“You'll take 320 acres?” asked Hughes.
“Yes, 320 acres,—according to law,” replied Darrell.
“All right. Let us measure them now,” said Gasbang. “We have time to mark the limits and put the corner stakes. I have a cord here in my wagon, which is a chain's length. That will do the business.”
“That will do temporarily, I suppose; but I'll have the two claims properly surveyed afterwards according to law,” Darrell said.
“Of course, you will. We all know you will do the fair thing by everybody, and follow the law strictly,” said Hughes. In which opinion all concurred.
“Have you all made your selections?” Darrell asked Hughes.
“Yes; Pittikin and I will locate near Hancock. We like that valley; it is further off, but better soil,” said Hughes. “My oldest boy will put a claim near me, and Miller's two boys have staked theirs also. I think we'll like that location better.”
“I am glad you like it. I think this is good enough soil for me,” Darrell said.
“It is good enough for anybody. The whole rancho is all good soil. Let us put the stakes now,” said Gasbang; and assisted by Mathews, Romeo Hancock and Sumner Pittikin, Darrell proceeded by making a rough guess to measure 320 acres (more or less), and put the corner stakes.
“This is what I call business,” said Gasbang, carrying cheerfully one end of the rope used for measurement; “and all inside of the law. That is the beauty of it—all perfectly lawful.”