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diff --git a/25384-h/25384-h.htm b/25384-h/25384-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..3208739 --- /dev/null +++ b/25384-h/25384-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,7363 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of Ben's Nugget, by Horatio Alger, Jr. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ +<!-- + p { margin-top: .75em; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; + } + hr { width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; + } + + table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} + + body{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + + .pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: right; + } /* page numbers */ + + .linenum {position: absolute; top: auto; left: 4%;} /* poetry number */ + .blockquot{margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%;} + .sidenote {width: 20%; padding-bottom: .5em; padding-top: .5em; + padding-left: .5em; padding-right: .5em; margin-left: 1em; + float: right; clear: right; margin-top: 1em; + font-size: smaller; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: dashed 1px;} + + .bb {border-bottom: solid 2px;} + .bl {border-left: solid 2px;} + .bt {border-top: solid 2px;} + .br {border-right: solid 2px;} + .bbox {border: solid 2px;} + + .center {text-align: center;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + .u {text-decoration: underline;} + + .caption {text-align: center; font-size: 90%;} + + .figcenter {margin: auto; text-align: center;} + + .figleft {float: left; clear: left; margin-left: 0; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: + 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + .figright {float: right; clear: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; + margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + .footnotes {border: dashed 1px;} + .footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + .footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} + .fnanchor {vertical-align: super; font-size: .8em; text-decoration: none;} + + .chapnum {text-align: center; padding-top: 1.25em; padding-bottom: 0.25em;} + .chapname {text-align: left; font-variant: small-caps;} + .chappage {text-align: right; padding-left: 5em;} + + .bookheader {margin-bottom: 0.1em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .booklist {list-style-type: none; font-variant: small-caps;} + .booklist2 {margin-top: 0.1em; list-style-type: none;} + + .poem {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; text-align: left;} + .poem br {display: none;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem span.i0 {display: block; margin-left: 0em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i2 {display: block; margin-left: 2em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i4 {display: block; margin-left: 4em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + // --> + /* XML end ]]>*/ + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Ben's Nugget, by Horatio, Jr. Alger + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Ben's Nugget + A Boy's Search For Fortune + +Author: Horatio, Jr. Alger + +Release Date: May 8, 2008 [EBook #25384] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BEN'S NUGGET *** + + + + +Produced by Steven desJardins and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 369px;"> +<img src="images/cover.jpg" width="369" height="600" alt="Ben's Nugget by Horatio Alger Jr." title="" /> +</div> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"> +<img src="images/front.png" width="600" height="445" alt="frontispiece" title="" /> +</div> +<p class="caption">Turning The Tables.</p> + + + + +<h1>BEN'S NUGGET;</h1> + +<h2><span style="font-size: 50%;">OR,</span><br /> +A BOY'S SEARCH FOR FORTUNE.</h2> + +<h3>A Story of the Pacific Coast.</h3> + +<h2><span style="font-size: 60%;">BY</span><br /> +HORATIO ALGER, JR.,</h2> + +<p class="center">AUTHOR OF "RAGGED DICK," "TATTERED TOM," "LUCK AND PLUCK," "BRAVE AND +BOLD SERIES," ETC., ETC.</p> + +<p class="center">THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO.,<br /> +PHILADELPHIA, CHICAGO, TORONTO.</p> + +<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Copyright by Horatio Alger, Jr.</span>, 1882.</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<p class="center"><span style="font-size: 70%;">To</span><br /> +<span style="font-size: 80%;"><i>Three San Francisco Boys,</i></span><br /> +JOSEPH AND MAXEY SLOSS AND CLARENCE WALTER,<br /> +<span class="smcap">This Story</span><br /> +<span style="font-size: 80%;">IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED.</span></p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="PREFACE" id="PREFACE"></a>PREFACE.</h2> + + +<p>"<span class="smcap">Ben's Nugget</span>" is the concluding volume of the Pacific Series. Though it +is complete in itself, and may be read independently, the chief +characters introduced will be recognized as old friends by the readers +of "The Young Explorer," the volume just preceding, not omitting Ki +Sing, the faithful Chinaman, whose virtues may go far to diminish the +prejudice which, justly or unjustly, is now felt toward his countrymen.</p> + +<p>Though Ben Stanton may be considered rather young for a miner, not a few +as young as he drifted to the gold-fields in the early<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span> days of +California. Mining is carried on now in a very different manner, and I +can hardly encourage any of my young readers to follow his example in +seeking fortune so far from home.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">New York</span>, May 19, 1882.</p> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<h2><a name="CONTENTS" id="CONTENTS"></a>CONTENTS.</h2> + +<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="Table of Contents"> +<tr> +<td colspan="2" class="chapnum">CHAPTER I.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 60%; text-align: right;">PAGE</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="chapname">The Mountain-Cabin</td> +<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">13</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2" class="chapnum">CHAPTER II.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="chapname">The Missing Chinaman</td> +<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">23</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2" class="chapnum">CHAPTER III.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="chapname">Two Gentlemen of the Road</td> +<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">30</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2" class="chapnum">CHAPTER IV.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="chapname">Ki Sing in the Hands of the Enemy</td> +<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">38</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2" class="chapnum">CHAPTER V.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="chapname">Further Adventures of Bill Mosely</td> +<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">46</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2" class="chapnum">CHAPTER VI.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="chapname">An Unequal Contest</td> +<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">54</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2" class="chapnum">CHAPTER VII.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="chapname">Tied to a Tree</td> +<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">62</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2" class="chapnum">CHAPTER VIII.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="chapname">Turning the Tables</td> +<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">70</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2" class="chapnum">CHAPTER IX.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="chapname">Bradley's Signal Victory</td> +<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">78</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2" class="chapnum">CHAPTER X.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="chapname">"The Best of Friends must Part"</td> +<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">87</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2" class="chapnum">CHAPTER XI.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="chapname">Plans for Departure</td> +<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">95</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2" class="chapnum">CHAPTER XII.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="chapname">The Profits of Mining</td> +<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">100</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2" class="chapnum">CHAPTER XIII.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="chapname">Ki Sing's Ride</td> +<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">104</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2" class="chapnum">CHAPTER XIV.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="chapname">Golden Gulch Hotel</td> +<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">113</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2" class="chapnum">CHAPTER XV.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="chapname">Bill Mosely Reappears</td> +<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">122</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2" class="chapnum">CHAPTER XVI.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="chapname">A Travesty of Justice</td> +<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">131</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2" class="chapnum">CHAPTER XVII.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="chapname">Lynch Law</td> +<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">139</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2" class="chapnum">CHAPTER XVIII.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="chapname">After the Execution</td> +<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">147</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2" class="chapnum">CHAPTER XIX.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="chapname">Ben wins Laurels as a Singer</td> +<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">151</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2" class="chapnum">CHAPTER XX.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="chapname">A Little Retrospect</td> +<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">158</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2" class="chapnum">CHAPTER XXI.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="chapname">Mr. Campbell Receives Tidings of his Ward</td> +<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">165</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2" class="chapnum">CHAPTER XXII.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="chapname">A Morning Call</td> +<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">174</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2" class="chapnum">CHAPTER XXIII.