s no one responded to his threat the stranger quickly turned about and
soon overtook his companion.

Silently the Go Ahead Boys watched the departing men until they had
disappeared below the rim of the great Gulch. Then Fred said, "Zeke, what
do you suppose that fellow meant?"

"There's no tellin'," replied Zeke in his most non-committal manner.

"But what do you think?"

"I'm not thinkin' very much. I'm watchin' this stuff to see that it
doesn't burn."

"That's all right, Zeke," said Fred impatiently. "But what I want to know
is whether or not you think those two men are going to be waiting for us
when we find the claim which Simon Moultrie staked."

"I'll have to tell you later about that."

"Look there! They are coming back!" abruptly exclaimed Fred.

The Go Ahead Boy's words were true for the two men were seen clambering
upon the rim and once more approaching the camp.

"Will you give me my pistol?" demanded the man with the scar. "There's no
knowing what we may run up against and I don't like to go down into the
Gulch without anything to protect me."

"No, sir, I won't," said Zeke. "That pistol is as dangerous in your hands
as it would be in the hands of an Apache. There's just one thing we'll do
for you."

"What's that?"

"I'll take back what I said and we'll give you something to eat if you'll
agree to leave and never come back."

"In course we'll do it," laughed the man. "I didn't believe that you'd
turn us away without giving us even a spoonful of that stuff you're
cooking."

Other articles of food had been prepared by Zeke, who was desirous of
economizing in the fire. Wood was scarce and so difficult to obtain that
the guide was unwilling to waste a fire just for the sake of their
uninvited guests.

As soon as he was convinced that the men were busy in their repast Zeke
solemnly winked at Grant and in a manner which was seen by all who were in
the camp motioned for him to follow.

Grant at once obeyed the suggestion and as soon as they had withdrawn to
one side Zeke in a low voice said, "Did those two fellows come across the
Gulch?"

"Yes," replied Grant.

"Then it looks likely to me that they have been looking for that claim."

"What makes you think so?"

"They have been gone 'bout long enough to cover the distance."

"Do you think they have found it?"

"I can't say."

"But do you think they have?"

"It looks a bit like it, judging from the fact that they have come back
here s