Mr. Lovell was a little fearful, after looking over some extraordinary drawings made by Jack Conroy, that the boys had laid out for themselves a whole winter's work; but, by carefully avoiding any reference to these interesting documents, Bob, as engineer, succeeded in having constructed a strong, commodious cabin. Bunks and benches were built along the walls, and perhaps no architect of a world-famed structure ever felt more proud of his work than did the boys when the cabin was completed.
Buck James and Bart Reeder wandered over, one day, to get the surprise of their lives.
Buck was just as imposing as ever, but his expression indicated a subdued and disconsolate spirit.
"From what I hear, you fellers seem to win out every time," he remarked. "Weren't that claim no good? ye ask. Wal, there was one or two spots whar the rocks showed a few specks o' yaller, but that was all."
"Maybe that suit o' yourn drived the gold away, sir," remarked Cap Slater, casually.
Buck James scowled, but paid no attention to this observation.
"We had sense nuff to soon see thar weren't nuthin' worth while at that claim, but Smull an' Griffin"—he made a deprecating gesture—"couldn't be dragged away. An' Smull told us to chase back to the lumber camp if we didn't like it."
Captain Slater guffawed loudly.
"So we leaves 'em, and, arter prospectin' about to the east, finds sumphin a bit better, an' put up location notices."
"An' where are Smull an' Griffin now?" asked Tim.