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="chapname">A Secret Conference</td> +<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">183</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2" class="chapnum">CHAPTER XXIV.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="chapname">Miss Douglas Receives a Message</td> +<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">188</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2" class="chapnum">CHAPTER XXV.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="chapname">Walking into a Trap</td> +<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXV">195</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2" class="chapnum">CHAPTER XXVI.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="chapname">A Hard-hearted Jailer</td> +<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVI">201</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2" class="chapnum">CHAPTER XXVII.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="chapname">A Star in the Cloud</td> +<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVII">210</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2" class="chapnum">CHAPTER XXVIII.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="chapname">Jones Checkmates Orton Campbell</td> +<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVIII">219</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2" class="chapnum">CHAPTER XXIX.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="chapname">A Wedding Reception</td> +<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIX">229</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2" class="chapnum">CHAPTER XXX.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="chapname">The Nugget</td> +<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXX">237</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2" class="chapnum">CHAPTER XXXI.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="chapname">Job Stanton's Mistake</td> +<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXI">246</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2" class="chapnum">CHAPTER XXXII.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="chapname">The House is Mortgaged</td> +<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXII">255</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2" class="chapnum">CHAPTER XXXIII.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="chapname">The Blow about to Fall</td> +<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIII">260</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2" class="chapnum">CHAPTER XXXIV.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="chapname">Conclusion</td> +<td class="chappage"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIV">265</a></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span></p> + +<h1>BEN'S NUGGET;</h1> + +<h2><span style="font-size: 50%;">OR,</span><br /> +A BOY'S SEARCH FOR FORTUNE.</h2> + +<hr style="width: 35%;" /> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.</h2> + +<h3>THE MOUNTAIN-CABIN.</h3> + + +<p>"What's the news, Ben? You didn't happen to bring an evenin' paper, did +you?"</p> + +<p>The speaker was a tall, loose-jointed man, dressed as a miner in a garb +that appeared to have seen considerable service. His beard was long and +untrimmed, and on his head he wore a Mexican sombrero.</p> + +<p>This was Jake Bradley, a rough but good-hearted miner, who was stretched +carelessly upon the ground in front of a rude hut crowning a high +eminence in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span>Ben Stanton, whom he addressed, was a boy of sixteen, with a pleasant +face and a manly bearing.</p> + +<p>"No, Jake," he answered with a smile, "I didn't meet a newsboy."</p> + +<p>"There ain't many in this neighborhood, I reckon," said Bradley. "I tell +you, Ben, I'd give an ounce of dust for a New York or Boston paper. Who +knows what may have happened since we've been confined here in this +lonely mountain-hut? Uncle Sam may have gone to war, for aught we know. +P'r'haps the British may be bombarding New York this moment."</p> + +<p>"I guess not," said Ben, smiling.</p> + +<p>"I don't think it likely myself," said Bradley, filling his pipe. +"Still, there may be some astonishin' news if we could only get hold of +it."</p> + +<p>"I don't think we can complain, Jake," said Ben, turning to a pleasanter +subject. "We've made considerable money out of Mr. Dewey's claim."</p> + +<p>"That's so. The three weeks we've spent here haven't been thrown away, +by a long chalk. We shall be pretty well paid for accommodatin' Dick +Dewey by stayin' and takin' care of him."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span>"How much gold-dust do you think we're got, Mr. Bradley?"</p> + +<p>"What!" exclaimed Bradley, taking the pipe from his mouth; "hadn't you +better call me the Honorable Mr. Bradley, and done with it? Don't you +feel acquainted with me yet, that you put the handle on to my name?"</p> + +<p>"Excuse me, Jake," said Ben; "that's what I meant to say, but I was +thinking of Mr. Dewey and that's how I happened to call you Mister."</p> + +<p>"That's a different matter. Dick's got a kind of dignity, so that it +seems natural to call him Mister; but as for me, I'm Jake Bradley, not a +bad sort of fellow, but I don't wear store-clo'es, and I'd rather be +called Jake by them as know me well."</p> + +<p>"All right, Jake; but you haven't answered my question."</p> + +<p>"What about?"</p> + +<p>"The gold-dust."</p> + +<p>"Oh yes. Well, I should say that the dust we've got out must be worth +nigh on to five hundred dollars."</p> + +<p>"So much as that?" asked Ben, his eyes sparkling.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span>"Yes, all of that. That claim of Dewey's is a splendid one, and no +mistake. I think we ought to pay him a commission for allowing us to +work it."</p> + +<p>"I think so too, Jake."</p> + +<p>They were sitting outside the rude hut which had been roughly put +together on the summit of the mountain. The door was open, and what they +said could be heard by the occupant, who was stretched on a hard pallet +in one corner of the cabin.</p> + +<p>"Come in, you two," he called out.</p> + +<p>"Sartin, Dick," said Bradley; and he entered the cabin, followed by Ben.</p> + +<p>"What was that you were saying just now?" asked Richard Dewey.</p> + +<p>"Tell him, Ben," said Bradley.</p> + +<p>"Jake was saying that we ought to pay you a commission on the gold-dust +we took from your claim, Mr. Dewey," said our hero, for that is Ben's +position in our story.</p> + +<p>"Why should you?" asked Dewey.</p> + +<p>"Because it's yours. You found it, and you ought to get some good of +it."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span>"So I have, Jake. In the first place, I got a thousand dollars out of it +before I fell sick—that is, sprained my ankle."</p> + +<p>"But you ain't gettin' anything out of it now."</p> + +<p>"I think I am," said Dewey, smiling and looking gratefully at his two +friends. "I am getting the care and attention of two faithful friends, +who will see that I do not suffer while I am laid up in this lonely +hut."</p> + +<p>"We don't want to be paid for that, Dick."</p> + +<p>"I know that, Bradley; but I don't call it paying you to let you work +the claim which I don't intend to work myself."</p> + +<p>"But you would work it if you were well."</p> + +<p>"No, I wouldn't," answered Dewey, with energy. "I would leave this place +instantly and take the shortest path to San Francisco."</p> + +<p>"To see the gal that sent us out after you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. But, Jake, suppose you call her the young lady."</p> + +<p>"Of course. You mustn't mind me, Dick. I don't know much about manners. +I was raised kind of rough, and never had no chance to learn +polite<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span>ness. Ben, here, knows ten times as much as I do about how to +behave among fashionable folks."</p> + +<p>"I don't know about that, Jake," said Ben. "I was brought up in the +country, and I know precious little about fashionable folks."</p> + +<p>"Oh, well, you know how to talk. Besides, didn't you bring out Miss +Douglas from the States?"</p> + +<p>"She brought me," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"It seems to me we are wandering from the subject," said Dewey. "It was +a piece of good luck for me when you two happened upon this cabin where +I lay helpless, with no one to look after me but Ki Sing."</p> + +<p>"Ki Sing took pretty good care of you for a haythen," said Bradley.</p> + +<p>"So he did. He is a good fellow, if he is a Chinaman, and far more +grateful than many of his white brothers; but I was sighing for the +sight of one of my own color, who would understand my wants better than +that poor fellow, faithful as he is."</p> + +<p>"I reckon the news we brought you helped you some, Dick," said Jake +Bradley.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span>"Yes. It put fresh life into me to learn that Florence Douglas, my own +dear Florence, had come out to this distant coast to search for me. But +I tell you, Jake, it's rather tantalizing to think that she is waiting +for me in San Francisco, while I am tied by the ankle to this lonely +cabin so many miles away."</p> + +<p>"It won't be for long now, Dick," said Bradley. "You feel a good deal +better, don't you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; my ankle is much stronger than it was. Yesterday I walked about +the cabin, and even went out of doors. I felt rather tired afterward, +but it didn't hurt me."</p> + +<p>"All you want is a little patience, Dick. You mustn't get up too soon. A +sprain is worse than a break, so I've often heard: I can't say I know +from experience."</p> + +<p>"I hope you won't. It's a very trying experience, as I can testify."</p> + +<p>"You'd get well quicker if we had some doctor's stuff to put on it, but +I reckon anyhow you'll be out in a week or ten days."</p> + +<p>"I hope so. If I could only write to Florence<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span> and let her know where +and how I am, I wouldn't mind so much the waiting."</p> + +<p>"Don't worry about her. She's in 'Frisco, where nothing can't happen to +her," said Bradley, whose loose grammar I cannot recommend my young +readers to imitate.</p> + +<p>"I am not sure about that. Her guardian might find out where she is, and +follow her even to San Francisco. If I were on the spot he could do no +harm."</p> + +<p>"I tell you, Dick, that gal—excuse me, I mean that young lady—is a +smart one, and I reckon she can get ahead of her guardian if she wants +to. Ben here told me how she circumvented him at the Astor House over in +York. She'll hold her own ag'in him, even if he does track her to +'Frisco."</p> + +<p>Some of my readers may desire to know more about Dewey and his two +friends, and I will sketch for their benefit the events to which Bradley +referred.