eventy-five dollars a month for each of you be satisfactory?"
asked Mr. Dunlop keenly.

"No, sir," replied Reade with emphasis. "Nor would we take a
hundred and seventy-five dollars, either. When I said that we
would consider a good proposition I meant just that, sir."

"Hm-m-m-m!" murmured Mr. Dunlop. "I shall have to give this matter
thought, and question you a good deal more on your qualifications.
I suppose you would be willing to let this matter remain open for
a few days?"

"Certainly, sir; we are in no hurry. However, until we are definitely
engaged we do not bind ourselves to be ready for your work."

"Where is your camp?" said Mr. Dunlop.

Jim Ferrers explained the easiest way of reaching the camp in a motor
car.

"And I'd advise you to come to our camp, too," Tom added. "You'll
be safer there than here."

"But we would; expose you to danger, too," Mr. Dunlop objected.

"We're rather used to danger," smiled Tom placidly. "In fact, just
a little of danger makes us feel that we're getting more enjoyment
out of life."

"Do you think it a good plan to take up the invitation of these
gentlemen, Timmins?" inquired Mr. Dunlop.

"It's the safest thing you can do, sir," answered Joe Timmins.

"We'll start back, now," proposed Tom. "If you don't drive too
fast you'll give us a chance to reach our camp in time to welcome
you."

"You start now, and we'll start within ten minutes," proposed
Mr. Dunlop.

This being agreed to, Tom, Harry and Ferrers began the task of
climbing the cliff path. At last they reached the top, then started
at long strides toward camp, Ferrers's horse having been surrendered
by Harry to Dave Hill.

"Who knows," laughed Tom, "we may become mining engineers here
in Nevada"

"Small chance of it," Harry rejoined. "In opinion Mr. Dunlop is
a good enough fellow, but he's accustomed to making all the money
himself. He'd want us at about a hundred dollars a month apiece."

"He can want, then," Tom retorted. "Yet, somehow, I've an idea
That Mr. Dunlop will turn to be generous if he decides that we're
the engineers for him."

For some minutes the trio tramped on silently, in Indian file,
Ferrers leading.

"Hello, Alf!" bellowed Tom through the woods, as they neared their
camp site. No answer came.

"Where did you leave the little fellow, Jim?" inquired Reade.

"I didn't notice which way he went, sir," returned the guide.
"He looked plumb scared, and I reckon he ducked