he store, "just
take a look at _that_!"

He handed over a specimen that was heavy with copper and Bunker squinted
down his eyes.

"Yes, looks good," he observed and handed it somberly back.

"I've got four feet of it," announced Denver gloating over the
specimens, "and the vein has turned and gone down. What's the chances
for some grub now, on account? I'm going to ship that sacked ore."

"Danged poor--with me," answered Bunker with decision. "You'd better try
your luck with Murray."

"Oh, boosting for Murray, eh?" remarked Denver sarcastically. "Well, I
may take you up on that, but it's too far to walk now and I've been
living on beans for a week. I guess I'm good for a few dollars' worth."

"Sure you're good for it," agreed Bunker, "but that ain't the point. The
question is--when will I get my money?"

"You'll get it, by grab, as soon as I do," returned Denver with
considerable heat. "What's the matter? Ain't that ore shipment good
enough security?"

"Well, maybe it is," conceded Bunker, "but you'll have a long wait for
your money. And to tell you the truth, the way I'm fixed now, I can't
sell except for cash."

"Oh! Cash, eh?" sneered Denver suddenly bristling with resentment. "It
seems like I've heard that before. In fact, every time that I ask you
for a favor you turn me down like a bum. I came through here, one time,
so danged weak I could hardly crawl and you refused to even give me a
meal; and now, when I've got a mine that's worth millions, you've still
got your hand out for the money."

"Well, now don't get excited," spoke up Bunker pacifically, "you can
have what grub you want. But I'm telling you the truth--those people
down below won't give me another dollar's worth on tick. These are hard
times, boy, the hardest I've ever seen, and if you'd offer me that mine
back for five hundred cents I couldn't raise the money. That shows how
broke I am, and I've got a family to support."

"Well, that's different," said Denver. "If you're broke, that settles
it. But I'll tell you one thing, old-timer, you won't be broke long. I'm
going to open up a mine here that will beat the Lost Burro. I've got
copper, and that beats 'em all."

"Sure does," agreed Bunker, "but it's no good for shipping ore. It takes
millions to open up a copper property."

"Yes, and it brings back millions!" boasted Denver with a swagger. "I'm
made, if I can only hold onto it. But I'll tell you right now, if you
want to hold your cla