CHAPTER IX.
HARRY DOES SOME PITCHING As Tom had surmised, Dolph Gage was anxious to become friends with the young engineers.
"They're only kids," Dolph explained to his comrades, "but I've heard that they know their business.

If we can get their help for a month, then when they hand in their bill we can give them a wooden check on a cloud bank." "Their bill would be a claim against our mine wouldn't it ?" asked one of the other men.
"Maybe," Dolph assented.

"But, if they try to press it, we can pay it with lead coin." The morning after Jim had gone, one of Gage's companions stalked into camp.
"The boss wants to see you," said this messenger.
"Whose boss ?" Tom inquired.
"Well, maybe he's yours," scowled the messenger.

"And maybe you'll be sorry if you fool with him." "I?
Fool with Gage ?" inquired Reade, opening his eyes in pretended astonishment.

"My dear fellow, I've no intention of doing anything of the sort." "Then you'll come over to our camp, right away ?" "Nothing like it," Tom replied.