want to tell you boys there is no yellow in his system. He has cool, true
nerve, like my old friend, that never thought of himself if there was
trouble, always of the other folks that might suffer. That's the reason
he slid off this mortal globe so soon. The lad here came near doing the
same thing. Then he never told you about it. Well, well."

"I'll see you again," called the stranger as Willis passed out into the
night.




CHAPTER V

A Plan Is Evolved


"Well, by the Great Horn Spoon, you are the laziest bunch of fellows I've
seen in many a long day. What's all this scheming and planning about
that's going on here? Are one of you fellows trying to get a Presidential
nomination?" Ham seated himself on a chair facing the fellows. They were
lounging on a big window-seat in a corner of the game-room, talking
earnestly in low tones.

"Come, now, let's hear about it. What's the game? Say, fellows, I just
heard a rattling good story." "Well, now, Ham, let up on your stories for
about two shakes and give us your attention. We have an idea, a real,
first-class scheme, if you please, and we want you to give us your expert
opinion on it," said Shorty Wier, as he went and closed the door.