Page:From the West to the West.djvu/274

 ers, root and branch, to the Ranch of the Whispering Firs. Suppose we take your old sawmill off Lije's hands and remove the whole thing to Oregon, John? It would be a good way to relieve him of his elephant."

"The machinery is old and old-fashioned, Joe. We'd better buy everything new, and the best of its kind."

"I was merely thinking of relieving Lije; that's all."

As they made the last turn leading to the house, they were accosted impatiently by the Captain's junior partner.

"At this rate, you won't git started to the States afore Christmas, Cap'n."

"This is my brother Joseph, Mr. Jackman. And thisy Joseph, is my partner, Mr. Jackman."

The two men glared at each other for a moment in silence. Jackman was the first to speak, —

"Well, I 'm dummed!"

"How came you to be known as Jackman? You posed as Hankins in Utah."

"An' you was Joe Addicks, pard. Better not tell tales out o' school. That's a game two can play at."

"There are no tales to tell on my part. I am masquerading no more. Can you say as much?"

"I 'm just a-beginnin', as it were."

"How in the name of Fate did you come across that chap, John?" asked Joseph, as they alighted from the buggy.

"He has taken a donation claim on the mountain-side which includes the water-power for our mill site. At least, he says it does. Burns and I haven't had time to survey it yet."

"Better go slow with that fellow, John."

"What do you know about him, Joe?"

"Nothing; only he's been a noted crook and jailbreaker."

"Jean is to be our book-keeper. She's been disappointed over that Green River affair. Do you know what became of Ashleigh?"