“I am liable to drink every drop of this liquor before I let up, and you’d only be doing me a kindness by dividing it up with me a little.”
“No, thank you,” replied Vance. “Very well,” said Boast “I shall remain in Gold Bluff several days, and hope to see you often.”
Vance closed the door after Boast had left his room, and the one word, “Scoundrel!” hissed through his teeth.
CHAPTER XI.—OWNER OF THE PEACOCK MINE.
HE next morning Vance was up at an early hour for a morning walk. He followed the winding road up the hill-side toward Gray Rocks. The air was fresh and invigorating; the sun was just rising over the eastern mountains. Robins and mountain thrushes were twittering gaily their morning songs. He mentally compared the stifled life so prevalent in the great cities to the healthful and exhilarating prospect about him.