the discovery to be made within a certain
time."

"An' what interest in the ranch, Mr. Edwards?"

"Well, about the ranch," said John, thoughtfully, "I don't want to run
any risk of trading it off for nothing, and there will have to be
conditions attached to the transfer of any portion of that more than the
one of discovery of the mine. Let it be this way: that on the mine
proving by actual results to be worth a certain sum--say $50,000--the
deed shall be given to half the mine and one-third interest in the
ranch; the supposition being, that, if it is proved to be worth $50,000,
it is probably worth four times or ten times that amount."

"That's about it, I should say," returned Jim. "It's lib'ral in you, any
way, Mr. Edwards."

"The truth is, Harris," said Edwards, looking him steadily in the eye,
"I am in a devil of a pinch, that's the truth of it; and I am taking
gambling chances on this thing. I only hope you may earn your third of
the ranch. I'll not grudge it to you, if you do."

"Thank ye, sir. An' when them papers is made eout, I'll be off."

John handed him his papers half an hour afterward, which Jim prudently
took care to have witnessed. Miss Edwards being called in, signed her
name.

"So, this is what takes you to the mountains, Mr. Harris? I'm sure I
wish you good luck."

"You did that afore, miss; an' it came, right on the spot."

"I must be your 'wishing fairy,'" said she, laughing.

"I'll bring you a Christmas present, Miss Edwards, like as not," Jim
answered, coloring with delight at the thought.

"I hope you may. Thank you for the intention, any way."

"Are you going all alone, Harris?" asked Edwards, as he accompanied him
a short distance from the house. "It is not quite safe going alone, is
it? Have you any heirs, supposing you lose yourself or break your neck?"

Once more Jim was electrified with an idea. His light, gray eyes turned
on his questioner with a sudden flash of intelligence:

"I mought choose my heir, I reckon."

"Certainly."

"Mought we go back to the house, an' make a will?"

"Aren't you afraid turning back so often may spoil your luck?" asked
Edwards, laughing.

"Ef you think so, I'll never do it," answered Jim, soberly. "But I'll
tell you, onct fur all, who it is shall be my heir if any thing chance
me, an' I'll expect you'll act on the squar: that person is Miss Mary
Edwards, your own sister, an' you'll not go fur to dispute my will?"

"I've no right to disput