“Yes.”

“Alone?” Dave frowned.

“I reckon that's my business.”

“So it is—excuse me.” Hale lighted his pipe and the mountaineer waited—he was a little sullen now.

“Well, the company has parted with the land.” Dave started.

“Sold it?”

“In a way—yes.”

“Well, would you mind tellin' me who bought it—maybe I can git it from him.”

“It's mine now,” said Hale quietly.

“YOURN!” The mountaineer looked incredulous and then he let loose a scornful laugh.