This was even more astounding. Nomad tried to say something, but was held speechless by his amazement. All the others were in like case. A strange silence fell over the room, broken only by the rustling of paper as Gentleman Jim examined the deed.
“Amazing as this may appear,” said the gambler presently, “yet the deed has seemingly been executed in proper form. It is signed by Lawless, witnessed by Seth Coomby and Andy Streibel, and bears the seal and acknowledgment of a notary in Montegordo. It is dated three days ago.”
“I’m clear over my head,” muttered the scout. “Lawless and I are enemies. Why should he make me a gift like that?”
“Come to simmer the thing down, Buffalo Bill,” said the gambler, “it isn’t much of a gift, after all. The mine is worthless. Lawless knows that, or he wouldn’t have tried to ‘salt’ it and sell it to that Chicago man.”
“Lawless undoubtedly thinks the mine is worthless,” mused the scout.
“Well, isn’t it?”
“Not by a hull row of ’dobies!” put in old Nomad. “Buffler, ye’re in luck! Lawless laid out ter hand ye a mine thet was no good; he’ll feel like kickin’ himself when he diskivers ther Forty Thieves is er bonanza—er reg’lar whale of er good thing. Why, et’s got er reef on et that makes ther Comstock Lode look like er limestone stringer.”
“Is that right?” demanded Gentleman Jim.
“It is,” went on Buffalo Bill. “Wild Bill made the discovery first. We have just come in from an exhaustive examination of the property, and we found that the Forty Thieves has an exceedingly rich vein. Lawless, in presenting me with the mine, has over-reached himself. He didn’t know of this rich vein—no one but myself and my pards knew of it. Back of all this, however, the puzzle still remains: Why should Lawless wish to present me with even a worthless mine? I’m still over my head.”
Gentleman Jim picked up the folded papers which he had drawn from the envelope with the deed.