</p> + +<p>Florence Douglas was the ward of the Albany merchant, John Campbell, who +by the terms of her father's will was entrusted with the care of her +large property till she had attained the age of twenty-five,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span> a period +nearly a year distant. Mr. Campbell, anxious to secure his ward's large +property for his son, sought to induce Florence to marry the said son, +but this she distinctly declined to do. Irritated and disappointed, Mr. +Campbell darkly intimated that should her opposition continue he would +procure from two pliant physicians a certificate of her insanity and +have her confined in that most terrible of prisons, a mad-house. The +fear that he would carry his threat into execution nerved Florence to a +bold movement. Being mistress of a fortune of thirty thousand dollars, +left by her mother, she had funds enough for her purpose. She fled to +New York, where chance made her acquainted with our hero, Ben Stanton, +under whose escort she safely reached San Francisco, paying Ben's +expenses in return for his protection.</p> + +<p>Arrived in San Francisco, she furnished Ben with the necessary funds to +seek out Richard Dewey (to whom, without her guardian's knowledge, she +was privately betrothed) and inform him of her presence in California. +After a series of adventures Ben and his companion had found Dewey, laid +up with a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span> sprained ankle in a rude hut high up among the mountains. He +had met with an accident while successfully working a rich claim near +by.</p> + +<p>Of course Richard Dewey was overjoyed to meet friends of his own race +who could provide for him better than his faithful attendant, Ki Sing. +As he could not yet leave the spot, he offered to Ben and Bradley the +privilege of working his claim.</p> + +<p>In the next chapter I will briefly explain Ben's position, and the +object which brought him to California, and then we shall be able to +proceed with our story.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.</h2> + +<h3>THE MISSING CHINAMAN.</h3> + + +<p>If Florence Douglas was an heiress, our young hero, Ben Stanton, was +likewise possessed of property, though his inheritance was not a very +large one. When his father's estate was settled it was found that it +amounted to three hundred and sixty-five dollars. Though rather a large +sum in Ben's eyes, he was quite aware that the interest of this amount +would not support him. Accordingly, being ambitious, he drew from his +uncle, Job Stanton, a worthy shoemaker, the sum of seventy-five dollars, +and went to New York, hoping to obtain employment.</p> + +<p>In this he was disappointed, but he had the good fortune to meet Miss +Florence Douglas, by whom he was invited to accompany her to California +as her escort, his expenses of course being paid by his patroness. It is +needless to say that Ben accepted this<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span> proposal with alacrity, and, +embarking on a steamer, landed in less than a month at San Francisco. He +did not remain here long, but started for the mining-districts, still +employed by Miss Douglas, in search of Richard Dewey, her affianced +husband, whom her guardian had forbidden her to marry. As we have +already said, Ben and his chosen companion, Jake Bradley, succeeded in +their mission, but as yet had been unable to communicate tidings of +their success to Miss Douglas, there being no chance to send a letter to +San Francisco from the lonely hut where they were at present living.</p> + +<p>Besides carrying out the wishes of his patroness, Ben intended to try +his hand at mining, and had employed the interval of three weeks since +he discovered Mr. Dewey in working the latter's claim, with the success +already referred to.</p> + +<p>The time when the two friends are introduced to the reader is at the +close of the day, when, fatigued by their work on the claim, they are +glad to rest and chat. Mr. Bradley has a pipe in his mouth, and +evidently takes considerable comfort in his evening smoke.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span>"I wish I had a pipe for you, Ben," he said. "You don't know how it +rests me to smoke."</p> + +<p>"I'll take your word for it, Jake," returned Ben, smiling.</p> + +<p>"Won't you take a whiff? You don't know how soothin' it is."</p> + +<p>"I don't need to be soothed, Jake. I'm glad you enjoy it, but I don't +envy you a particle."</p> + +<p>"Well, p'r'aps you're right, Ben. Our old doctor used to say smokin' +wasn't good for boys, but I've smoked more or less since I was twelve +years old."</p> + +<p>"There's something I'd like better than smoking just now," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"What's that?"</p> + +<p>"Eating supper."</p> + +<p>"Just so. I wonder where that heathen Ki Sing is?"</p> + +<p>Ki Sing was cook and general servant to the little party, and performed +his duties in a very satisfactory manner—better than either Ben or +Bradley could have done—and left his white employers freer to work at +the more congenial occupation of searching for gold.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span>"Ki Sing is unusually late," said Richard Dewey. "I wonder what can have +detained him? I am beginning to feel hungry myself."</p> + +<p>"The heathen is usually on time," said Bradley, "though he hasn't got a +watch, any more than I have.—Dick, what time is it?"</p> + +<p>"Half-past six," answered Richard Dewey, who, though a miner, had not +been willing to dispense with all the appliances of civilization.</p> + +<p>"Maybe Ki Sing has found another place," suggested Ben, jocosely.</p> + +<p>"He is faithful; I will vouch for that," said Dewey. "I am more afraid +that he has met with some accident—like mine, for instance."</p> + +<p>"You won't catch a Chinaman spraining his ankle," said Bradley; "they're +too spry for that. They'll squeeze through where a white man can't, and +I wouldn't wonder if they could turn themselves inside out if they tried +hard."</p> + +<p>"It is possible," suggested Dewey, "that Ki Sing may have met with some +of our own race who have treated him roughly. You know the strong +prejudice that is felt against the poor fellows by some<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span> who are far +less deserving than they. They think it good sport to torment a +Chinaman."</p> + +<p>"I can't say I like 'em much myself," said Bradley; "but I don't mind +saying that Ki Sing is a gentleman. He is the best heathen I know of, +and if I should come across any fellow harmin' him I reckon I'd be ready +to take a hand myself."</p> + +<p>"We couldn't get along very well without him, Jake," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"That's where you're right, Ben. He's made himself useful to us, and no +mistake."</p> + +<p>"I have reason to feel indebted to him," said Dewey. "Injured as I was, +I should have fared badly but for his faithful services. I am not at all +sure that I should have been living at this moment had not the grateful +fellow cared for me and supplied my wants."</p> + +<p>It may be explained here that Richard Dewey had at one time rescued Ki +Sing from some rough companions who had made up their minds to cut off +the Chinaman's queue, thereby, in accordance with Chinese custom, +preventing him ever returning to his native country. It was the thought +of this ser<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span>vice that had prompted Ki Sing to faithful service when he +found his benefactor in need of it.</p> + +<p>Half an hour passed, and still the Chinaman did not appear.</p> + +<p>All three became anxious, especially Dewey. "Bradley," said he, "would +you mind going out to look for Ki Sing? I'm sure something has happened +to him."</p> + +<p>"Just what I was thinkin' of myself," said Bradley. "I'll go, and I'll +bring him back if he's above ground."</p> + +<p>"I'll go with you, Jake," said Ben, rising from the ground on which he +was seated.</p> + +<p>"You'd better stay with Dick Dewey," said Bradley; "maybe he'll want +you."</p> + +<p>"I forgot that. Yes, I will stay."</p> + +<p>"No; I would rather you would go with Bradley," said the invalid. "Two +will stand a better chance of success than one. I sha'n't need anything +while you are away."</p> + +<p>"Just as you say, Dick.—Well, Ben, let's start along. I reckon we'll +find Ki Sing before long, and then we'll have some supper."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span>As the two started on their errand Richard Dewey breathed a sigh of +relief. "I really believe I'm getting attached to Ki Sing," he said to +himself. "He's a good fellow, if he is a Chinaman, and if ever I am +prosperous I will take him into my service and see that he is +comfortably provided for."</p> + +<p>The poor Chinaman, though Dewey did not suspect it, was at that moment +in a very uncomfortable position indeed, and he himself was menaced by a +peril already near at hand against which his helpless condition allowed +of no defence. His lonely and monotonous life was destined to be varied +that evening in an unpleasant manner.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III.</h2> + +<h3>TWO GENTLEMEN OF THE ROAD.</h3> + + +<p>Perhaps two hours earlier two horsemen might have been seen riding +slowly over a lower slope of the mountain. The horses they bestrode were +of the Mexican breed, or, in common parlance, mustangs. They were +themselves dressed in Mexican style, and bore a strong resemblance to +bandits as we are apt to picture them.</p> + +<p>These gentlemen were Bill Mosely and Tom Hadley, hailing originally from +Missouri, but not reflecting any particular credit on their native +State. They were in fact adventurers, having a strong objection to +honest work and a decided preference for gaining a living by unlawful +means. The very horses they bestrode were stolen, having once belonged +to Jake Bradley and Ben Stanton. The circumstances under which they were +stolen will be remembered by readers of <i>The Young Explorer</i>.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span>"Beastly place, this, Tom!" said Bill Mosely, with a strong expression +of disgust.</p> + +<p>"I should say so," answered Hadley, who was wont by this phrase to echo +the sentiments expressed by his companion and leader.</p> + +<p>"I wouldn't have come up here if it had proved safe to stay lower down," +continued Bill Mosely. "That last man we relieved of his gold-dust might +prove troublesome if we should fall in with him again—eh, Tom?"</p> + +<p>"I should say so," remarked Mr. Hadley in a tone of sincere conviction.</p> + +<p>"I should like to see him when he wakes up and finds his bag of dust +missing," said Mosely, with a laugh.</p> + +<p>As he spoke he drew from his pocket a good-sized bag which appeared to +be nearly full of dust. "There must be several hundred dollars' worth +there," he said, complacently.</p> + +<p>He expected to hear Hadley answer in his usual style, but was +disappointed.</p> + +<p>"When are we going to divide?" asked Hadley, with an expression of +interest not unmingled with anxiety.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span>"You'd better let me carry it, Tom; it's all the same."