The muffled report of the blast echoed dully. From nowhere appeared Mrs. Crump, hastily coming to the scene. Shea dropped his pick and joined the others. Mrs. Crump, examining the results of the blast, flung out an exultant cry.
“Got it!”
“Ain’t much of a vein,” observed Gilbert, skeptically. “Veins, rather—looks like a lot of ’em, and they go deep. This here limestone runs clear to Chiny, I reckon.”
Mrs. Crump chuckled in a satisfied manner.
“These here veins don’t never come big, Gilbert. Who’d think this here greenish-white stuff was better’n a gold seam? But she is. Well, never mind any more work a while, boys. I got a letter already writ, and when I fill in the size o’ these here openings, she’s ready to mail—and she’s got to be sent sudden. These samples likewise.
“Let’s see; I ain’t goin’ to town myself. Mackintavers’ men are sure to be watchin’ everywhere, and this here location has got to be kept secret if possible. I s’pose the devils will get it from the land office, though. Joe, can you and Al show up in Zacaton City without occasioning no rumpus?”
Gilbert shook his head doubtfully.
“I reckon not, ma’am. We’re pretty well known there, and we ain’t right sure how things is fixed for us. Still, it won’t bother us none; if you say so, we’ll go——”
“Nope; can’t take no chances with the letter and samples, boys. It’s up to Thady. He’s learned how to run the car, anyhow. Thady, you got to send them samples and a letter. No one’s goin’ to suspect you of bein’ partners with me, and be sure to send the samples in your own name, savvy?
“They’s enough gas to take you into Zacaton, and ye can bring a fresh supply when ye come back. Then we need more flour an’ grub, for which same I got a list made out already. A new axe helve, too. Don’t forget that there axe helve, whatever ye do! It ain’t on the list—I guess ye can remember it all right. Sure, now! Don’t come without it. How soon can ye get going?”