"That explains Erbe's taking the case," put in Bob; "he's counsel for most of these corporations."
"The fact that this is not a mineral country," continued Thorne, "together with the additional considerations of a thousand claims in so limited an area, and the recent date, makes it look suspicious. I imagine the Modoc Mining Company intends to use a sawmill, rather more than a stamp mill."
"Who are they?" asked California John.
"We must find that out. Also we must ourselves ascertain just what colour of mineral there is over there."
"That ought to be on the records somewhere already," Amy pointed out.
"Plant's records," said Thorne drily.
"I'm ashamed to say I haven't looked up the mineral lands act," confessed Bob. "How did they do it?"
"Well, it's simple enough. The company made application under the law that allows mineral land in National Forests to be 'freely prospected, located, developed and patented.' It is necessary to show evidence of 'valuable deposits.'"
"Gold and silver?"
"Not necessarily. It may be even building stone, or fine clay, limestone or slate. Then it's up to the Forest Officer to determine whether the deposits are actually 'valuable' or not. You can drive a horse and cart through the law; and it's strictly up to the Forest Officer—or has been in the past. If he reports the deposits valuable, and on that report a patent is issued, why that settles it."