“Came on hosses,” he explained, “because I calculated we’d git back easier that way. I’ve got the mining man more’n interested, I guess.”
The latter arrived, perspiring freely. He shook hands with Angela and sat down to get cool.
“This husband, ma’am, of yours, beats the railroad,” he ejaculated.
The horses were put on to some grazing ground, and Stevens, the mining engineer, went to examine the claims which Jim had meanwhile staked.
The examination proved to be a brief affair. Stevens, despite his professional calm, which was a necessary asset to his business, was obviously astonished at the richness of the claims. 304
“Wal, now to business. What do you want for ’em, Conlan?”
Jim nudged Angela.
“Call it a round million.”
Stevens put up his hands in horror.
“My dear sir!”