</p> + +<p>"I should say so. No, I would prefer to take charge of my part," said +Hadley, "or at least to carry the bag part of the time."</p> + +<p>Bill Mosely frowned darkly, and he brought his hand near the pocket in +which he carried his pistol. "Hadley," he said, sternly, "do you doubt +my honor?"</p> + +<p>"I should say—not," answered Tom Hadley in a dissatisfied tone, +bringing out the last word after a slight pause; "but I don't see why I +shouldn't carry the bag part of the time."</p> + +<p>"Had you doubted my honor," continued Mosely with a grand air, "though +you are my friend, I should have been compelled to take your life. I +never take any back talk. I chaw up any one who insults me. I'm a +regular out-and-out desperado, I am, when I'm riled."</p> + +<p>"I've heard all that before," said Tom Hadley, rather impatiently.</p> + +<p>It was quite true, for this was the style in which Bill Mosely was +accustomed to address new acquaint<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span>ances. It had not succeeded with Jake +Bradley, who had enough knowledge of human nature to detect the falsity +of Mosely's pretensions and the sham character of his valor.</p> + +<p>"You've heard it before," said Mosely, severely, "but ain't it true? +That's what I ask you, Tom Hadley."</p> + +<p>"I should say so," slipped out almost unconsciously from the lips of the +habitual echo.</p> + +<p>"'Tis well," said Mosely, waving his hand. "You know it and you believe +it. I'm a bad man to insult, I am. I generally chaw up them that stand +in my way."</p> + +<p>Tom Hadley was really a braver man than Mosely, and he answered +obstinately, "Give me half that gold-dust, or I'll take it."</p> + +<p>Bill Mosely saw his determined face and felt that it was necessary to +back down. "I don't know why I don't shoot you," he said, trying to keep +up his air of domination.</p> + +<p>"Because two can play at that game," said Hadley, doggedly.</p> + +<p>He produced a pouch, and Bill Mosely, much<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span> against his will, was +compelled to divide the contents of the stolen bag, managing, however, +to retain the larger share himself.</p> + +<p>"I don't want to quarrel with a friend," said Bill, more mildly, "but +you don't act friendly to-day."</p> + +<p>"It's all right now," said Hadley, satisfied.</p> + +<p>"Maybe you think I don't want to act fair," continued Mosely in an +injured tone. "Why, the very horse you are riding is a proof to the +contrary. I didn't ask for both horses, did I?"</p> + +<p>"You couldn't ride both," answered Tom Hadley, with practical good +sense.</p> + +<p>"I wonder where the fellows are we took them from?" said Mosely, with a +change of subject. "The man was a regular fire-eater: I wouldn't like to +meet him again."</p> + +<p>"I should say so," chimed in Hadley, emphatically.</p> + +<p>Bradley had paid Mosely in his own coin, and boasted of his prowess even +more extravagantly than that braggadocio, claiming to have killed from +seventy to eighty men in the course of his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span> experience. Mosely had been +taken in by his confident tone, and knowing that he was himself a sham +desperado, though a genuine thief and highwayman, had been made to feel +uneasy while in Bradley's company.</p> + +<p>"I wonder what became of them?" continued Mosely, thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>As Tom Hadley's special phrase could not come in here appropriately, he +forbore to make any remark.</p> + +<p>"He thought he would scare me by his fierce talk," said Mosely, who +would hardly have spoken so confidently had he known that Bradley was +only two miles distant from him at that identical moment. "It takes a +good deal to scare a man like me—eh, Tom?"</p> + +<p>"I should say so," returned Hadley, but it was noticeable that he spoke +rather dubiously, and not with his usual positiveness.</p> + +<p>"I'm a hard man to handle," continued Mosely, complacently, relapsing +into the style of talk which he most enjoyed. "I'm as bad as they make +'em."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span>"I should say so," chimed in Tom Hadley; and there was nothing doubtful +in his tone now.</p> + +<p>Bill Mosely looked at him as if he suspected there was something +suspicious under this speech, but Tom Hadley wore his usual look, and +his companion dismissed his momentary doubt. "You never saw me afraid of +any living man—eh, Tom?"</p> + +<p>"I should say so," answered Hadley.</p> + +<p>There was something equivocal in this speech, and Bill Mosely looked +vexed.</p> + +<p>"Can't you say anything but that?" he grumbled. "It looks as if you +doubted my statement. No man doubt my word—and lives."</p> + +<p>Tom Hadley merely shrugged his shoulders. He was not a man of brilliant +intellectual ability or of rare penetration, but there were times when +even he was led to suspect that his companion was a humbug. Yet Mosely +had greater force of character, and took uncommon pains to retain his +ascendency over his more simple-minded companion, and had in the main +been successful, though in the matter of the gold-dust he had been +obliged to score a defeat.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span>As Hadley did not see fit to express any doubt of this last statement, +Bill Mosely was content to let the matter drop, assuming that he had +gained a victory and recovered his ascendency over his echo.</p> + +<p>They had met no one for some hours, and did not look for an encounter +with anything wearing the semblance of humanity, when all at once Tom +Hadley uttered an exclamation.</p> + +<p>"What is it, Tom?" asked Mosely.</p> + +<p>"Look there!" was the only answer, as Hadley, with outstretched finger, +pointed to a Chinaman walking slowly up the hill.</p> + +<p>"It's a heathen Chinee!" exclaimed Mosely with animation.</p> + +<p>"I should say so," echoed Hadley.</p> + +<p>Mosely urged his mustang to greater speed, and soon overtook Ki Sing, +for it was Richard Dewey's attendant whom the two adventurers had fallen +in with.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h2> + +<h3>KI SING IN THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY.</h3> + + +<p>Ki Sing turned when he heard the sound of horses' feet, for in that +mountain-solitude such a sound was unusual. He was not reassured by the +appearance of the two men, whose intention seemed to be to overtake him, +and he turned aside from the path with the intention of getting out of +the way.</p> + +<p>"Stop there, you heathen!" called Bill Mosely in his fiercest tone.</p> + +<p>Ki Sing halted, and an expression of uneasiness came over his broad, +flat face.</p> + +<p>"What are you doing here, you Chinese loafer?"</p> + +<p>Ki Sing did not exactly comprehend this speech, but answered mildly, +"How do, Melican man?"</p> + +<p>"How do?" echoed Bill Mosely, laughing rather boisterously.—"Tom, the +heathen wants to know how I do.—Well, heathen, I'm so's to be around,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span> +and wouldn't mind chawing up a dozen Chinamen. Where do you live?"</p> + +<p>"Up mountain," answered Ki Sing.</p> + +<p>"Which way?"</p> + +<p>The Chinaman pointed in the right direction.</p> + +<p>"What do you do for a living?"</p> + +<p>"Wait on Melican man—cookee, washee."</p> + +<p>"So you are a servant to a white man, John?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, John."</p> + +<p>"Don't you call me John, you yellow mummy! I'm not one of your +countrymen, I reckon.—What do you say to that, Tom? The fellow's +gettin' familiar."</p> + +<p>"I should say so," remarked Tom Hadley, with his usual originality.</p> + +<p>"What's the name of the Melican man you work for?" continued Mosely, +after a slight pause.</p> + +<p>"Dickee Dewee," answered Ki Sing, repeating the familiar name applied by +Bradley to the invalid. The name seemed still more odd as the Chinaman +pronounced it.</p> + +<p>"Well, he's got a queer name, that's all I can say," continued Mosely. +"What's your name?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span>"Ki Sing."</p> + +<p>"Ki Sing? How's Mrs. Ki Sing?" asked Mosely, who was disposed, like the +cat, to play with his victim before turning and rending him.</p> + +<p>"Me got no wifee," said the Chinaman, stolidly.</p> + +<p>"Then you're in the market. Do you want to marry?"</p> + +<p>"Me no want to mally?"</p> + +<p>"So much the worse for the ladies. Well, as to this Dickee, as you call +him? What does he do?"</p> + +<p>"He sick—lie down on bedee."</p> + +<p>"He's sick, is he? What's the matter with him?"</p> + +<p>"Fall down and hurt leggee."</p> + +<p>"Oh, that was it? What did he do before he hurt himself?"</p> + +<p>"Dig gold."</p> + +<p>Bill Mosely became more interested. "Did he find much gold?" he asked +eagerly.</p> + +<p>"Yes, muchee," answered Ki Sing, unsuspiciously.</p> + +<p>"Does he keep it with him?"</p> + +<p>Bill Mosely betrayed a little too much interest when he asked this +question, and the Chinaman, hitherto unsuspicious, became on his guard.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span>"Why you wantee know?" he asked shrewdly.</p> + +<p>"Do you dare give me any of your back talk, you yellow heathen?" +exclaimed Mosely, angrily. "Answer my question, or I'll chaw you up in +less'n a minute."</p> + +<p>"What you ask?" said Ki Sing, innocently.</p> + +<p>"You know well enough. Where does this Dickee keep the gold he found +before he met with an accident?"</p> + +<p>"He no tellee me," answered Ki Sing.</p> + +<p>This might be true, so that Mosely did not feel sure that the Chinaman's +ignorance was feigned. Still, he resolved to push the inquiry, in the +hope of eliciting some information that might be of value, for already a +plan had come into his mind which was in accordance with his general +character and reputation—that of relieving the invalid of his hoard of +gold-dust.</p> + +<p>"Where do you think he keeps the gold, John?" he asked mildly.</p> + +<p>Ki Sing looked particularly vacant as he expressed his ignorance on this +subject.</p> + +<p>"Has he got a cabin up there?" asked Mosely.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"And how far might it be?"</p> + +<p>"Long way," answered Ki Sing, who wished to divert Mosely from the plan +which the faithful servant could see he had in view.</p> + +<p>Bill Mosely was keen enough to understand the Chinaman's meaning, and +answered, "Long or not, I will go and see your master. I am a doctor," +he added, winking to Hadley, "and perhaps I can help him.—Ain't I a +doctor, Tom?"</p> + +<p>"I should say so," answered Hadley, whose respect for truth did not +interfere with his corroborating in his usual style anything which his +companion saw fit to assert.</p> + +<p>Ki Sing did not express any opinion on the subject of Bill Mosely's +medical pretensions, though he was quite incredulous.</p> + +<p>"Lead the way, John," said Mosely.</p> + +<p>"Where me go?" asked the Chinaman innocently.</p> + +<p>"Go? Go to the cabin where your master lives, and that by the shortest +path. Do you hear?