"But you have a long way to take it to Denver," said I. "What will you do if somebody demands it of you!"
"Now, wait until I tell you," said Uncle Ezra, while a look of determination came into his face. "Uncle Ezra has been there."
"Now while you are talking about that nugget you are forgetting about me," said Tom. "I've got to go back to Mr. Parsons' cabin, and make some amends for that bronco. I didn't agree to let him be torn up. I have left money enough in his hands to settle for him."
"That horse won't cost you a cent," said I.
"What makes you say that?"
"Because he was kept for the purpose of sending tender-feet into the mountains when Parsons didn't have anything else for them to do. The next one that comes along he will have to set him to herding cattle. Still I will go with you."
"Thank you. What's the reason Elam can't go with you?"
"Why, he's got to stay here and watch the nugget!"
"By George! Have you got to watch it now that you have found it?"
"Yes, sir. There are ten men employed on this ranch and four on mine, and you may be sure that all of them are not first-class."