"Did they record claims over on yon bank?" and the prospector waved his hand toward the right.
"Yes; over the Quaska. Said they had rich ground there."
"D'ye know the locality?"
"Not exactly. This whole region is so new to me that I hardly know one spot from another."
"Bill," and Tom's voice sank to a deep hoarse whisper, "I believe that The Twins have staked Martin's place over the river."
The Recorder gave vent to an exclamation of surprise. He reached over to a small rude shelf, and brought forth the book in which the various claims were recorded. This he studied for a few seconds, and then read off what he had written there that morning.
"That's it, an' no mistake!" Tom cried. "The skunks! D'ye know where they are now, Bill?"
"They left here some time ago, and seemed to be in high fettle. I didn't savvey their game, and so paid no attention to their movements."
"Come, boys," and Tom turned suddenly to his companions, "I really believe that those devils are over the river now. Let's follow them, an' see what tricks they're up to. Thank ye, Bill, fer the information. We'll report to ye later."