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span>Ki Sing, however, still faithful to the man who had befriended him in +the hour of danger, did not direct his course toward Richard Dewey's +cabin, but guided the two adventurers in a different direction. The +course he took was a circuitous one, taking him no farther away from the +cabin, but encircling the summit and drawing no nearer to it. He hoped +that the two men, whose purpose he suspected was not honest nor +friendly, would become tired and would give up the quest.</p> + +<p>He did not, however, understand the perseverance of Mosely when he felt +that he was on the scent of gold.</p> + +<p>Finally, Mosely spoke. "John," he said, "is the cabin near by?"</p> + +<p>Ki Sing shook his head. "Long way," he answered.</p> + +<p>"How did you happen to get so far away from it, then, I should like to +know?" and he examined the face of his guide sharply.</p> + +<p>But Ki Sing's broad face seemed utterly void of expression as, +neglecting to answer the question, he reiterated his statement, "Housee +long way."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span>"The man's a fool, Tom," said Mosely, turning to his companion.</p> + +<p>"I should say so," was all the help he got from Hadley.</p> + +<p>"Do you know what I mean to do, Hadley?—Here, you yellow mummy, go a +little ahead." (The Chinaman did so.)—"There's a bonanza up there in +that cabin, wherever it is. The Chinaman says that this man with the +queer name had got out a good deal of gold before he met with an +accident—broke his leg, likely. Well, it stands to reason he's got the +gold now. There ain't no chance here of sendin' off the dust, and of +course he's got it hid somewhere in his cabin. Do you see the point, +Tom?"</p> + +<p>"I should say so."</p> + +<p>"And I should say so too. It strikes me as a particularly good chance. +This man is disabled and helpless. He can't prevent us walking off with +his gold, can he?"</p> + +<p>"Suppose he won't tell us where it is?" suggested Tom Hadley with +extraordinary mental acuteness.</p> + +<p>"Why, we'll knock him on the head or put a bul<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span>let in him, Hadley. It's +a pity if two fire-eaters like us can't tackle a man with a broken leg. +What do you say?"</p> + +<p>"I should say so."</p> + +<p>Fifteen minutes more passed, and they seemed to be getting no nearer +their destination. At any rate, no cabin was in sight. Ki Sing only +answered, when interrogated, "Long way."</p> + +<p>"Hadley," said Bill Mosely, "I begin to believe that heathen's +misleading us. What do you say?"</p> + +<p>"I should say so."</p> + +<p>"Then I'll attend to his case.—Here, you heathen!"</p> + +<p>"Whatee want?"</p> + +<p>Bill Mosely sprang from his mustang, seized Ki Sing, and, in spite of +howls, with Hadley's assistance tied him to a small tree with a strong +cord he had in his pocket.</p> + +<p>"That disposes of you, my friend," he said, mounting his mustang. "I +think we shall find the cabin better without you."</p> + +<p>The two men rode off, leaving poor Ki Sing in what appeared, considering +the loneliness of the spot, to be hopeless captivity.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V.</h2> + +<h3>FURTHER ADVENTURES OF BILL MOSELY.</h3> + + +<p>Bill Mosley and his companion pushed on after leaving the poor Chinaman +tied to the tree.</p> + +<p>"The yellow heathen may starve, for all I care," said Mosely, +carelessly. "It's all his own fault. Why didn't he speak up like a man +and tell me what I wanted to know?"</p> + +<p>"I should say so," chimed in Tom Hadley.</p> + +<p>"The question is now, 'Whereabouts is that cabin we are in search of?'"</p> + +<p>Hadley appeared to have no idea, and no suggestion to offer.</p> + +<p>"It strikes me it must be somewhere near the top of the mountain," said +Mosely. "What do you say?"</p> + +<p>"I should say so."</p> + +<p>"Then we'll take the shortest way to the summit. I tell you, Tom, we're +on the track of something<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span> rich. We'll take all this fellow's gold-dust, +and he can't help himself. It'll be richer than any claim we've worked +yet, if it pans out as well as I expect—eh, Tom?"</p> + +<p>"I should say so, Bill," answered Hadley, with an expression of +interest.</p> + +<p>"I tell you, Tom," said Bill Mosely, complacently, "you were in luck +when you fell in with me. We've done pretty well since we j'ined hosses, +pard."</p> + +<p>"I should say so—but," added Hadley, after a pause, "it would go hard +with us if we got caught."</p> + +<p>"We don't mean to get caught," said Mosely, promptly. "As for this new +job, there's no danger in it. This man is down with a broken leg, and he +can't help our taking his gold. The Chinaman's out of the way, and we've +got a clear field. Take a good look, Tom, for your eyes are better than +mine, and tell me if you see anything that looks like a cabin anywhere +around?"</p> + +<p>This inquiry was made some twenty minutes after they had left Ki Sing. +They had pursued a circuitous course, or in half the time they might +have been as near the cabin as they now were.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span>Tom Hadley didn't answer in his customary phrase, but instead raised +himself erect on his mustang and looked sharply about him.</p> + +<p>"Well?" demanded Mosely, impatiently.</p> + +<p>"I don't see anything that looks like a cabin," said Hadley, +deliberately, "but I think I see smoke."</p> + +<p>"Where?" asked his companion in an eager tone.</p> + +<p>"There," said Tom Hadley, pointing with his whip in a particular +direction.</p> + +<p>Mosely strained his eyes, but he was a trifle near-sighted and could see +nothing.</p> + +<p>"I can't see anything," he said, "but that proves nothing. If there's +smoke, there's a house. There's no question about that, and there's not +likely to be more than one cabin about here. Steer in the direction of +the smoke, Tom, and I'll follow in your tracks. My horse is getting +tired; he'll be glad to rest for the night."</p> + +<p>"Will it be safe?" queried Hadley.</p> + +<p>"Safe enough. The Chinaman is disposed of, and as for this broken-legged +Dewey, we'll bind him fast and set him outside of the cabin while we +make ourselves comfortable within. I shall be sorry to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span> inconvenience +him, but when a man has company he must expect to be put out—eh, Tom?"</p> + +<p>"I should say so, Bill."</p> + +<p>The two worthy gentlemen kept on their way till, making a sudden turn, +the house, which had hitherto been concealed from them by a cliff, stood +plainly revealed.</p> + +<p>"There it is, Tom!" cried Mosely, joyfully. "We've found it, in spite of +that lying heathen. It seems good to see a house after wandering about +for weeks without a chance to sleep under a roof—eh, Tom?"</p> + +<p>"I should say so, Bill."</p> + +<p>It will be observed that Mr. William Mosely was fond of designating Ki +Sing as a heathen, evidently appreciating his own superiority as a +Christian. Yet I am inclined to think that a heathen like the Chinaman +possessed more moral worth than a dozen Christians of the type of +Mosely. From youth he had preyed upon the community, and his aim had +been to get a living in any way that did not involve labor. Honesty was +an obsolete word in his vocabulary, and a successful theft yielded him a +satisfaction such as other men derive from the consciousness of +well-doing.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span> In fact, Mosely's moral nature was warped, and there was +very little chance of his reformation.</p> + +<p>Now that the cabin was near at hand, the two men did not quicken their +speed, for the ascent was somewhat steep and their animals were tired.</p> + +<p>"Take it easy, Tom. The whole thing's in our hands. Wonder whether +Dewey's expectin' visitors?" he added, chuckling. "I say, Hadley, he'll +be glad to see us—don't you think so?"</p> + +<p>"I should say so," returned Hadley, before the joke dawned upon him.</p> + +<p>"You see, we are going to relieve him of the care of that gold-dust of +his. We're two bankers from 'Frisco, that's what we are, and we'll take +care of all the gold-dust we can take in."</p> + +<p>"I shall want my half," said Tom Hadley, unexpectedly deviating from his +customary formula.</p> + +<p>Mosely shrugged his shoulders. He did not quite like this new +disposition of Hadley's to look after his own interests, but at present +did not think it politic to say much about it. Though Tom Hadley had +generally been subservient to him, he knew very well that if any +difficulty should arise between them<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span> Tom would be a formidable +antagonist. Fortunately for him, Hadley did not know his own power, or +he would not have remained in subjection to a man whom he could have +overcome had he been so disposed. He did not fully believe Bill Mosely's +ridiculous boasts of his own prowess, but he was nevertheless disposed +to overrate the man who made so many pretensions. All he asked was a +fair share of the booty which the two together managed to secure, and +this he had made up his mind to have.</p> + +<p>They reached the cabin at last, and halted their horses before the door.</p> + +<p>Both sprang off, and Bill Mosely, with a sign to his companion to remain +in charge of them, entered at the open door.</p> + +<p>"Is that you, Ki Sing?" asked Dewey, whose face was turned toward the +wall.</p> + +<p>Bill Mosely could not tell from the way he lay on the pallet, covered +with a blanket, whether his leg were broken or not, but believed that +this was the case. "That doesn't happen to be my name, stranger," he +answered.</p> + +<p>Richard Dewey turned suddenly on his low bed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span> and fixed his eyes on the +intruder. "Who are you? what do you want?" he demanded suspiciously.</p> + +<p>"I thought I'd come round and make you a call, being in the +neighborhood," answered Mosely, with a smile.</p> + +<p>"Who are you?"</p> + +<p>"Well, I'm not the President of the United States, nor I ain't Queen +Victoria, as I know of," said Mosely.</p> + +<p>"You look more like a horse-thief," said Richard Dewey, bluntly.</p> + +<p>"Do you mean to insult me?" exclaimed Bill Mosely, fiercely. "Do you +know who I am?"</p> + +<p>Dewey was not easily frightened, and he answered coolly, "You haven't +told me yet."</p> + +<p>"Well, I'm Bill Mosely from the State of Missouri. I'm a regular tearer, +I am. I don't take no back talk. When a man insults me I kill him."</p> + +<p>"Very well. Now I know who you are," said Richard Dewey, calmly. "Now, +what do you want?"</p> + +<p>"How much gold-dust have you in this cabin? We may as well come to +business."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span>"None at all."</p> + +<p>"I know better. You can't pull wool over my eyes. Your Chinaman tells a +different story."</p> + +<p>"Ha! Have you seen Ki Sing?" asked Dewey, interested at last.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I had the pleasure of meeting the heathen you refer to."</p> + +<p>"Where is he now? Can you tell me?"