He looked askance at the miner, who he saw was disposed to be a friend of Robert.
"Look here," said the miner sternly, "you are a precious pair of rascals. Your little game hasn't worked. I have seen such men as you before. I was on the vigilance committee in San Francisco some years ago, and such fellows as you we strung up to the nearest lamp-post. Can you make it convenient to get off at the next station?"
"That's where we intend to stop," said the tall man meekly.
"That is fortunate. It will save you a good deal of trouble. Now, boy, come back into the other car. We have no further business with these gentlemen."
Going back, they sat down in the same seat.
"I am very much obliged to you for getting me out of the scrape," said Robert gratefully.
"Don't mention it."
"Do you really think they were——?"
"Crooks? Yes. They had all the signs. I've rubbed against such fellows before now. These fellows are not smart. They don't understand the rudiments of the business."
"You spoke of San Francisco. Have you been there?" asked Robert with interest.