"I'll risk it. He'll find I get up in the morning as early as he does. To be plain with you, Paul, I'll make him an offer, give or take, and either way I shall make money. If the whole mine is in my hands I can make it pay."

"Very well, Jim. I am ready to accept your offer."

"I didn't much think," said Scott, laughing, "when I came across you in Cheyenne, that I should buy a mine of you."

"You didn't think I carried one about with me?" said Paul, laughing.

"I sha'n't let Simeon know about our bargain just yet. I want you to have a talk with him, and see what the old rascal has to say."


CHAPTER XXXVII.
DIAMOND CUT DIAMOND.

In accordance with Jim Scott's wish, and also because he desired to have a better idea of Simeon Fox, Paul took a walk one morning out to the Blackstone mine.

All seemed activity, and, under the personal direction of Mr. Fox, the work was proceeding well.