“Nobody will make you trouble, I’m sure, Miss Lowell,” said Dodson with a suave smile. “My brother and I will be pleased to sign over the claim to you.” “Sign it over to me? What have _you_ got to do with it?” “We own it. We own practically all the Bald Knob group of mines.” Hugh spoke for the first time. “News to me, Mr. Dodson. When did you get ’em?” “Almost two years ago. We bought out Singlefoot Bill.” “Who didn’t own ’em.” “We think he did. The courts will probably have to pass on the title.” “He never patented them. How could he, when he had done no work to speak of on them?” “We’ll prove he did, Mr. McClintock,” purred Dodson. “He seems to have done all that was required.” “How can you claim that? He hardly stuck a pick in any of the claims that are being worked by us or our friends.” “I think we’ll be able to furnish evidence to show that he did,” Dodson answered smoothly. “I don’t doubt that,” retorted McClintock. “You could get witnesses to swear that you are Napoleon Bonaparte. But it’s too raw. You can’t put it over.” Dodson smiled a thin-lipped smile. “No need to discuss that now. Fortunately Nevada has courts above reproach.” “It’s plain robbery,” Victoria said indignantly. “Attempted robbery,” amended Hugh. “It won’t succeed.” “I’m not here to bandy names. What I came to say is that my brother and I want to do justice, Miss Lowell. You’ve been spending money on the claim you thought was yours. We intend to relinquish it to you.” “I won’t take it,” the girl answered hotly, her cheeks stained with high colour. “I’ll stand or fall with my friends. You can’t buy me off.” “If you look at it that way, of course there’s nothing more to be said,” replied Dodson with dignity. “I’m sorry. I’ll say good-evening, Miss Lowell.” “Just a moment, sir.” Hugh’s voice was like the sound of steel on steel. “What’s this about a warrant for my arrest?” Dodson looked at him, eye to eye. “Well, what about it?” “I killed Sam Dutch in self-defence. The coroner’s jury was satisfied.” “Then so am I. I’m told this warrant charges conspiracy to kidnap and kidnapping.” Dodson turned contemptuously to the door. At the same instant it opened and Byers stepped into the room. His glance travelled from Dodson to McClintock. “They’ve jumped our claims,” he said quietly. CHAPTER XXXVI SIGNED BY WILLIAM THORNTON When Byers spoke Dodson looked hurriedly at his watch. Hugh was the first to speak. “Who told you?” “Jim Flynn. He hustled right down from Bald Knob.” “Anybody hurt?” “No. Our boys threw up their hands. Jumpers had the drop on ’em.” “Flynn know any of the gunmen?” “Sloan was one,” answered Byers. McClintock turned to Dodson. “Do you pay yore gun-fighters by the job or by the day?” he asked contemptuously. “I don’t answer questions put that way, McClintock,” said Dodson stiffly. “Your manner is an insult, sir.”