"We've wasted time and money till to-day." Bostwick rose from his chair, put one foot upon it, and leaned towards the gambler as one assuming a position of equality, if not of something more. "Look here, McCoppet, you asked me the day I arrived what sort of a game I'd come to play. I ask you now if you are prepared to play something big—and—well, let us say, a trifle risky?"
"Don't insult my calling," answered the gambler. "I call. Lay your cards on the table."
Bostwick sat down and leaned across the soiled green baize.
"You probably know as much as I do about the 'Laughing Water' claim—its richness—its owners—and where it's located."
McCoppet nodded, narrowing his eyes.
"A good dog could smell their luck from here."
"But do you know where it lies—their claim?" insisted Bostwick significantly. "That's the point I'm making at present."
"It's just this side of the reservation, from what I hear," replied the gambler, "but if there's nothing on the reservation even near the 'Laughing Water' ground——"
Bostwick interrupted impatiently: "What's the matter with the 'Laughing Water' being on the reservation?"
McCoppet was sharp but he failed to grasp his associate's meaning.