253“I don’t want the danged grubstake!” burst out Wunpost impatiently. “What good is it now, when my claim has been jumped and I ain’t got a prospect in sight? No, it ain’t worth a cent, now that the Sockdolager is located, and I don’t want it counted for anything.”
“But I want it,” objected Wilhelmina, “and I’m willing to let it count. But if others will pay me more─”
“I’ll bond your mine,” began Judson Eells desperately, “for four hundred thousand dollars─”
“Don’t you do it,” came back Wunpost, “because under a bond and lease he can take possession of your property. And if he ever gits a-hold of it─”
“I’m talking to Miss Campbell,” blustered Eells indignantly, but his guns were spiked again. Wilhelmina knew his record too well, for he had driven her from the Willie Meena, and yet she lingered on.
“Suppose,” she said at last, “I should sell my mine elsewhere; how much would you take for that grubstake?”
“I wouldn’t sell it at any price!” returned Judson Eells instantly. “I’m convinced that he has other claims.”
“Well, then, how much will you give me in cash for my mine and throw the grubstake in?”
“I’ll give you four hundred thousand dollars in four yearly payments─”
“Don’t you do it,” butted in Wunpost, but Wilhelmina 254turned upon him and he read the decision in her eye.