"An' what interest in the ranch, Mr. Edwards?"
"Well, about the ranch," said John, thoughtfully, "I don't want to run any risk of trading it off for nothing, and there will have to be conditions attached to the transfer of any portion of that more than the one of discovery of the mine. Let it be this way: that on the mine proving by actual results to be worth a certain sum—say $50,000—the deed shall be given to half the mine and one-third interest in the ranch; the supposition being, that, if it is proved to be worth $50,000, it is probably worth four times or ten times that amount."
"That's about it, I should say," returned Jim. "It's lib'ral in you, any way, Mr. Edwards."
"The truth is, Harris," said Edwards, looking him steadily in the eye, "I am in a devil of a pinch, that's the truth of it; and I am taking gambling chances on this thing. I only hope you may earn your third of the ranch. I'll not grudge it to you, if you do."
"Thank ye, sir. An' when them papers is made eout, I'll be off."
John handed him his papers half an hour afterward, which Jim prudently took care to have witnessed. Miss Edwards being called in, signed her name.
"So, this is what takes you to the mountains, Mr. Harris? I'm sure I wish you good luck."
"You did that afore, miss; an' it came, right on the spot."
"I must be your 'wishing fairy,'" said she, laughing.
"I'll bring you a Christmas present, Miss Edwards, like as not," Jim answered, coloring with delight at the thought.