"Then you ought to know a good deal about mining," Tom ventured.
"I am interested in the mines of Colorado. In what part of the
State were you located?"
"Well, I lived in Ouray some time, and also in Silverton, but I went here, there, and everywhere, prospecting and buying up old claims cheap."
"I hope you struck it rich."
"Oh, I'm fairly well fixed," was the careless answer. "So you are interested in our mines, eh? Got a claim?"
"No, sir, but I am going out there to look up a claim—if I can."
"Take my advice and leave mining alone unless you have had experience. The chance for a tenderfoot, as we call 'em, getting along has gone by."
"I shan't waste much time in looking around."
"And don't waste your money either. Nine mines out of ten that are offered for sale are not worth buying at any price. I've been all through the miff and I know."
"I suppose you know a great many of the old time miners?" said Tom, after another pause.
"Oh, yes, loads of them, Quray Frank, Bill Peters, Denver Phil, and all the rest."