The evidence of the plaintiffs consisted of testimony to the effect that Singlefoot Bill had worked the claims, that he had a patent, and that he had sold the properties to the Dodsons. The contract of sale itself was offered in evidence. Both Robert and Ralph Dodson gave supplementary evidence as to the conditions under which the contract was made. Their story was clear, concise, and apparently unshaken. The only fact which had apparently not been clearly established was that Thornton had ever patented the claims. The records did not show the patent, but it was urged that the papers had been destroyed in the big fire. Oral testimony was introduced to substantiate this contention. Ralph Dodson was the last witness for the plaintiffs. He was a good witness, quiet, very certain of his facts, smilingly sure of the issue. Plainly he had impressed the jury of farmers who were trying the case. They knew nothing of the history of the ground in dispute, and were ready to accept what they heard on its _prima facie_ merits. In cross-examination Browning asked a brisk and careless question. “You bought direct from this prospector Singlefoot Bill, Mr. Dodson?” “Yes.” “Not from any of his heirs or assigns or creditors?” “No. The contract shows that I bought from William Thornton, known as Singlefoot Bill, the man who originally located and worked the claims.” “Let me see. The date was——?” “July 29th, 1867.” “Quite sure that was the day on which you bought from this Singlefoot Bill?” “Yes. The contract shows that.” Dodson spoke with contemptuous impatience. “As I understand it, your title rests on the fact that you bought from William Thornton, known as Singlefoot Bill, on July 29th, 1867.” “Yes, and on the fact that we have since continued to hold the property without selling it.” “Bought from Singlefoot Bill himself, in person?” “Yes. I’ve said so already twice.” “You were there when he signed the contract, Mr. Dodson?” “Yes.” “Did he read it before signing?” “Yes.” “Casually or carefully?” “Very carefully. I remember how long he was reading it.” “You think he understood it all—knew exactly what he was doing?” “Undoubtedly.” “That is all.” Dodson was surprised. He had expected a savage gruelling, a fierce attack on every point of his testimony. Instead of which the opposing lawyer had asked a few harmless questions and waved him aside. Fifteen minutes later Ralph Dodson’s face had faded to an ashen gray. Browning had proved by competent witnesses, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that Singlefoot Bill was named Willis Thornton and not William Thornton, and that he was buried just six weeks before the date upon which it was claimed he had signed the contract.