and at the same time prevent any future
litigation in case our ore-bodies should join. You understand what I
mean--there's such a thing as apex decision and of course you hold the
higher ground. Well, before we do any work or tie up our money we would
like to know just exactly where we stand in relation to surrounding
properties. What price do you put on your claim?"

"No price," answered Denver. "I don't want to sell. Are you thinking of
opening up the Lost Burro?"

"That will all depend," hinted the Colonel darkly, "upon the attitude of
the people in the district. If we meet with encouragement we intend to
form a company and spend hundreds of thousands of dollars; but if not,
why we will charge up our option money to profit and loss and seek out a
less backward community. What is your lowest price on your claim?"

"A million dollars--cash," responded Denver cheerfully. "Now you come
through and make me an offer."

"Well," began the Colonel, and then he stopped and glanced suggestively
at the tunnel. "We'd like to look it over first."

"Fair enough," replied Denver and, giving each a candle, he led them
into the tunnel. They looked the ore over, making indifferent comments
and asking permission to take samples, and then Colonel Dodge took one
of his experts aside and they conferred in muffled tones.

"Er--we'd rather not make an offer just now," said the Colonel at last;
and in a silent procession they returned to the daylight, leaving Denver
to follow behind. The atmosphere of the group was now reeking with gloom
but after a long conference the Colonel came back, summoning up the
ghost of a smile. "Well, I'll tell you, Mr. Russell," he began
apologetically, "we saw some of your ore before we came up and we were
all of us most enthusiastic. The copper in particular was very promising
but the gentleman I was talking with is our consulting engineer and he
advises me not to buy the property."

"All right," answered Denver, "you don't have to buy it. I never saw one
of these six-buckle men yet that wouldn't knock a good claim." He turned
back angrily to his job of tool-sharpening and the Colonel followed
after him solicitously.

"Don't misunderstand me," he said, "there's nothing I'd like better than
to buy in this neighboring property--if I could get it at a reasonable
figure; but Mr. Shadd advises me that your ore lies in a gash-vein,
which will undoubtedly pinch out at depth."

"A gash-vein!" echoed Denver, "