“But this is the way it works.” He was explaining quietly now. “If they make a strike, find gold or radium, they will rush outside in an airplane and bring in friends to file on the land. There will be room for many, many claims. When they have a broad stretch of ore-bearing territory staked, they will sell out to some rich company.
“But you see,” he added, “if they make a strike we will know it at once. Nothing prevents us from moving over and filing on the most promising spots; in fact, it’s the fair thing to do since they are working with our pictures.”
“I see.” The girl spoke slowly. A new light of hope shone in her eyes.
“But, Johnny,” she asked suddenly, “how will you know when they make a strike, if they do? You wouldn’t expect me to—”
“No, we wouldn’t expect you to let us know. But we have a way—the Moccasin Telegraph.”
“Moccasin Telegraph? What’s that?”
“You will learn much about that before you are here long.” His eyes were smiling mysteriously.
“And be assured of one thing,” he added. “Whatever comes of it, your father will have his fair share.”
“Sha—shall I tell him?”
“I think not. His work calls for all his energy. It might disturb him. This is your case. Work it out. Find the man.”