the
truth of what I say, and here is a true copy of our deed."

He handed Bill a legal looking document; but the miner motioned it away.

"I don't want to see it," he said. "Neither of us could understand it in
a week's study. The only thing for us to do is listen to what you
propose."

"In view of the services you all have rendered in the past, I should be
sorry to see you lose the money already paid on this property, and more
so to have you involved in an expensive lawsuit. Now I am empowered to
make this offer: The company will return the money paid, settle with
your attorney, and allow you a reasonable compensation for the labour
performed. In addition, it may be that we can give you a few shares in
case it is decided to open new works."

As Mr. Wright paused Bill raised his head, and looking fixedly at the
visitor, asked:

"If the property is yours beyond a question, what makes you offer to
give us anything?"

"Because you have acted in such a friendly manner toward us. I am not
one who forgets a friend."

"You came mighty near doin' so when Sam was arrested, an' warrants sworn
out for Fred an' me."

"That was a matter in which it was to your interest that the law should
take its course. A large majority of the people believed you knew
something about the robbery, and the only way to settle it absolutely
was to have the case decided in court."

"Then we ought to thank you, I s'pose," and Bill leaned forward, despite
the pain caused by the movement. "If we conclude to take the offer we'll
let you know to-morrow."

"I am sorry to say that we can agree to no delay. If the terms are
accepted at once, well and good; but they will not be held open for a
lawyer to interfere."

"Then I'll speak for myself, an' say no," Bill cried, angrily. "The
others can act as they please; but if all this is to be done jest on
account of your friendship, then where's the harm of waitin' till next
week, if we want to?"

"I have only repeated the stipulations made by the company."

"Well, we don't want anything to do with 'em," Joe added. "What Bill
says goes with me, an' I reckon Fred'll stick by us."

"I believe as they do, Mr. Wright."

"Then you refuse the generous proposition?"

"We do, but have our own idea as to how generous it is," Bill replied,
grimly.

"Do you think it will be possible to fight successfully a company as
rich as ours?"

"We'll try it for a while, anyhow, an' won't give in till we're
whip