Before Tom could follow up his sudden declaration and make Polly understand his sentiments for her, she broached another subject of conversation.
“Tom, what has been accomplished at the mine and at Rainbow Cliffs while I was in Europe?”
Tom frowned, but he realized that Polly was more sensible than he. He remembered, once more, what Anne had advised, so he choked the despondent sigh and replied instead, with seeming interest:
“Oh, John and I had another queer bout with some thieves. They were not after the land this time, but they planned to get at the ore and carry off as much of the gold as they could lay hands on. Our old friend, Rattlesnake Mike, caught them red-handed, and now they are serving a term in prison at hard labor.”
“Oh, Tom! I never heard a word of this!” cried Polly, eagerly. “Do tell me about it.”
CHAPTER V
THE RAID ON CHOKO’S FIND MINE
“You remember when we all came East last June to attend John’s wedding and see you off for Europe?” asked Tom.