Frank described his trip to the top of the mountain and what he had seen therefrom. The prospectors listened with deep interest. Then Silver Sam said: “Well, I reckon that’s where poor Harvey Montaine is held a prisoner.” “I presume so,” replied Frank. “We oughter see him out of the scrape someway.” “That is my mission here,” declared Frank. “Good! We’ll help ye, friend, all we can. Now let’s go in and talk over a good move.” Diamond Jake and Silver Sam led the way into a tent which was pitched on the banks of the creek. Frank found a seat upon a stump, and then the conversation began. “Ye see,” began Silver Sam, “we know well enough that Harvey has got a claim up there in the hills.” “Yes!” “But we don’t propose to meddle with his property at all. Our claim is on t’other side of the range. But we can’t work it until we have done up Costello and his gang.” “Exactly,” agreed Frank. “Now the question is how shall we go to work to do that?” There was a moment’s silence. Then Diamond Jake spoke: “I’ve a plan, pards!” “What is it?” “We kin split forces an’ enter the hills by two ways. The Steam Man can stay down here on the level ground. When we have driven the greasers out of the hills the Steam Man can clinch the victory.” Diamond Jake’s words were not without a good impression upon the listeners. But before they could be commented upon an uproar arose from without. All sprang up and rushed to the door of the tent. CHAPTER VII. THE COWBOYS’ DUEL. Among those who had joined the band of prospectors were two cowboys. They were as genuine specimens of the prairie tough as one could rest eyes upon. One was named “Copper Jake” and the other bore the euphonious title of “Buster Bill.” A number of miners had engaged in a game of dice. The cowboys had finally ventured to take a hand. Ordinarily the best of friends, it was hardly a moment before they were quarreling. The “Buster” accused Copper Jake of using a weighted dice. “You’re a goldurned liar,” exploded the Copper, savagely. “If ye don’t take yer insinuation back, I’ll salt ye.” “If ye think ye kin do it ye’d better try now,” retorted the “Buster.” “By gosh! I will.” “Humph! Ye wouldn’t hurt nobody.” “Ye called me a cheat.” “Wall, what of it?” “Take it back.” “Naw, I won’t.” “If ye don’t, I swow I’ll drag ye at ther heels of my pony.” “Ye can’t do it.” “I’ll bet yer a hundred I kin.” “Put up.” “Here’s my dust.” In a twinkling the two desperate fellows had put up their stakes. They were held by one of the miners, and then the details of the affair were arranged. Several of the miners were appointed to act as referees and judges, and then the cowboys went out and mounted their ponies. It was at this juncture that Frank, Silver Sam and Diamond Jake came out of the tent. With characteristic interest in anything savoring of sport, Silver Sam cried: “What’s up, boys?”