</p> + +<p>"To the best of my knowledge he is tied to a tree a mile or so from +here. I don't think he will get away very easily."</p> + +<p>"Scoundrel! you shall answer for this!" exclaimed Richard Dewey, +springing to his feet, and thereby showing that neither of his legs was +broken.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.</h2> + +<h3>AN UNEQUAL CONTEST.</h3> + + +<p>Bill Mosely was decidedly startled when the man whom he thought helpless +sprang up so suddenly and approached him in a menacing manner. He rose +precipitately from the rude seat on which he had settled himself +comfortably, his face wearing an expression of alarm.</p> + +<p>Richard Dewey paused and confronted him. A frown was on his face, and he +appeared very much in earnest in the question he next asked. "Have you +dared to ill-treat my servant, you scoundrel?" he demanded.</p> + +<p>"Look here, stranger," said Mosely, with a faint attempt at bluster, +"you'd better take care what you say to me. I'm a bad man, I am."</p> + +<p>"I don't doubt it," said Dewey, contemptuously.</p> + +<p>This was not altogether satisfactory to Bill Mosely,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span> though it +expressed confidence in the truth of his statement.</p> + +<p>"You haven't answered my question," continued Dewey. "What have you done +with my servant?"</p> + +<p>"Perhaps he wasn't your servant," said Bill Mosely, evasively.</p> + +<p>"There is but one Chinaman in this neighborhood," said Richard Dewey +impatiently, "and he is my faithful servant. Did you tie him to a tree?"</p> + +<p>"He was impudent to me," answered Bill Mosely, uneasily.</p> + +<p>"Ki Sing is never impudent to any one," returned Dewey, his eyes +flashing with anger. "Tell me what you did with him, or I will fell you +to the ground."</p> + +<p>"I didn't harm him," said Bill Mosely, hastily. "I wanted to teach him a +lesson; that is all."</p> + +<p>"And so you tied him to a tree, did you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Then go back and release him instantly, or it will be the worse for +you. I would go with you,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span> to make sure that you did so, but my ankle is +weak. Where did you leave him?"</p> + +<p>"A little way down the hill."</p> + +<p>"Then go at once and release him. If you fail to do it, some day I shall +meet you again and I will make you bitterly repent it."</p> + +<p>"All right, stranger; make your mind easy."</p> + +<p>Bill Mosely turned to leave the cabin, and Richard Dewey threw himself +down on the pallet once more.</p> + +<p>But Mosely had no intention of letting the matter rest there. Had he +been alone he would not have ventured on any further conflict with +Dewey, who, invalid as he was, had shown so much spirit; but he felt +considerable confidence in his companion, who was strong and powerful.</p> + +<p>He approached Tom Hadley and whispered in his ear. Tom nodded his head, +and the two stealthily approached the entrance again and re-entered the +cabin.</p> + +<p>Richard Dewey had laid himself down on the pallet, thinking that Bill +Mosely had gone about his business, when Tom Hadley, who had been +as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span>signed to this duty by his more timid companion, threw himself upon +the invalid and overpowered him.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps you'll insult a gentleman again," exclaimed Mosely tauntingly +as he stood by and witnessed the ineffectual struggles of Tom's victim, +who had been taken at disadvantage.—"Here's the cord, Tom, tie his +hands and feet."</p> + +<p>"You're contemptible cowards," exclaimed Dewey. "It takes two of you to +overpower a sick man."</p> + +<p>"You don't look very sick," said Mosely, tauntingly.</p> + +<p>"I have sprained my ankle or I would defy both of you."</p> + +<p>"Talk's cheap!" retorted Bill Mosely.</p> + +<p>"What is your object in this outrageous assault upon a stranger?" +demanded Dewey.</p> + +<p>"We'll tell you presently," answered Mosely.—"Now tie his feet, Tom."</p> + +<p>"Be careful of my ankle—it is sore and sensitive," said Dewey, +addressing himself to Tom Hadley. "You need not tie me further. In my +present condition I am no match for you both. Tell<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span> me why it is you +have chosen to attack a man who has never harmed you?"</p> + +<p>Tom Hadley looked to Mosely to answer.</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you what we want, Dewey, if that is your name," said the +superior rascal. "We want that gold-dust you've got hidden about here +somewhere."</p> + +<p>"Who told you I had any gold-dust?" inquired the invalid.</p> + +<p>"Your servant. He let it out without thinking, but when we wanted him to +guide us here, he wouldn't. That's why we left him tied to a tree—isn't +it, Tom?"</p> + +<p>"I should say so."</p> + +<p>"Poor fellow! I am glad to hear he was faithful even when he found +himself in the power of two such ruffians as you."</p> + +<p>"Look here, Dewey: don't give us any of your back talk. It ain't +safe—eh, Tom?"</p> + +<p>"I should say so, Bill."</p> + +<p>"I intend to express my opinion of you and your villainous conduct," +said Dewey, undaunted, "whatever you choose to call it. So Ki Sing +wouldn't guide you here?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span>"No, he led us round in a circle. When we found it out we settled his +hash pretty quick—"</p> + +<p>"Like cowards, as you were."</p> + +<p>"Are we going to stand this, Tom?" asked Bill, fiercely.</p> + +<p>Tom Hadley shrugged his shoulder. He did not enjoy what Bill Mosely +called "back talk" as well as his partner, and it struck him as so much +waste of time. He wanted to come to business, and said briefly, "Where's +the gold?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, Dewey, let us know what you have done with your gold."</p> + +<p>"So you are thieves, you two?"</p> + +<p>"I should say so," interjected Tom Hadley.</p> + +<p>"You're a fool," ejaculated Bill Mosely, frowning. "What makes you give +yourself away?"</p> + +<p>"Because," said Hadley, bluntly, "we are thieves, or we wouldn't be +after this man's gold."</p> + +<p>"That ain't the way to put it," said Bill Mosely, who shrank from +accepting the title to which his actions entitled him. "We're bankers +from 'Frisco, and we are going to take care of Dewey's gold, as he ain't +in a situation to take care of it himself."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span>"You are very kind," said Dewey, who, embarrassing as his position was, +rather enjoyed the humor of the situation. "So you are a banker, and +your friend a thief? I believe I have more respect for the thief, who +openly avows his objects.—Tom, if that is your name, I am sorry that +you are not in a better business. That man is wholly bad, but I believe +you could lead an honest life."</p> + +<p>Tom Hadley said nothing, but he looked thoughtful. His life had been a +lawless one, but he was not the thorough-going scoundrel that Bill +Mosely was, and would have been glad if circumstances had favored a more +creditable mode of life.</p> + +<p>"We're wastin' time, Dewey," said Bill Mosely. "Where's the gold-dust?"</p> + +<p>"Sure you know I have it? I leave you to find it for yourself," answered +the sick man, who was never lacking for courage, and did not tremble, +though wholly in the power of these men.</p> + +<p>"What shall we do, Tom?" asked Mosely.</p> + +<p>"Hunt for the gold," suggested Tom Hadley.</p> + +<p>If Mosely had judged it of any use to threaten Dewey, he would have done +so, hoping to force<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span> him to reveal the hiding-place of the gold; but the +undaunted spirit thus far displayed by his victim convinced him that the +attempt would be unsuccessful. He therefore proceeded, with the help of +his companion, to search the hut. The floor was of earth, and he +occupied himself in digging down into it, considering that the most +likely place of concealment for the treasure.</p> + +<p>Richard Dewey watched the work going on in silence.</p> + +<p>"If only Ben and Bradley would come back," he said to himself, "I should +soon be free of these rascals. They won't find the gold where they are +looking, but I needn't tell them that."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.</h2> + +<h3>TIED TO A TREE.</h3> + + +<p>When Ben and his friend Bradley left the cabin in search of Ki Sing, +they were puzzled to fix upon the direction in which it was best to go. +There was no particular reason to decide in favor of any one against the +others.</p> + +<p>"Shall we separate, Jake, or shall we go together?" asked Ben.</p> + +<p>"I think we had better stick together, Ben. Otherwise, if one succeeds +he won't have any way of letting the other know."</p> + +<p>"That's true."</p> + +<p>"Besides, we may need each other's help," added Bradley.</p> + +<p>"You mean in case Ki Sing has met with an accident?"</p> + +<p>"Well, no; I don't exactly mean that, Ben."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span>"Perhaps," said Ben, laughing, "you think two pairs of eyes better than +one."</p> + +<p>"That's true, Ben; but you haven't caught my idea."</p> + +<p>"Then, suppose you catch it for me and give me the benefit of it."</p> + +<p>"I think," said Bradley, not smiling at this sally of Ben's, "that our +Chinese friend has fallen in with some rough fellows who have done him +harm."</p> + +<p>"I hope not," said Ben, sobered by this suggestion.</p> + +<p>"So do I. Ki Sing is a good fellow, if he is a heathen, and I'd like to +scalp the man that ill-treats him."</p> + +<p>"There are not many travellers among these mountains."</p> + +<p>"No, but there are some. Some men are always pulling up stakes and +looking for better claims. Besides, we are here, and why shouldn't +others come here as well?"</p> + +<p>"That is so."</p> + +<p>"I think, Ben, we'll keep along in this direc<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span>tion," said Bradley, +indicating a path on the eastern slope of the hill. "I haven't any +particular reason for it, but I've got a sort of idea that this is the +right way."</p> + +<p>"All right, Jake; I will be guided by you. I hope you're mistaken about +Ki Sing's fate. Why couldn't he have fallen and sprained his ankle, like +Mr. Dewey?"</p> + +<p>"Of course he could, but it isn't likely he has."</p> + +<p>"Why not?"</p> + +<p>"Because Chinamen, I have always noticed, are cautious and supple. They +are some like cats; they fall on their feet. They are not rash like +white men, but know better how to take care of their lives and limbs. +That's why I don't think Ki Sing has tumbled down or hurt himself in any +way."</p> + +<p>"Of course he wouldn't leave us without notice," said Ben, musingly.</p> + +<p>"Certainly not: that isn't Ki Sing's way. He's faithful to Dick Dewey, +and won't leave him as long as Dick is laid up. I never had much idea of +Chinamen before, and I don't know as I have now,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span> but Ki Sing is a good +fellow, whatever you may say of his countrymen. They're not all honest. +I was once robbed by a Chinaman, but I'll bet something on Ki Sing. He +might have robbed Dick when he was helpless and dependent, before we +came along, but he didn't do it. There are plenty of white men you +couldn't say that of."