n surprise.

"Because the old fellow made you his legatee by his spoken last will and
testament. All that remains is for you to buy about an acre of this
ground for your operations, and get busy mining," answered Garry.

"Not by a long shot. We've shared our dangers together. Twice you boys
have rescued me from death, and this mine will remain a secret for
someone else to find out about unless you fellows go in on a share and
share alike basis. I mean that, absolutely flat, and won't listen to any
discussion or debate about it," declared Phil in resolute tones.

Both Dick and Garry attempted to argue with him, but he was firm and at
last they agreed. At first it was decided to call it the Ranger Mine,
and then Phil, with a nudge at Dick, proposed that they call it the Ruth
Mine, and give her the first gem taken out, as a testimonial for the
help she had given them in their quest for the smugglers. Garry reddened
like a beet, and thought he was being joshed, but seeing Phil was
serious, they voted it to be so.

"Now back to Jennings and the telegraph office, and start the ball
rolling for the purchase of some of that land, and then maybe we win a
fortune, and again perhaps we don't, but it's worth a chance," said
Garry.

CHAPTER XXII.

CONCLUSION.

They found that they could send a telegram from the railroad depot, and
so Garry addressed the following query to his father:

"Can you find out immediately who owns land about five miles west
of Jennings, just at edge of what appears to be big lumber tract.
If not, can you refer us to someone in Jennings who knows?
Important, rush answer.
GARRY."

"Now all we can do is wait for the answer. In the meantime, let's look
around the town a bit," said Garry.

This they did, but found little to see. They did not care to inquire
about the ownership of land from anyone in the town, as it would mean
dodging the questions of the curious natives of the little village.

Several trips were made to the station, and finally they got an answer.
It said:

"I do. Why?
FATHER."

The boys did a war dance on the platform, giving the station agent good
cause to think they were a little bit touched in the head.

Garry immediately sent the following telegram:

"Have made important discovery. Do not under any circumstances,
please, sell the land till you get letter from us, whi