"They are moving the stakes driven by the surveyors!" Fred exclaimed, after a brief pause.
"But what good will that do 'em?"
"I don't know; of course, the lines can be run again by any one; but there must be a scheme in it, for Mr. Wright wouldn't be out here unless something could be gained by it."
"They've got no right on our land, an' I'll warn them off," Joe said, as he arose excitedly to his feet.
"Don't so much as show yourself. We'll hurry on to see Mr. Hunter; he'll know what is up."
"Come on, then, an' be quick about it, for there's no tellin' when these tricks are dangerous."
The miner and the boy literally ran down the hill, slackening not the pace until forced to do so, and both were nearly breathless when they neared the lawyer's office.
Before Mr. Hunter could speak Joe told what had been seen, and that gentleman grew quite as excited as were the others.
"I learned yesterday that Wright had bought a strip of land near yours, regardless of the fact that he claims to own this side of the mountain, and has ordered a force of workmen there immediately. We now know he is changing the surveyor's stakes in order to erect buildings on our tract, and thus force us to become plaintiffs instead of defendants.
"How would that benefit him?"