TOM CATCHES THE "NEVADA FEVER" Two nights passed without adventure.

On each of these nights the three campers---for Alf didn't "count" divided the hours of darkness into three watches, each standing guard in his turn.
On the third morning after the departure of the Bright Hope group the campers were seated at breakfast around the packing case that served as table.
"I feel as though we ought to be at work," suggested Hazelton.
"Good!" mocked Tom.

"You've been riding every day lately, and I have remained in camp, testing samples of ore that I've picked up on my strolls." "You take the horse today," proposed Harry, "and I'll stay in camp and work." "Suppose both of us stay in and work," proposed Reade.
"That'll be all right, too," nodded Harry, pleasantly.

"May I ask, Tom, what you're up to, anyway ?" "Yes," Reade smiled.

"If the Bright Hope is a real mine there must be other good property in this region.