"You've been a long time away," Shorty remarked, as he looked curiously at the young man.
"Yes, I suppose I have," was the absent-minded reply, for Reynolds was looking at his letters.
"Strike anything?"
"I believe so. But, say, is Frontier Samson here? Have you seen him lately?"
"W-why, no," Shorty stammered. He had overheard Curly's remarks, so this unexpected question somewhat embarrassed him. "He went with you, didn't he?"
"He certainly did, but I got lost out in the hills, and haven't seen the old man since. I hope nothing has happened to him."
Not a word of this escaped the men at the table, and when Reynolds had left the building they stared at one another for a few seconds.
"Did ye hear what he said about the gold?" Curly eagerly asked. "I believe he's struck it rich, an' mo
