Part 37 (1/2)
”I don't know anything about what has happened lately so far as that claim is concerned,” was John Franklin's reply ”But I do knohen oil was first discovered in this region some of the experts went over the whole territory carefully and they did not consider the Spell clai of any value That's the reason no wells were located there They claiood for oil”
”Oh! then you mean to say there is no oil on that claim?” questioned Fred disappointedly
”I don't know anything about it, lad I a you what the experts said Those fellows miss it once in a while, just the same as other people At the sa for oil, you canit rich there are very slim”
”But are you sure the experts went over it very carefully?” questioned Andy
”I am”
”And ere they?”
”They were from Wichita Falls--a firm by the name of Fitch and Lunberry”
”Then probably if et a report from Fitch and Lunberry,” said Jack
”I think he could--provided, of course, he illing to pay for it
These experts don't work for nothing!” and John Franklin grinned
”If you stay down here any length of time I wish you'd come over to our place and see us,” said Phil Franklin
”We'll be sure to do that,” answered Randy
”Maybe I can get your uncle interested in ested Mr
Franklin ”I wish he'd look it over It wouldn't cost hi”
”I'll speak to dad about it,” answered Jack quickly There was so about the Franklins which had pleased him ever since he had first known them They appeared to be perfectly honest and reliable
Accompanied by the Franklins, the Rovers tramped around the various oil wells located in and near Derrickville Mr Franklin understood a great deal about the wells and theway, so the afternoon passed quickly Alood-bye and start on the return trip with Mr Bradley
”Gee, I wonder if what Mr Franklin said about the Spell claim can be true!” reht to knohat he is talking about, Jack,” answered Fred ”And certainly he had no axe to grind in the matter He doesn't want to see Uncle dick throw his money away”
Two more days passed, and still dick Rover did not return fro and a allery where they astonished the proprietor by the bull's-eyes theyfellows are souns”
”We are,” answered Fred
The four Rovers had gone into the target gallery directly after supper and while it was still light Nohen they caested that they return to the hotel
”We ested, ”and I'd like to look over a newspaper if I can find one”
The Rovers were heading in the direction of the hotel when, glancing across the street, they saw Nappy Martell and Slugger Brown
”They see us,” declared Jack