inson got it of the old Joncal [A] Mill outfit; and
heaven knows where they got it," put in California John.

"How long ago?"

"'84--the last transfer," said Amy.

"Doesn't look as though the situation ought to alarm them to immediate
and violent action," observed Thorne. "Aren't there any more recent
claims?" he asked Amy.

"Here's one; the Modoc Mining Company, about one thousand mineral
claims, amounting to approximately 28,000 acres, filed 1903."

"That looks more promising. Patents issued in the reign of our esteemed
predecessor, Plant."

"Where are most of the claims?" asked California John.

"_All_ the claims are in the same place," replied Amy.

"The Basin!" said Bob.

Amy recited the "descriptions" within whose boundaries lay the bulk of
the claims.

"That's it," said Bob.

"Is there any real mineral there?" inquired Thorne.

"Not that anybody ever heard of," said California John, who was himself
an old miner; "but gold is where you find it," he added cautiously.

"How's the timber?"

"It's the best stand I've seen in the mountains," said Bob.

"Well," observed Thorne, "of course it wouldn't do to say so, but I
think we've run against the source of our opposition in the Samuels
case."

"That explains Erbe's taking the case," put in Bob; "he's counsel for
most of these corporations."

"The fact that this is not a mineral country," continued Thorne,
"together with the additional considerations of a thousand claims in so
limited an area, and the recent date, makes it look suspicious. I
imagine the Modoc Mining Company intends to use a sawmill, rather more
than a stamp mill."

"Who are they?" asked California John.

"We must find that out. Also we must ourselves ascertain just what
colour of mineral there is over there."

"That ought to be on the records somewhere already," Amy pointed out.

"Plant's records," said Thorne drily.

"I'm ashamed to say I haven't looked up the mineral lands act,"
confessed Bob. "How did they do it?"

"Well, it's simple enough. The company made application under the law
that allows mineral land in National Forests to be 'freely prospected,
located, developed and patented.' It is necessary to show evidence of
'valuable deposits.'"

"Gold and silver?"

"Not necessarily. It may be even building stone, or fine clay, limestone
or slate. Then it's up to the Forest Officer to determine whether the
deposits are actually 'valuable' or not. You can drive a horse