as show yourself. We'll hurry on to see Mr. Hunter; he'll
know what is up."

"Come on, then, an' be quick about it, for there's no tellin' when these
tricks are dangerous."

The miner and the boy literally ran down the hill, slackening not the
pace until forced to do so, and both were nearly breathless when they
neared the lawyer's office.

Before Mr. Hunter could speak Joe told what had been seen, and that
gentleman grew quite as excited as were the others.

"I learned yesterday that Wright had bought a strip of land near yours,
regardless of the fact that he claims to own this side of the mountain,
and has ordered a force of workmen there immediately. We now know he is
changing the surveyor's stakes in order to erect buildings on our tract,
and thus force us to become plaintiffs instead of defendants.

"How would that benefit him?"

"In several ways which I have not time to explain. Wait here until I
return."

Then Mr. Hunter left the office in great haste, and Fred and Joe looked
at each other in dismay.

CHAPTER XXXIII

VICTORIOUS

The lawyer did not return for several hours, and then he said:

"I have sent for surveyors, and we will run our own lines early
to-morrow morning, after which an officer shall be stationed there to
warn him from encroaching. You must be on the spot as early as possible
to attend to matters."

"He'll find us when the sun comes up. Was this why you sent the
telegram?"

"I wanted to discover what he meant by the hiring of carpenters and the
ordering of lumber; but that you have already done."

"When will the case be tried?"

"Next week I think; but that is of minor importance just now. The
supposed location of the purchase is to be pointed out to the surveyors,
therefore one of you must remain here until they arrive.

"When do you expect them?"

"On the first train to-morrow."

"Fred can wait for 'em, an' I'll leave in time to get there by
daylight."

"Very well; make your preparations to stay until I send word that it is
no longer necessary."

Joe and Fred left the office to purchase such provisions as might be
needed while holding possession of the disputed property, and when this
had been done the question arose as to how word could be sent to Bill.

"The story is too long for a telegram," Fred said, "so suppose we say by
wire that there is nothing particularly new, and write a letter?"

"Go ahead. I ain't much of a fist with a pen, so while you're t