“Can I do anything more for you before I go?”
“Yes; you may go to the stream behind the cabin and bring me some fresh water.”
Grant did as requested, and, elated by his unexpected good luck, started on his return to Howe’s Gulch.
When Grant reached the cabin jointly occupied by himself and Tom Cooper, he found Tom sitting outside, smoking his pipe.
“Have you got rid of your headache, Grant?” he asked.
“A great deal of good,” answered Grant; but Tom did not detect the significance hidden in the reply. “How long have you been at home?”
“Then you knocked off work earlier than usual.”
“Yes,” answered Tom soberly. “To tell the truth, Grant, I’m discouraged. How much do you think our day’s work amounts to?”
“A dollar and seventy-five cents! I think, Grant, we had better inquire the location of the nearest poor house. We may want to ask admission.”
“There’s an old saying, Tom: ‘The darkest hour is just before the day.’”
“I will tell you. I have secured a claim from which ten thousand dollars was obtained within six months.”
“No; the owner stopped working it because he had money enough, and was satisfied.”
“How much did you agree to pay for it?” asked Tom, in excitement.
“Nothing. It was given me for a service I rendered the owner.”
“This seems like a fairy tale, Grant. What does it mean?”
“I will tell you;” and Grant related his afternoon’s adventure.
“Hurrah! we’re in luck!” exclaimed Tom, rising to his feet and swinging his hat in excitement. “If what you say is true, we’re made men.”
“I am glad you look upon me as a man,” said Grant, smiling.
“I’m only anticipating a little. I hope,” he added anxiously, “the old man won’t reconsider the matter.”
“Not much chance of it. I haven’t known him long, but I am quite sure that he isn’t that kind of a man.”
“What shall we do with our old claims?” Before Grant could answer that question a step was heard, and looking up, the two friends saw approaching a tall, gaunt man of thirty-five—a typical Yankee—whose shabby attire indicated that he was “down on his luck.”
“Good-evening,” responded Tom cordially. “Sit down with us, won’t you? I’ve got an extra pipe, if you would like a smoke.”
“Thank you; I’m just pinin’ for a smoke. Is this your tenement?”
“Well, we found it vacant, and squatted here. The owner hasn’t called on us for any rent yet.”