"All right," said Piute.
Mackintavers signed up checks to that amount. Bill Hobbs arrived in time to join Haywire Smithers in witnessing the transfer, then accompanied Sandy to the upstairs room where Deadoak awaited them. Hobbs was mystified, but Sandy refused explanations.
"I brought Mr. Hobbs along," said Sandy, "as his money will be partially concerned. Aiblins, now, if you've got the note and conveyance made out——"
"Here they be," said Deadoak, trembling with concealed joy.
Mackintavers read over the papers carefully, while Deadoak explained the situation to the bewildered Bill Hobbs.
"Ten dollars cash—here ye are," said Mackintavers. He signed the note and returned it with a ten-dollar bill. "When Doc Murray gets back, we'll go out and look over the place."
"Suits me," and Deadoak sidled to the door. "Good luck, gents! See you later."
Left alone, Sandy Mackintavers pressed Willyum into a chair and set forth exactly what he had accomplished. He took up the samples of ruby silver ore.
"I never saw anything to beat that ore—anywhere!" he said. "And these desert rats never heard of such a thing; all they know is gold. Can ye run a flivver, Bill?"
"I can't," said the bewildered Hobbs, "but I guess I can. Why?"