"
"Good enough; we are ready for a good turn. We've had rather hard luck
so far."
"So you are after a mine, eh?"
"Yes."
"You are regular prospectors?"
"Yes."
"You have to strike a surface ledge to make any money. Don't think a
claim would amount to much out here unless you found a nest of them so
as to attract a crowd, and a town, and a mill, and all that. According
to my idea the mines out here all need capital to work 'em in case you
should strike one."
Regardless of possibilities, as the night was a little chilly, Brooks
had created quite a blaze, and by the light of the fire he had a fair
chance to study the woodsman's face, and finally he asked abruptly:
"Stranger, what is your name?"
The woodsman laughed, and said:
"I thought you'd ask that question."
"You did?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Well, it's natural that you should, but that ain't the reason I thought
so."
"It is not?"
"No."
"Well, why did you think so?"
"I was going to ask your name."
"Certainly; my name is Brooks."
"I thought so."
"You did?"
"Yes."
"What made you think my name was Brooks?"
"Can't you guess?"
"No."
"Why did you ask my name?"
"As you said, it was a natural question.
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