"We're free and easy out here—it's the best way. When we get back to the East you may call me Mr. Rawson if you want to. I say, Eben, if we take the boy into partnership, he ought to have some capital." "I am sorry that I can't put in any capital," said Dean. "Besides this watch I haven't over five dollars about me." "You misunderstand me, lad. I mean that Eben and I should set you up in business. We've got six claims—between us. What do you say, Eben, to giving this boy two? Then we shall be equal partners, and share and share alike." "It's just as you say, Ben," answered Eben, who was evidently guided in all things by his older companion. "You are very generous, Ben," said Dean, "but I ought not to accept such a gift. If you don't mind giving me one, I will take it, and thank you." "No, lad," persisted Rawson. "It's share and share alike, as I said." "But I ought not to be on equal terms with you two, who have others to look out for." "You won't be, lad—Eben and I have each got a pile salted down in one of the banks in Denver. It's near five thousand dollars apiece, isn't it, Eben?" "Yes, not far from that, Rawson." "We will share alike for the future—that's what I mean. There's more gold where the other came from, and I hope the claims will pan out well for your sake." Dean felt that he had indeed fallen into good hands. He might have traveled far enough in the East without meeting strangers so free-handed. Indeed had he met the same parties at home, he would scarcely have found them so liberal. The wild, free life of the West had opened their hearts and made them generous. "Hist!" said Rawson suddenly, raising his hand, and assuming an intent look, "I think I hear voices." He was right. Two men, walking slowly, and appearing to be in earnest conversation, approached. "It's Dan and Kirby!" said Dean in excitement. CHAPTER XXXIII. OUT OF THE ENEMY'S HANDS. "Eben and I will hide and leave you to receive them alone," said Rawson, rising hastily. "But----" expostulated Dean in considerable alarm. "Don't be afeared, lad. They shan't do you any harm. We want a little fun, that's all. We shall be close at hand." The two darted behind a tree, leaving Dean reclining on the turf. Kirby and Dan approached, engaged apparently in earnest conversation. They were close upon Dean before they recognized him. It is needless to say that their amazement was profound. "Look there, Dan!" said Kirby, stopping short. "There's the kid!" "Well, I'm beat!" ejaculated Dan. "How on earth can he have escaped? If he got away without Pompey's knowledge he's about the smartest youngster I ever came across. I will take care it shan't happen again." Striding forward, Kirby confronted Dean with a stern face. Dean, by way of carrying out the deception, started and assumed a look of terror. "What does all this mean, boy?" demanded Kirby. "What does what mean?" asked Dean in apparent perplexity.