</p> + +<p>"For instance, the gentlemen who stole our horses."</p> + +<p>"It makes me mad whenever I think of that little transaction," said +Bradley. "As for that braggart, Mosely, he'll come to grief some of +these days. He'll probably die with his boots on and his feet some way +from the ground. Before that happens I'd like a little whack at him +myself."</p> + +<p>"I owe him a debt too," said Ben. "His running off with my mustang cost +me a good many weary hours. But hark! what's that?" said Ben, suddenly.</p> + +<p>"What's what?"</p> + +<p>"I thought I heard a cry."</p> + +<p>"Where away?"</p> + +<p>"To the left."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span>Jake Bradley halted and inclined his ear to listen.</p> + +<p>"Ben," said he, looking up, "I believe we're on the scent. That cry came +either from a Chinaman or a cat."</p> + +<p>Ben couldn't help laughing, in spite of the apprehensions which the +words of his companion suggested. "Let us push on, then," he said.</p> + +<p>Three minutes later the two came in sight of poor Ki Sing, chafing in +his forced captivity and making ineffectual attempts to release himself +from his confinement.</p> + +<p>"That's he, sure enough," exclaimed Jake Bradley, excited. "The poor +fellow's regularly treed."</p> + +<p>The Chinaman had not yet seen the approach of his friends, for he +happened to be looking in another direction.</p> + +<p>"Ki Sing!" called Ben.</p> + +<p>An expression of relief and joy overspread the countenance of the +unfortunate captive when he saw our hero and Bradley.</p> + +<p>"How came you here, Ki Sing?" asked Bradley. "Did you tie yourself to +the tree?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span>"No, no," replied the Chinaman, earnestly. "Velly bad men tie Ki Sing."</p> + +<p>"How many of them bad men were there?" queried Bradley.</p> + +<p>"Two."</p> + +<p>"That's one apiece for us, Ben," said Bradley. "There a job ahead for +us."</p> + +<p>At the same time he busied himself in cutting the cord that confined the +poor Chinaman to the tree, and Ki Sing, with an expression of great +relief and contentment, stretched his limbs and chafed his wrists and +ankles, which were sore from the cutting of the cord.</p> + +<p>"Now, Ki Sing, tell us a little more about them men. What did they look +like?"</p> + +<p>The Chinaman, in the best English he had at command, described the two +men who had perpetrated the outrage.</p> + +<p>"Did you hear either of them call the other by name?" inquired Bradley.</p> + +<p>"One Billee; the other Tommee," answered Ki Sing, who remembered the way +in which they addressed each other.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span>"Why, those are the names of the men who stole our horses!" said Ben, in +surprise.</p> + +<p>"That's so!" exclaimed Bradley, in excitement. "It would be just like +them scamps to tie up a poor fellow like Ki Sing.—I say, Ki, did them +fellows have horses?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered the Chinaman.</p> + +<p>"I believe they're the very fellows," cried Bradley. "I hope they are, +for there's a chance of overhauling them.—Why did they tie you, Ki +Sing?"</p> + +<p>Ki Sing explained that they had tried to induce him to guide them to +Richard Dewey's cabin, but that he was sure they wanted to steal his +gold, and he had led them astray.</p> + +<p>"That's the sort of fellow Ki Sing is," said Bradley, nodding to Ben; +"you see, he wouldn't betray his master."</p> + +<p>"So they tie me to tlee," continued the poor fellow. "I thought I stay +here all night."</p> + +<p>"You didn't take us into the account, Ki Sing. When these scoundrels +left you where did they go?"</p> + +<p>Ki Sing pointed.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span>"And you think they went in search of the cabin?"</p> + +<p>"Yes—they say so."</p> + +<p>"Did they know we were there—Ben and I?"</p> + +<p>"No; me only say Dickee Dewey."</p> + +<p>"Did you say that Dewey was sick?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"It is clear," said Bradley, turning to Ben, "that them rascals were +bent on mischief. From what Ki Sing told them they concluded that Dewey +would be unable to resist them, and that they would have a soft thing +stealing his gold-dust."</p> + +<p>"They may have found the cabin and be at work there now," suggested Ben.</p> + +<p>"So they may," answered Bradley, hastily. "What a fool I am to be +chattering here when Dick may be in danger!—Stir your stumps, Ki Sing. +We're goin' back to the cabin as fast as our legs can carry us. I only +hope we'll be in time to catch the scoundrels."</p> + +<p>Not without anxiety the three friends retraced their steps toward the +little mountain-hut which was at present their only home.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII.</h2> + +<h3>TURNING THE TABLES.</h3> + + +<p>When the three friends came in view of the cabin, the first sight which +attracted their attention was the two mustangs, who stood, in patient +enjoyment of the rest they so much needed, just outside. Their unlawful +owners, as we know, were engaged inside in searching for gold-dust, +without the slightest apprehension or expectation of interference.</p> + +<p>"That's my mustang," exclaimed Bradley in a tone of suppressed +excitement. "I never looked to lay eyes on him again, but, thank the +Lord! the thief has walked into a trap which I didn't set for him. We'll +have a reckoning, and that pretty soon."</p> + +<p>"How do you know it's your mustang?" asked Ben.</p> + +<p>"There's a white spot on the left flank. The other one's yours: I know +it by his make, though I can't lay hold of any sign. Even if I didn't +know him,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span> his bein' in company with mine makes it stand to reason that +it belongs to you."</p> + +<p>"I shall be glad to have it again," said Ben, "but we may have a tussle +for them."</p> + +<p>"I'm ready," said Jake Bradley, grimly.</p> + +<p>By this time they had come to a halt to consider the situation.</p> + +<p>"I don't hear anything," said Bradley, listening intently. "I expect the +skunks must be inside. Pray Heaven they haven't harmed poor Dewey!"</p> + +<p>Just then Dewey's voice was heard, and they were so near that they could +distinguish his words.</p> + +<p>"Well, gentlemen," he said, "how are you getting on? Have you found +anything yet?"</p> + +<p>"No, curse it!" responded Mosely. "Suppose you give us a hint."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, but I don't see how that's going to benefit me. If you find +the money you mean to take it, don't you?"</p> + +<p>"I should say so," answered Tom Hadley, frankly.</p> + +<p>Richard Dewey smiled. "I commend your frankness," he said. "Well, you +can't expect a man to assist in robbing himself, can you?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span>"You're mighty cool," growled Bill Mosely.</p> + +<p>"On the contrary, my indignation is very warm, I assure you."</p> + +<p>"Look here, Dewey," said Mosely, pausing: "I'm goin' to make you a +proposition."</p> + +<p>"Go on."</p> + +<p>"Of course we shall find this gold-dust of yours, but it's rather hard +and troublesome work; so I'll tell you what we'll do. If you'll tell us +where to find it, we'll leave a third of it for you. That'll be square, +won't it? One part for me, one for my pard, and one for you? What do you +say?"</p> + +<p>"That you are very kind to allow me a third of what belongs wholly to +me. But even if I should think this a profitable arrangement to enter +into, how am I to feel secure against your carrying off all of the +treasure?"</p> + +<p>"You can trust to the honor of a gentleman," laid Mr. William Mosely, +pompously.</p> + +<p>"Meaning you?" asked Dewey, with a laugh.</p> + +<p>"Meaning me, of course, and when perhaps for myself, perhaps for my pard +also—eh, Tom?"</p> + +<p>"I should say so, Bill."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span>"I've heard there's honor among thieves," said Dewey, smiling, "and this +appears to be an illustration of it. Well, gentlemen, I'm sorry to say I +don't feel that confidence in your honor or your word which would +justify me in accepting your kind proposal."</p> + +<p>"Do you doubt my word?" blustered Mosely.</p> + +<p>"I feel no doubt on the subject," answered Dewey.</p> + +<p>"I accept your apology," said Mosely; "it's lucky you made it. Me and my +friend don't stand no insults. We don't take no back talk. We're bad men +when we get into a scrimmage—eh, Tom?"</p> + +<p>"I don't doubt your word in the least," said Dewey. "It gives me +pleasure to assent cordially to the description you give of yourselves."</p> + +<p>Tom Hadley, who was rather obtuse, took this as a compliment, but Mosely +was not altogether clear whether Dewey was not chaffing them. "That +sounds all right," said he, suspiciously, "if you mean it."</p> + +<p>"Oh, set your mind quite at rest on that subject, Bill, if that is your +name. You may be sure that I mean everything I say."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span>"Then you won't give us a hint where to dig?"</p> + +<p>"I am sorry to disoblige you, but I really couldn't."</p> + +<p>"Do you hear that, Ben?" said Jake Bradley, his mouth distended with a +grin. "Dick's chaffin' them scoundrels, and they can't see it. It looks +as if they was huntin' for the gold-dust. They haven't found anything +yet, and they haven't hurt Dick, or he wouldn't talk as cool as he +does."</p> + +<p>There was a brief conference, and then the first movement was made by +the besieging-party.</p> + +<p>Ki Sing, by Bradley's direction, walked to the entrance of the hut and +looked placidly in.</p> + +<p>As Mosely looked up he saw the Chinaman's face looking like a full moon, +and for an instant he was stupefied. He could not conceive how his +victim could have escaped from his captivity.</p> + +<p>"Tom," he ejaculated, pointing to the doorway, "look there!"</p> + +<p>"I should say so!" ejaculated Tom Hadley, no less surprised than his +friend.</p> + +<p>"How did you get here?" demanded Bill Mosely, addressing the Chinaman.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span>"Me walk up hill," answered Ki Sing, with a bland smile.</p> + +<p>"How did you get away from the tree? That's what I mean, you stupid."</p> + +<p>"Fliend come along—cut stling," answered the Chinaman, pronouncing his +words in Mongolian fashion.</p> + +<p>Bill Mosely was startled. So Ki Sing had a friend. Was the friend with +him? "Where is your friend?" he asked abruptly.</p> + +<p>"That my fliend," said the crafty Ki Sing, pointing to his master on the +pallet in the corner.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Ki Sing," said Dewey, "we are friends and will remain so, my good +fellow."</p> + +<p>Though he did not quite understand why Ben and Jake Bradley did not +present themselves, he felt sure that they were close at hand, and that +his unwelcome visitors would very soon find it getting hot for them.