“Herbert told me about it. It was indeed a tragic affair. The sacrifice of life is deplorable, but seemed to have been necessary, unless, indeed, you could have disabled him.”
“Disabled him!” echoed the hunter. “That wouldn't have answered by a long shot. As soon as the reptile got well he'd have been on my trail ag'in. No, sir; it was my life or his, and I don't complain of the way things turned out.”
“Yes, I've shoved him under, and it's better than he deserved, the sneakin' rascal. I'm glad to make your acquaintance, Mr. Melville. Didn't know I had changed neighbors till the boy there told me yesterday. I've tramped over this mornin' to give you a call.”
“You are very kind, Mr. Holden. Sit down here beside us.”
“I'm more at home here,” answered Holden, stretching himself on the ground, and laying his gun beside him. “How do you like Colorado?”
“Very much, as far as I have seen it,” said Melville. “Herbert probably told you my object, in coming here?”
“Yes, my lungs are weak. Since I have been here, I am feeling better and stronger, however.”
“There don't seem to be anything the matter with the boy.”
“Nothing but a healthy appetite,” answered Herbert, smiling.
“That won't hurt anybody. Mr. Melville, do you smoke?”
“Queer! Don't see how you can do without it? Why, sir, I'd been homesick without my pipe. It's company, I tell you, when a chap's alone and got no one to speak to.”
“I take it, Mr. Holden, you are not here for your health?”
“No, I should say not; I'm tough as a hickory nut. When I drop off it's more likely to be an Indian bullet than any disease. I'm forty-seven years old, and I don't know what it is to be sick.”
“I expect I am. But I haven't answered your question. I'm interested in mines, Mr. Melville. Have you ever been to Deer Creek?”
“Yes, I went over with Herbert to visit the store there one day last week.”
“Did you ever hear of the Blazing Star Mine?”
“I own it,” said Holden. “It's a good mine, and would make me rich if I had a little more money to work it.”
“Are the indications favorable, then?” asked Melville.
“It looks well, if that's what you mean. Yes, sir; the Star is a first-class property.”
“That's what I say myself. Mr. Melville, I've a proposal to make to you.”