"I shall stop over to-night, I think," answered Paul.
"And to-morrow I reckon you go to the Hills?"
"That is my intention," said Paul, guardedly.
"I don't know but I'll go there myself, though I did calculate to stay here, or hereabouts, for a time."
"Have you ever been to the mines?" asked Paul.
"Have I ever been there? Well, I should smile," answered the stranger, expectorating profusely. "Why, I own a hotel in Custer City. I left my cousin in charge, while I made a run down here to learn the fashions."
This he said with a grim smile, and a glance at his rough attire
"Have you found them?" asked Paul.
"Well, I haven't followed 'em. Where might you be from, youngster?"
"From Chicago."