Brewster?"
"Oh, he ought to be within hailing distance of his camp and he'd get
the wire when he went for meals, or to sleep. Allowing until morning
for it to reach him, and another day for him to pack up and travel, he
ought to be in Oak Creek the day after to-morrow."
Every one but Simms watched Anne's face to see her blush, or smile
joyously, but Simms was not aware of any tender feelings on the part of
the pretty teacher for John Brewster, so he abruptly suggested a plan.
"Ah wouldn't wait around the ranch for John's coming, Sam. If the women
folks are going up to Top Notch Trail with us, all well and good, but
waiting about until John and the engineer gets home will be risky
business for the claim. Before to-morrow, every thief in Oak Creek, and
for miles around, will be wise to that gold vein, and most of them will
want to sneak up there and try to jump the claim."
"Oh, no, we won't postpone going up there to guard the spot!" explained
Anne, anxiously. "I was wondering how long it would take that expert
engineer to arrive on the ground and render a reliable verdict about
the mine."
Eleanor tittered. "Sure! That is all. Anne never dreamed that John
Brewster might accompany the expert!"
"That will do from you, Nolla!" came reprovingly from Anne. But the
girls all laughed at her annoyance.
Having concluded all the business necessary in connection with filing
and signing papers, and arranging details about the trip back to the
mine on the following day, the ranch party said good-by to Mr.
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