"Maybe we didn't," grunted the spokesman. But we've known of this place for 'most a year Today we came to settle here, stake off our claims, file our entry and begin living here. But we found these benzine trotters on the ground.
"But these people state that they have made legal claim here," Tom urged.
"We have," insisted the portly man in black.
"If there is any dispute over the facts, my friends," Tom continued, turning once more to the four men, "then it looks like a case for the courts to settle. But if these people, who appear to be from the East, have acquired legal title here then they'll be able to hold it, and you four men are only intruders here. Why, the matter begins to look rather clear—-even for a Nevada dispute."
"These folks are going to move, or we'll topple 'em over and move 'em ourselves," insisted the leader.
"Men," rejoined Reade, "I'm afraid you're not cool enough to settle this case fairly. We'll call in a few of the neighbors and try to get the facts of the case. We'll——-"
"Neighbors?" jeered the leader of the quartette. "Where are you going to find any?"
"Right near at hand," Tom proposed. "Much nearer than you think.
Drew!"
Alf still lay behind the bush near the edge of the cliff. He was still present mainly because he had not courage enough to run away.
"Drew!" Tom repeated, this time speaking sharply, for he guessed that the cigarette fiend was shaking in his boots.