"I have heard of that concern. Well, in that event you wouldn't care to go to Oregon." Jefferson Wilbur looked disappointed.
"But we might go later," put in Dale.
"Very well. Whenever you are at liberty to go, let me know, and I will do what I can for you. When do you think you will start for Michigan, if you go at all?"
"As soon as we hear from my uncle," answered Owen.
"I am going to stay here several days, and maybe a week. Will you come and see me again before you go away?"
"If you wish it," said Dale.
More conversation followed, and then they bid Mr. Wilbur good-day and left. As they walked away the lumber merchant looked after them thoughtfully.
"Two good young men," was his mental comment. "They don't want to be rewarded, and if I had offered them money they would have refused it. I'll have to keep them in mind and square up some other way."
It was not until the next morning that Dale remembered with deep regret that he had wished to ask Jefferson Wilbur about the mining claim in Oregon.
"What a fool I was not to think of it," he said to his chum. "I have the papers right here, too."