ounds like one of them theatre plays I see in
'Frisco," was the old miner's comment. "To think Tom would wander away
in thet fashion! 'Tain't no wonder ye are scart to deth! I'd be scart
myself, thinkin' he might jump overboard, or sumthin' like thet. He
ought to be put in an asylum."

After that Jack Wumble told his own story. He said his claim in
Colorado had gradually petered out, and then he had tried his fortunes
in various other places, gradually winding up in the Klondyke. There
he had struck what he hoped would prove a bonanza.

"I've been down to the States buying some machinery an' some supplies,"
he added. "They are coming up on a freight boat next week. I find I
can do better to go to the States fer things than to buy in Alaska."

"Have you taken any gold out of your claim yet?" questioned Sam, with
interest.

Jack Wumble looked around, to make certain that nobody was listening
but the Rovers.

"Don't ye tell nobody," he whispered. "I took out about two thousand
dollars, in nuggets an' dust, in less'n ten days!"

"Fine!" returned Dick, and Sam nodded. "I hope you keep it up."

"It's the machinery is goin' to tell the tale," returned Jack Wumble.
"I can't do much more by hand."

"Are you working the mine alone?" asked Sam.

"Fer the present. When I came away I left the claim in charge o' a
miner named Allison--Tim Allison. But I told him not to do any
diggin'--just keep his eyes on things. When there is any diggin' to be
done I want to be on hand."

Wumble was bound for Skagway, where he said his machinery and supplies
would be sent. He knew that section of Alaska thoroughly, and said he
would show the lads where to go and what to do.

"Things is changin' mightily up there every day," he remarked. "They
are dredgin' channels an' buildin' railroads, and making all kinds o'
roads. Go there one year an' the next ye won't 'most know the place,
it will look so different."

"Well, they are developing all parts of the country," answered Dick.

"Maybe; but nuthin' to wot they're doin' in Alaska," answered the old
miner.

The three sat up for half an hour longer, talking matters over. Of
course Jack Wumble wanted to know about Mr. Rover, and was sorry to
learn that the boys' father was not well. He could hardly believe that
Dick was married.

"Why, it don't seem like no time since you an' your brothers came out
to Colorady to locate thet mine," he remarked.

There was a little wi