"Why, Deadoak!" rejoined Piute. "At least, he done so a couple of days ago, and I reckon still does."
"Where is he?"
"I dunno. Went off to Meteorite yes'day. He'll be back soon enough."
"If you'll send him to me, Mr. Tomkins, I'll appreciate it greatly."
"Certain, certain," and Piute backed out, pausing in the corridor to mop his beaded brow. Tom Lee had been to Morongo Valley and had found something. Mackintavers had been deluded into buying the property."
"Plague take it!" said Piute. "If Deadoak was here now!"
Late that night, Deadoak staggered into the hotel and fell upon the neck of Piute Tomkins with tears,—metaphorically speaking. Curses were nearer the truth.
"He done beat us to it!" sorrowed Deadoak, rolling a cigarette while Piute rustled him a cup of coffee in the kitchen. "He done grabbed the minin' rights, Piute——"
"Let it go!" exclaimed Piute energetically. "Listen here, now——" He expounded the interview with Tom Lee.
"That there chink has found somethin'!" he declared with vigor. "You chase up to his room an' see if he wants to buy the place."