d the way
across the base of the hill, at right angles with the course pursued on
the previous day, while Gus remained in the rear to urge the prisoner on
in case he faltered.

CHAPTER XXIV

BILL'S MISHAP

Joe Brace returned to Farley's on the morning after he warned Bill and
Fred of what the cashier intended to do, and went directly to Mrs.
Byram's.

"I've bought the land!" he cried, exultantly. "The farmer was mighty
glad of a chance to sell for five hundred dollars, an' if I'd had more
time the price could have been whittled down to four. There's a mortgage
of three hundred to be paid in a year, an' that'll be jest the same as
nothin' after we show up what's there."

"Did you see Fred?" the widow asked, anxiously, paying but little
attention to the good news.

"Met him an' Bill last night; told 'em what was up, and they'll keep
shady 'till things can be fixed."

"Then nothing was accomplished by their going to Blacktown?"

Joe explained why that excursion had been a failure, and added:

"They're on the right track, so we can count on everything comin' out
right before long."

"Are you intending to stay here?"

"No; I only came to tell you what had been done, an' shall go back on
the train to make sure my deed is recorded. I bought in the name of
Byram, Thorpe, Thomas & Brace. How does that strike you for a firm?"

"Although you and Mr. Thomas are so sure the discovery will be a source
of great wealth, I can't feel much interest in it while Fred is in
danger. I wish they would go to some city, rather than remain so near
home."

"I shall see 'em this afternoon an' now that the business of the land is
settled, will advise them to take a little pleasure trip."

"Please see to it that they do not suffer for food."

"I'll tend to everything in great shape. Have you heard whether Mr.
Wright has got back?"

"He sent word that he would be home to-night."

"Then, perhaps, I'd better wait an' have another talk with him."

"No, no; I will see him myself. It is more important you care for those
who are hiding in the woods."

Joe had no further time for conversation. The train by which he intended
to return to Blacktown was already due and he hurried away after
repeating confidently:

"I'll see'em to-night, ma'am, an' you can rest easy. They shall live on
the fat of the land now we own a coal mine."

There was barely time for the miner to leap on board the cars, and as
they were whirled away by