The superintendent paid no attention to this remark, save to halt on the safe side of the danger line, where he whispered a few words to one of his men, and the latter started at full speed for Farley's.
"I reckon my jig is about up," Joe muttered to himself. "He's sent for help, an' they're bound to bring what'll be of more service than this revolver."
The surveyors, evidently believing there was no especial reason why they should stay, now matters were nearing a crisis, took their departure, and the miner was once more left alone to defend his rights. Ten minutes later Fred appeared from among the trees, followed by five determined looking men, and Joe's cheers were not ended when Mr. Hunter came in view.
The lawyer shook hands with the miner as he said:
"You've saved us what might have been a bad mess. Now we have a reasonably large force, and can hold out until an injunction is procured."
"Are you likely to get one soon?"
"A clerk will bring it in a short time. The application has been granted, and the only delay is while the papers can be made out."
"I'm glad of that, for Wright has sent after more help, an' when it comes things are likely to be hot."
Mr. Hunter now advanced and held a long conversation with the superintendent and his friends, at the conclusion of which he ordered Joe to have the lumber dragged from the tract staked out by the surveyors.
In this work Fred assisted, while the miner stood guard with his revolver to prevent any interference, and when the task was finished the former whispered to his partner: