o the barn to help Jeb, the
foreman on the ranch, with the horses which had just come in from the
long day's work. So the group about the table felt free to talk as they
liked. But Polly Brewster and her friend Eleanor Maynard were almost
talked out by the time they finished the last bit of Sary's delicious
dessert; and Barbara Maynard tried her best to hide a yawn behind her
hand, while Anne Stewart, the pretty teacher who was the fourth member
in the party that spent a night in the cave, was eager to continue
planning for the future of the mine, but Nature demanded rest after the
three days' excitement.

Finally, Polly turned to her father and said: "I wish we could see
John's face when he reads that telegram!"

"If we had only dared word it plainly, there sure would be something
queer to laugh at when John read it. But we had to cipher it, you know,"
chuckled Sam Brewster.

"I can't see why such foolish fear of talking about it is entertained by
all you folks," declared Barbara, loftily.

"Can't you? Well, then, Bob, Ah'll tell you plainly that that message
had to be camouflaged, as we are not taking any risks on having your
claim jumped over night. If we sent a wire to John telling him plainly
that you girls discovered a vein of gold on Top Notch Trail, every last
rascal in Oak Creek would hit the trail before that message was
delivered," replied Mr. Brewster.

"Even as it is, I suppose every one who can read the records at Oak
Creek will start out at once, so as to stake new claims as near to
Montresor's Mine as possible; perhaps they'll try to pick up some
nuggets from your claim, as well," added Mrs. Brewster.

"Then, when word spreads around the country--and such news always
travels like lightning--every gambler and bunco man in Wyoming and
Colorado will be seen camping on Top Notch Trail, each trying in his own
way to wheedle money or gold-dust from the unwary ones," laughed Mr.
Brewster.

"There now, Daddy! You've laughed, so I know your spell of worry is over
with. Won't you tell us what made you so serious?" exclaimed Polly.

"Ah was trying to plan for the best way to avoid trouble over this
claim; and at the same time protect our own rights, and any rights Old
Montresor's family might have in this rediscovery. That is why Ah
insisted upon Simms being one of our party, to-morrow; and the sheriff
with his stalwart son, too. They are both strong, trusty men, and with
Simms, Jeb and myself, we ought t