"Young man," said the assayer, when Dick had finished, "I'll tell you all I know. This ore is good. It's very rich. In fact, I don't need to assay it to tell that it runs many dollars to the ton. But one thing I can't tell you to a certainty is that it came from the Hop Toad or Dolphin mine. You see we assayers have to take the word of the miners as to where the ore comes from. All we do is to make a test, and, by finding out how much gold there is to a certain amount of ore, figure out how much it will assay to a ton of the same ore. That's the basis on which mines are valued." "I can assure you that this ore we have came from the Dolphin and Hop Toad mines," said Dick. "We saw it taken out." "Seeing isn't always believing, when it comes to mines," replied the assayer. "Still it may have been taken directly from the drifts. I wouldn't say it to everyone," he went on, "but I believe there is something crooked about those mines. I have thought so for some time, but I can't decide just what it is. They have a reputation of being very rich, and the ore assays well, but I don't like the actions of the men running them." "Do you think I have been cheated?" asked Dick. "I do, but I can't give my reasons for it." "Then what would you advise?" "Well, you're out here to investigate. Keep on investigating. I'm a government official and I can't take either side. But if I were you," and he came close to Dick and spoke in a low tone, "I'd visit that mine when none of the men were around. I think they knew you were coming and prepared for you." "Why?" asked Dick, much surprised. "Well, I can't tell you all my reasons now. Do as I advise, and try to inspect the mines when no one is around." "When would be the best time for that?" "At night. That's the only time it would be safe. But be very careful. This is a queer country. Men act quickly out here and they don't always stop to ask questions before they shoot. But you boys are quick and sharp and--well, good luck to you, that's all I can say." "I'm much obliged to you," answered Dick. "I'll do as you advise." As he and his chums left the assayer's office they met Tim, who had returned to the hotel, and, on inquiring, had learned where they had gone. "Have a good time?" asked Dick, of his newsboy friend. "Not so very," replied Tim, rather solemnly. "Why not?" "Because I was chasin' after a fellow what called himself Simon Scardale, and I couldn't catch him." "Simon Scardale here?" exclaimed Dick. "That's what he is, and he's on to our game," replied Tim. "Dick, youse has got to act quick, I guess."