growing pale in spite of himself, for he
knew from report the desperate character of his guests, "that means, I
suppose, that you will kill me unless I satisfy your rapacity."

"It does," said Lane, curtly. "Now for your answer!"

"Gentlemen, I cannot accomplish impossibilities. It is as I say. The
money in your hands is all that I have by me."

"Do you mean to deny that you are rich?" asked Lane.

"No, I do not deny it. That is not the point in question. You ask me to
produce all the money I have with me. I have done so."

"Do you believe this, Brown?" asked the captain, turning to his
subordinate.

"No, I don't."

"It is strictly true."

"Then," said Brown, "you deserve to die for having no more money for
us."

"True," chimed in Lane. "Once more, will you produce your secret hoard?"

"I have none."

"Then you must be dealt with in the usual way. Brown, have you a rope?"

"Yes."

"Is there a convenient tree near by."

"We'll find one."

The two seized Melville, and, despite his resistance, dragged him
violently from the cabin, and adjusted a rope about his neck. The young
man was pale, and gave himself up for lost.

CHAPTER XXXVI. THE MINE IS SOLD.

While his friend was in peril, where was Herbert?

For him, too, it had been an exciting day--Deer Creek had been excited
by the arrival of a capitalist from New York, whose avowed errand it was
to buy a mine. Reports from Deer Creek had turned his steps thither, and
all the mine owners were on the qui vive to attract the attention of the
monied man. It was understood that he intended to capitalize the mine,
when purchased, start a company, and work it by the new and improved
methods, which had replaced the older and ruder appliances at first
employed.

Mr. Compton, though not a mining expert, was a shrewd man, who weighed
carefully the representations that were made to him, and reserved his
opinion. It was clear that he was not a man who would readily be taken
in, though there were not wanting men at Deer Creek who were ready to
palm off upon him poor or worthless mines. About the only mine owners
who did not seek him were the owners of the Blazing Star, both of
whom were on the ground. The mine was looking up. The most recent
developments were the most favorable, and the prospects were excellent.
They might, indeed, "peter out" as the expression is, but it did not
seem likely.

"Jack," said Herbert, "shall we invite Mr. Compton to visi