I've been looking about, and making an assay every now and then.

Jim, you've prospected a bit, haven't you ?" "Yes," nodded the guide.

"And, gentlemen, in my day I've been sole owner of three claims, each one of which panned out a fortune." "Great!" glowed Harry.

"But how did you lose your money, Jim!" "I never got a cent out of any of the mines," rejoined the guide grimly.
"How did that happen ?" "Did you ever hear of 'square gamblers' ?" inquired Ferrers.
"Some," Tom admitted with a grimace.

"We ran up against one of that brood in Arizona, eh, Harry ?" "You didn't play against him, I hope, hinted Jim soberly.
"Yes, we did," admitted Tom.