After the horse that had been attacked had been thoroughly subdued the boys continued on the trail around the lake. Now, however, they kept their guns handy, hoping they might get a sight of the mountain lion or some other game.
But nothing appeared and, having come to the point from which they had started, they climbed up the road leading to Sunset Trail. By this time the sun was descending behind the mountains to the westward and they thought it time to return to Gold Hill.
When they got back to the boarding house they found that Peter Garrish had been busy during their absence. Evidently the mine manager had called upon the colored man who kept the place, for Toby was no longer as affable as he had been on their first appearance.
“Very sorry to tell you,” he announced. “But I’m expecting some other miners in a day or two, so I’ll have to ask you all to give up your rooms and go elsewhere.”
“Have you told my father this, White?” demanded Randy.
“I ain’t seen your father. He didn’t even come back for his dinner.”
“That’s because he had to go away on an errand,” answered Andy. “He said he’d be back by supper time, and it’s almost that now. You had better not try to do anything until you see him.”
“Well, I’ve got to have the rooms, that’s all there is to it,” answered Toby White, and started to shuffle off.
“I suppose Mr. Garrish put you up to this,” called Jack after him.
“That don’t make no difference—I’ve got to have them rooms,” muttered the colored man, and then went away.