? ? ? ? Three weeks later among the miners who were sitting on the narrow veranda of the "Miners' Rest" in Oreville in Montana we recognize two familiar faces and figures--those of Jefferson Pettigrew and Rodney Ropes. Both were roughly clad, and if Jasper could have seen Rodney he would have turned up his nose in scorn, for Rodney had all the look of a common miner.
? ? ? ? It was in Oreville that Mr. Pettigrew had a valuable mining property, on which he employed quite a number of men who preferred certain wages to a compensation depending on the fluctuations of fortune. Rodney was among those employed, but although he was well paid he could not get to like the work. Of this, however, he said nothing to Mr. Pettigrew whose company he enjoyed, and whom he held in high esteem.
? ? ? ? On the evening in question Jefferson rose from his seat and signed to Rodney to follow him.
? ? ? ? "Well, Rodney, how do you like Montana?" he asked.
? ? ? ? "Well enough to be glad I came here," answered Rodney.
? ? ? ? "Still you are not partial to the work of a miner!"
? ? ? ? "I can think of other things I would prefer to do."
? ? ? ? "How would you like keeping a hotel?"
? ? ? ? "Is there any hotel in search of a manager?" asked Rodney smiling.
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