If we can get over Dead Pine divide it should shorten the present trail by half; and I'm under the impression that if we spend a few thousand dollars on making a road up the big gully it could be done." Saunders looked at Devine, who made a little sign.
"Oh," he said, "he means to try it.

I guess we've got to let him." They went back to work by and by; and a few days later Weston and Devine and a grizzled freighter breakfasted in haste beside a sputtering fire.

A row of loaded pack-horses stood close by in the rain, and a cluster of dripping men gathered round when at length Weston rose to his feet.

The freighter waved his hand to them with a little, dry smile.
"We're going to blaze you out a new road, boys, and it will save me some in horses if it can be done," He said.

"Guess you'll be sorry when you see what the next man strikes you for, if we don't come back again." There was some laughter; and rude good wishes followed the three wet men as they plodded away beside the loaded beasts into the rain..