"Rice," said Arkell one evening, "come with me up to Tonopah and be my press agent. We will get hold of a mining property up there, promote a company and make a barrel of money."
"What do you know about mines?" I asked.
"Well, I've lost enough in 'em to know a great deal," he answered.
"I don't know a mine from a hole in the ground, and I know nothing about the stock-brokerage business; so I don't see how I can be of any assistance," I said.
"Don't let that bother you," he replied. "I'll show you how. You come with me."
"I will go on one condition," I said. "I am in for half on anything you do."
We shook hands and it was a bargain.
We went to the depot. I had a trifle less than $150 in my pocket. Arkell had $75.
"Suppose we get stranded out there, what will happen?" I propounded.
"Oh, forget it!" he answered. "How can a couple of Easterners like us, wide awake and with phosphorus brains, get stranded in a place where they dig silver and gold out of the ground?"