apply. I got a telegram from my partner, the storekeeper, to the
effect that the Hogarth Combine had sent up Van Staten from Vancouver
to inspect the lode. I gather that one of the boys spotted him, though
he meant to do it quietly. The fact that he didn't announce his name
is rather suggestive. You can read the message."

He took it from his pocket and handed it to Stirling, who wrinkled his
brows.

"Well," he observed, "what Van Staten says goes. Very few of the big
concerns would hesitate to purchase when he was satisfied with the
thing. That storekeeper seems quite a smart man. The Hogarth people
have, no doubt, made you an offer since then?"

"Four thousand dollars, all rights, and they'll meet expenses while I
put in the assessment work and do all that's necessary to get title
from the Crown. They were kind enough to say that it was rather a
hazardous venture, but they wanted another workable reef to round up
their mineral properties. The reason seemed a little vague."

Stirling smiled rather grimly. "They want everything they can get
their hands on in the shape of a mineral property, as long as it costs
them 'most nothing. What did you tell them?"

"That they'd have to go up six times, anyway, before I considered the
thing, and then I'd want half payment in ordinary stock. They asked if
I meant to stick to that, and I said I did."

"Then," asserted Stirling, "you're going to have some trouble in
keeping that mine. The Hogarth people have frozen out more than one
little man who didn't want to part with his property. They're said to
be quite smart at it, and there are various ways of getting hold of
you."

He studied Weston's face and saw it harden, which, as a matter of
fact, rather pleased him. The stubbornness which had sent this young
man back up the range, aching in every limb, with one boot full of
blood--and Stirling had heard that story--was now, it seemed,
impelling him into a struggle with a group of remarkably clever and
powerful mining financiers. The successful contractor appreciated
ability, especially when it was of the practical order, but perhaps he
was right in rating character higher.

"Yes," said Weston quietly, "I quite expect that will be the case."

"Have you had any other offer?"

"Wannop made me a conditional one. Pending investigation, he talks of
floating a company here or in London. After the success of the
Hazleton and Long Divide concern, he says they're disposed to regard