Bob drew the fifty applications from his suit-case and passed them over the counter. “Hurry with them” he said. “There isn't any time to lose. Did Carey tell you anything about that fellow McGraw, who filed on the Cottonwood lake water?” The deputy nodded. “He's dangerous” warned Mr. McGraw. “He's tumbled to the little combination and he'll upset the apple-cart if you don't beat him to it. He may attempt to bully the old man into a consolidation by threatening to mandamus your chief and force him to accept the filings. McGraw's dangerous and he's got big influence behind him. The old man's worried.” The deputy arched his eyebrows cynically. “Where do you come in?” he queried. Bob drew back the lapel of his coat and showed the butt of his automatic gun nestling under his left arm. “I'm playing a purely professional engagement, my friend. If McGraw should show up here this morning it is my business to take care of him.” The deputy's suspicions were allayed at last. He smiled in friendly fashion. “Keep him away until nine-thirty and there's no danger” he said. He scooped up Bob's applications and skimmed through them. “Did you bring the coin?” Bob placed twelve hundred and fifty dollars on the counter and shoved it toward the deputy. “I won't wait for the receipts. It's too risky. Make them out as fast as you can and I'll call for them after the office opens.” He grinned knowingly. “I'm going out in the corridor to keep inquisitive people away and give you time to work.” “You didn't bring the instruments of abandonment for the old filings--” “I know it. Carey has them. He'll probably bring them over himself later in the day. Too risky--getting over here so early. There's a gumshoe man on his trail.” “All right” said the deputy, and hastened to his desk with the bundle of applications. Bob unlatched the door, peered cautiously up and down the deserted corridor, and apparently finding the coast clear stepped out into the hall. For fifteen minutes he walked up and down the corridor without meeting any one more formidable than the janitor, and presently the janitor, having completed the sweeping of the corridor, betook himself and his brooms elsewhere. He came back a few minutes later, however, and disappeared in a small room at the end of the corridor, only to reappear again with a bucket of wet sawdust in his hand.