The boys had gotten off the subject of the strange buffalo herd that had appeared on the open plains between Silver Run and Grub Stake, a second silver mining town, deeper in the Rockies. Before Dig recovered from his laughter at his own humorous conception of his cousin’s appearance at Silver Run, Chet started up into a listening attitude.
“What you cocking your ears for, Chet?” demanded Dig. “What’s got you?”
“Who’s this coming?” demanded Chet, holding up his hand.
When the boys were silent they could hear the pounding of heavily shod feet on the hard road. The Havens lived on the outskirts of Silver Run, and the road to the mines passed by their corral fence.
Chet sprang up, and even the slower Digby showed interest. The pounding feet were coming rapidly nearer.
The boys ran around the corner of the high board fence to the edge of the road. There, coming down the hill, and out from the belt of timber that surrounded the mountain above the town, was a man in yellow overalls and cowhide boots. He was without a cap, his shirt was open at the throat, and every indication about him showed excitement.
“Goodness!” gasped Chet. “What can that mean?”
“It’s Dan Gubbins—and he’s so scared he can’t shut his mouth!” observed Dig.
This seemed true. Dan Gubbins ran with his mouth wide open and fear expressed unmistakably in his rugged features. He was one of the men working in the mine in which Mr. Havens and Mr. Fordham were interested.
“Hey, Dan! what’s the matter?” shouted Dig, as the big miner came closer.