his voice from changing.
“Oh, I see,” said Murray suddenly smiling triumphantly, “he showed you that claim by the creek.”
“That’s the one,” admitted Denver, “and it sure looked good. Have you got any interests over there?”
“Not at present,” returned Murray with a touch of asperity, “but let me tell you a little about that claim. You’re a stranger in these parts and it’s only fair to warn you that the assessment work has never been done. He has no title, according to law; so you can govern your actions accordingly.”
80“You mean,” suggested Denver, “that all I have to do is to go in and jump the claim?”
“Hell–no!” exclaimed Bible-Back startled out of his piosity. “I mean that you had better not buy it.”
“Well, thanks,” drawled Denver, “this is danged considerate of you. Shall I tell him you’ll take it yourself?”
“Certainly not!” snapped back Murray, “I’ve enough claims, already. I’m just warning you for your own good.”
“Danged considerate,” repeated Denver with a sarcastic smile, “and now let me ask you something. Who told you I wanted to buy?”
“Never mind!” returned Murray, “I’ve warned you, and that is enough.”