t is there to take? There is nothing of value."

"Gieger says one of them was working at the safe. What's in there?"

"Some books and papers and supplies--nothing of value. That they tried to
get into the safe would seem to indicate that they thought there was money
there--Manti has many strangers who would not hesitate at robbery."

"They didn't get into the safe, then?"

"I haven't looked inside--nothing seems to be disturbed, as it would were
the men safe-blowers. In their hurry to get away it would seem, if they
had come to get into the safe, they would have left something
behind--tools, or something of that character."

"Let's have a look at the safe. Open it!" Corrigan seemed to be
suspicious, and with a pulse of trepidation, the Judge knelt and worked
the combination. When the door came open Corrigan dropped on his knees in
front of it and began to pull out the contents, scattering them in his
eagerness. He stood up after a time, scowling, his face flushed. He turned
on the Judge, grasped him by the shoulders, his fingers gripping so hard
that the Judge winced.

"Look here, Lindman," he said. "Those men were not ordinary robbers.
Experienced men would know better than to crack a safe in a courthouse
when there's a bank right next door. I've an idea that it was some of
Trevison's work. You've done or said something that's given him the notion
that you've got the original record. Have you?"

"I swear I have said nothing," declared the Judge.

Corrigan looked at him steadily for a moment and then released him. "You
burned it, eh?"

The Judge nodded, and Corrigan compressed his lips. "I suppose it's all
right, but I can't help wishing that I had been here to watch the ceremony
of burning that record. I'd feel a damn sight more secure. But understand
this: If you double-cross me in any detail of this game, you'll never go
to the penitentiary for what Benham knows about you--I'll choke the
gizzard out of you!" He took a turn around the room, stopping at last in
front of the Judge.

"Now we'll talk business. I want you to issue an order permitting me to
erect mining machinery on Trevison's land. We need coal here."

"Graney gave notice of appeal," protested the Judge.

"Which the Circuit Court denied."

"He'll go to Washington," persisted the Judge, gulping. "I can't legally
do it."

Corrigan laughed. "Appoint a receiver to operate the mine, pending the
Supreme Court decision. Appoint Braman. Graney has