"I'm looking for a pardner and it struck me that you'd be the right feller for the job," and the visitor tried to smile a persuasive smile, but the attempt was a failure. The scar which began at his ear and extended down to his throat was unbecoming, and his right ear which looked as if a bite had been taken from it gave his head a one-sided appearance. His eyes possessed a shifty, uncertain look, his beard was of a reddish hue and two weeks' growth. His clothes were ragged, ill-fitting and dirty. Fastidious Jack Hamlin took his visitor in at a glance and laughed. "So, you'd like me for a partner, would you?" "Yes, I heard as how you were a spikilator like, and I want ter give yer a chance ter git rich quick." He continued, "I am the owner of some of the most valyable claims in the Lundy deestrict; I own the Sheepherder, the Dutchman, the Julia Lundy and some other valyable prospects. I want yer to grub stake me and one-half of all I own is yers." Here the visitor gave Jack a furtive side glance, but presently looked away. "So, I have the pleasure of talking to the honorable James Slack of whom I have heard so much and I am further honored by being invited to become his partner, for the mere pittance of a grub stake?" And Jack laughed a merry laugh which did not please Slack. "You are the man that has several scalps already attached to your belt and you'd probably like to add mine to the collection, eh?" Jim Slack winced under these insinuations, but he was hungry and he diplomatically kept his temper. "Those were all accidents and they never could prove it different," sullenly replied Slack. "I did not come here to be joshed, but ter give yer a chance ter get rich quick." "Very kind, indeed; here, take this and go and get a square meal, I think you'll enjoy that," and Jack tossed a gold piece to his caller. "Come again and we'll talk the matter over," and Jack returned to his work. Jim Slack was probably the worst character in Mono county. He had been suspected of stage robbery, but so clever was his disguise that he could not be convicted. It was known that he had killed three men, an Irishman, a German, and a Chinaman, but he managed to save his neck through some legal quibble. When he was drinking, he would become almost a demon and assail friend or foe, if thwarted. Jack Hamlin had made several thousand dollars about this time in mining speculations, and the money troubled him. He was never cut out to be an accumulator and money burnt a hole in his pocket. "I believe I'll take a chance with you," he said, when Slack returned, "but I want a straight out and out deal. Go over and have Tom Stephens draw up the papers and I'll arrange the credit for you at the store."