d Tom Dillon, emphatically.

"Then I trust we locate the Landslide Mine, and that it proves a
bonanza," returned Roger, eagerly.

On the way they passed mine after mine, and the boys were much
interested in watching the process of getting out ore, and also in the
work of the huge quartz-crushers. Whenever they passed a mine there
would be sure to be somebody to wave a friendly hand to Tom Dillon.

"He certainly is well known," whispered Roger to Dave.

"Yes, and we were mighty lucky to fall in with him--after missing that
Abe Blower," was the reply.

It was not until about five o'clock in the afternoon that they reached a
small settlement known as Robby's. Here they rested and had supper. They
inquired about Abe Blower and his party, but could find out nothing
concerning them.

"They must have gone around by Tilton," said Tom Dillon. "That's just as
good a trail and about as short. We'll hear from them at Black Cat
Camp."

It had been decided to push on to Black Cat Camp after supper, the old
miner stating they ought to make the distance in three hours. Soon they
were on the way again, just as the sun was sinking behind the great
mountains in the west.

"I hope Abe Blower stopped for the day at Black Cat Camp," said Roger to
his chums. "I'd like to meet him and confront Link Merwell--and Job
Haskers, too, if he is with them."

"So would I," added Dave and Phil, in a breath.

It was more agreeable riding, now that the heat of the day was over. At
noon it had been very hot, but none of the boys had complained, although
they had perspired freely.

As it became darker they could see the twinkling lights of many a mining
town and camp shining out in the mountains and the valleys below.

"It didn't used to be so, when first I came to Montana," remarked Tom
Dillon. "In them days you could ride out here all night an' not see a
light. But the State has settled putty fast in the last twenty-five
years. They are buildin' railroads everywhere, an' towns spring up over
night, like toadstools."

"Are there any wild animals out here?" questioned Phil.

"Heaps of 'em, further away from the cities. Bears, an' mountain lions,
an' wildcats, an' wolves. An' then we have plenty o' mule an' other
deer, an' elk, as well as Rocky Mountain goats, an' mountain sheep."

"Perhaps we'll get a chance to do some hunting!" exclaimed Phil.

"Not much, this time o' year, lad. But you might hunt a bear--if he
cornered you!" And Tom Di