"I think he has," answered Paul, with pardonable pride. "Now, I want to know if you will help me?"
In answer Mr. Scott put his hard and horny hand into the boy's, and said:
"You can depend on Jim Scott every time."
"Then I'll tell you how the case stands. This Fox is continually sending on discouraging accounts about the mine to Mr. Bradford, and he lately offered him two thousand dollars for his half."
"The mean cuss! I beg your pardon, that ain't the word I meant to use, but maybe its the best."
"He thought Mr. Bradford would get discouraged, and sell out without taking any trouble to verify his statement."
"I see."
"But he suspected there was a conspiracy to cheat him, and he sent me out with full power to act for him."
"That's a good 'un! And old Fox doesn't know of your bein' here."
"He has no idea that Mr. Bradford has sent a messenger."