“Yes, I am from the South,” Everet replied, politely.
“Travelin’ for pleasure?”
“Y-e-s—partly.”
“Any special route laid out?”
“No; I thought I’d like to see something of the far West. I think I shall visit the principal cities on my way, and the chief points of interest, and perhaps take a look at some of the mines; I’ve always had something of a curiosity regarding mining.”
“Have you now?” asked the man with delighted emphasis, his face brightening with pleasure. “Perhaps I can be of use to you in that line then, for I’ve been a miner all my life and know all the ins and outs about as well as any man living. I’ll be glad to give you any points about the business.”
“Thank you,” Everet returned, looking interested. “What mines have you been connected with?”
“I’ve been in Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, and California,” answered the man, with an air of pride.
“Indeed, you have surely seen a good deal of that kind of life,” remarked Everet, smiling. “When were you in New Mexico? I know a man who once owned stock in some mines there.”
“I went to New Mexico in 18—,” replied the stranger, in answer to Everet’s question, “and did tip-top for ten years, and after that I tried Nevada. What was your friend’s name, sir?”