this
summer on account of the bear cub capers, and winter is at hand, but
the outlook is better, thanks to your diplomacy and aid. With the
money, I can live this winter and accomplish many things. By spring, I
should be under full production."

"But you wouldn't stay up there in that solitude with no person around
but an old grouch that probably would not have a word to say for days
at a time?"

"Yes I think I would," said Davy slowly but firmly. "I think I can
risk my case as to care and friendship with a man who is considerate
to little bears."

Some of the circus people had finished the meal and were filing out of
the tent, but Davy stayed, grimly determined to win his point. "About
what would be the cost of this proposed mine equipment, and could I do
some ranching around there while this was going on?"

"I figure it will take three hundred dollars to buy the pump,
pump-jack and engine; these, with a few lengths of hose and some
dynamite, are all that's required. Of course there will be some labor
costs in getting the pump installed, but three hundred will pay all
bills."

"Is that all? Why we can get that amount from Lew up at the ticket
wagon. He will cash my check for that amount and be glad to do it.
Holdups, you know, pass up checks. Therefore, Lew likes checks. When
do you want it? Let's get it now while there is a lull in business,
and you can take the pump and pipe and other gadgets right back with
you in the truck."

"Do you mean that you will go with me--now--on the truck? It's more
than a hundred miles to Carter's filling station and fully twenty
miles more over the roughest roads--or rather no roads--to the Gillis
place and then two miles more. Why, it's an all-night trip if we were
to start right now!"

"No, I am to stick with the show to Omaha. We are to be in North Bend,
tomorrow; Grand Island, Friday; Omaha, Saturday; and then the payoff.
I will have some things to do in Omaha. I want to telephone home and
ask about some friends; I will talk to my financial boss and learn if
he is still weathering the financial storm and then I am ready for the
big jump out to your place. Can you meet me here with this
truck-trailer outfit, say about Wednesday? I will have about three
hundred pounds of baggage, and we must stock up with grub against
getting snowed in. Can you meet me here Wednesday? Or, if you are too
busy, can you send someone?"

"Why sure I'll meet you--Wednesday or any other day--her