This task was completed by the time breakfast was ready and when the boys
seated themselves on the ground they were thoroughly ready to receive the
food which Zeke and Pete now served them.
"Zeke," inquired Grant, "do you really think those two men found the claim
which Simon Moultrie staked?"
"I don't really think so," answered the guide slowly, "but I shouldn't be
surprised if they did."
"If they have got it," said Grant, "what can we do?"
"Nothin'."
"Do you mean to say that we can't claim it?"
"That's just what I mean. You can take up some other claims right close by
if you want to, but first come first served."
"But that isn't their claim. It belonged to Simon Moultrie."
"Well, if it did," said Zeke dryly, "then I reckon they have as much right
to it as we have."
"I hadn't thought of that," said Grant blankly. "However, I haven't much
idea that old Sime ever filed his claim. If he didn't, why we stand as
good a chance as any one. I do say," he added, "that the sooner we get
started and the faster we go the less trouble we're likely to have."
"Then why don't we start right away?" demanded Fred as he leaped to his
feet.
Pages:
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190