</p> + +<p>"Look here, you yellow baboon!" said Bill Mosely, angrily, "you know +what I mean. This man here didn't free you from the tree. Anyway, you +were a fool to come back. Do you know what I am going to do with you?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span>Ki Sing shook his head placidly.</p> + +<p>"I am going to tie you hand and foot and roll you down hill. You'd +better have stayed where you were."</p> + +<p>"No want loll down hillee," said the Chinaman, without, however, +betraying any fear.</p> + +<p>"I sha'n't ask whether you like it or not. But stop! Perhaps you can +help us. Do you know where the gold-dust is?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered Ki Sing.</p> + +<p>Bill Mosely's face lighted up with pleasure. He thought he saw the way +out of his difficulty.</p> + +<p>"That's the very thing!" he cried, turning to his partner—"eh, Tom?"</p> + +<p>"I should say so, Bill."</p> + +<p>"Just show us where it is, and we won't do you any harm."</p> + +<p>"If my fliend, Dickee Dewee, tell me to, I will," said Ki Sing.</p> + +<p>Dewey, thus appealed to, said, "No, Ki Sing; they only want to rob me, +and I am not willing to have you show them."</p> + +<p>"You'd better shut up, Dewey," said Mosely, in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span>solently; "you're a dead +duck, and you're only gettin' this foolish heathen into trouble. We've +got tired of waitin' 'round here, and—"</p> + +<p>"I am ready to excuse you any time," said Dewey. "Don't stay on my +account, I beg. In fact, the sooner you leave the better it will please +me."</p> + +<p>Bill Mosely, who didn't fancy Dewey's sarcasm, frowned fiercely and +turned again to Ki Sing. "Will you show us or not?" he demanded.</p> + +<p>"Velly solly," said Ki Sing, with a childish smile, "but Dickee Dewee +won't let me."</p> + +<p>With an oath Mosely sprang to the doorway and tried to clutch the +Chinaman, when the latter slid to one side and Jake Bradley confronted +him.</p> + +<p>"You'd better begin with me, Bill Mosely," he said.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.</h2> + +<h3>BRADLEY'S SIGNAL VICTORY.</h3> + + +<p>Bill Mosely started back as if he had seen a rattlesnake, and stared at +Jake Bradley in mingled surprise and dismay.</p> + +<p>"You didn't expect to see me, I reckon?" said Bradley, dryly.</p> + +<p>Mosely still stared at him, uncertain what to say or what to do.</p> + +<p>"I take it very kind of you to bring back the hosses you borrowed a few +weeks since. You took 'em rather sudden, without askin' leave; it was a +kind of oversight on your part."</p> + +<p>"I don't know what you mean," answered Mosely, determined to brazen it +out and keep the horses if possible, for he was lazy and a pedestrian +tramp would not have suited him very well.</p> + +<p>"You know what I mean well enough, Bill Mosely. If you don't, them +mustangs outside may re<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span>fresh your recollection. They look kinder fagged +out. You've worked 'em too hard, Mosely."</p> + +<p>"Those mustangs are ours. We bought 'em," said Mosely, boldly.—"Didn't +we, Tom?"</p> + +<p>"I should say so," remarked Hadley, with striking originality.</p> + +<p>"That's a lie, Tom," remarked Bradley, calmly, "and you know it as well +as I do."</p> + +<p>"Are we goin' to stand that, Tom?" blustered Mosely, whose courage was +beginning to revive, as he had thus far only seen Bradley, and +considered that the odds were two to one in his favor. Of course the +Chinaman counted for nothing.</p> + +<p>Tom Hadley looked a little doubtful, for he could see that the enemy, +though apparently single-handed, was a man of powerful frame and +apparently fearless even to recklessness. He had a strong suspicion that +Bill Mosely was a coward and would afford him very little assistance in +the event of a scrimmage.</p> + +<p>"If you can't stand it," said Bradley, "sit down, if you want to."</p> + +<p>Thus far, Richard Dewey had remained silent,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span> but he wished to +participate in the defence of their property if there should be need, +and of course must be released first.</p> + +<p>"Jake," said he, "these fellows have tied me hand and foot. They +couldn't have done it if I had not been partially disabled. Send in Ki +Sing to cut the cords."</p> + +<p>"They dared to tie you?" said Bradley, sternly.—"Mosely, what was that +for?"</p> + +<p>"To remove one obstacle in the way of plunder," Dewey answered for them.</p> + +<p>"They're not only hoss-thieves, but thieves through and through. Since +they tied you, they must untie you.—Mosely, go and cut the cords."</p> + +<p>"I am not a slave to be ordered round," returned Mosely, haughtily.</p> + +<p>"What are you, then?"</p> + +<p>"A gentleman."</p> + +<p>"Then you'll be a dead gentleman in less than a minute if you don't do +as I tell you."</p> + +<p>As he spoke he drew out his revolver and levelled it at Mosely.</p> + +<p>The latter turned pale. "Don't handle that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span> we'pon so careless, +stranger," he said. "It might go off."</p> + +<p>"So it might—as like as not," answered Bradley, calmly.</p> + +<p>"Put it up," said Mosely, nervously.—"Tom, just cut them cords."</p> + +<p>"Tom, you needn't do it.—Mosely, you're the man for that duty. Do you +hear?"</p> + +<p>Bill Mosely hesitated. He didn't like to yield and be humiliated before +the man over whom he had retained so long an ascendency.</p> + +<p>"You'd better be quick about it," said Bradley, warningly. "This here +we'pon goes off terrible easily. I don't want to shoot you, but there +might be an accident. I've killed twenty-one men with it already. You'll +be the twenty-second."</p> + +<p>That was hint enough. Pride gave way, and Bill Mosely knelt down and cut +the cords which confined Dewey, and the invalid, with a sense of relief, +sat up on his pallet and watched the conference.</p> + +<p>"There! are you satisfied?" asked Mosely, sullenly.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span>"It'll do as far as it goes, Mosely," said Bradley. "I wouldn't advise +you to try any more of them tricks."</p> + +<p>He lowered his weapon, and was about to replace it, when Mosely, who had +made a secret sign to his companion, sprang forward simultaneously with +Tom Hadley and seized the intrepid Bradley.</p> + +<p>The attack was sudden, and also unexpected, for Bradley had such a +contempt for the prowess of William Mosely that he had not supposed him +capable of planning or carrying out so bold an attack. It must be +admitted that he was taken at disadvantage, and might have been +temporarily overpowered, for Tom Hadley was strong, and Mosely, though a +coward, was nerved by desperation.</p> + +<p>Richard Dewey saw his friend's danger, but, unhappily, he had no weapon +at hand.</p> + +<p>But help was not long in coming.</p> + +<p>Concealed by the walls of the cabin, Ben had heard all that had been +said, and observed the attack upon his comrade.</p> + +<p>He did not hesitate a moment, but sprang forward and showed himself at +Bradley's side.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span>"Let him go, or I'll shoot," he exclaimed in a tone of command, pointing +at Mosely the twin brother of the revolver which Bradley owned.</p> + +<p>"Confusion!" ejaculated Mosely, in fresh dismay.</p> + +<p>"Let go," repeated Ben, firmly.</p> + +<p>Bill Mosely released Bradley, and the latter threw off the grasp of Tom +Hadley.</p> + +<p>"Now," said he, as standing side by side with Ben he confronted the two +thieves, "shall we shoot?"</p> + +<p>"No, no," said Mosely, nervously.</p> + +<p>"Serve you right if we did. So you thought you'd got me, did you? You +didn't know about Ben, there. He ain't half your size, but he's got +twice the courage.—Ben, what shall we do with them?"</p> + +<p>Bill Mosely turned toward Ben, anxious to hear what our hero would say. +He was entirely in the power of the two friends, as he realized.</p> + +<p>"Serve them as they served Ki Sing," suggested Ben.</p> + +<p>"That's a good idea, that is!—Here, you two rascals, trot out here."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span>Following directions, the two men emerged from the cabin and stood on +one side of the doorway, feeling that they would gladly be in some other +part of California at that precise moment.</p> + +<p>"Mosely, do you see that tree?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Go to it."</p> + +<p>Bill Mosely slowly and unwillingly proceeded to do as he was told.</p> + +<p>"Ki Sing," said Jake Bradley to the Chinaman, who was standing near at +hand, his face wearing a bland and contented smile, "have you any cord +in your pocket?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered the Celestial.</p> + +<p>"Tie that man to the tree."</p> + +<p>Ki Sing approached to follow instructions, when Bill Mosely shouted, +"I'll brain you, you yaller heathen, if you dare to touch me!"</p> + +<p>"Just as you say, squire," said Bradley, nonchalantly raising his +revolver; "if you'd prefer to be shot I'm a very accommodatin' man, and +I'll oblige you. I guess it'll be better, as we'll save all trouble."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span>"Stop! stop!" cried Mosely, in dismay. "He can tie me."</p> + +<p>"You've changed your mind. I thought you would," said Bradley.—"Ki +Sing, go ahead."</p> + +<p>With native dexterity, and not without a feeling of satisfaction easily +understood under the circumstances, Ki Sing proceeded to tie his former +captor, but present captive, to a stout sapling.</p> + +<p>"Is it strong?" asked Bradley.</p> + +<p>"Velly stlong," answered the Chinaman, with a satisfied look.</p> + +<p>"That's good.—Now, Tom, it's your turn. There's your tree! Annex +yourself to it."</p> + +<p>Tom Hadley saw the futility of resistance, and quietly allowed himself +to be confined in the same manner as his companion.</p> + +<p>When both were thus disposed of Jake Bradley turned to the Chinaman:</p> + +<p>"Now, Ki Sing, let us have some supper as soon as possible. We've been +doin' considerable business, Ben and I, and we're as hungry as +bears.—Good-night, Mosely. Hope you'll have a good night's rest!"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span>"You are not going to leave us here all night, are you?" said Bill +Mosely, uneasily.</p> + +<p>"That's just what I'm goin' to do. I'll let you go in the mornin' if you +behave yourself. Still, if you'd rather be shot I can accommodate you."</p> + +<p>"What a bloodthirsty brute!" ejaculated the unhappy Mosely as Bradley +disappeared within the doorway.</p> + +<p>"I should say so!" echoed Tom Hadley from the other tree.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X.</h2> + +<h3>"THE BEST OF FRIENDS MUST PART."</h3> + + +<p>Mosely and his companion continued in captivity through the night. Some +of my readers may consider the punishment a severe one, and it must be +admitted that it was attended with no small share of discomfort. But for +that time it was an exceedingly mild penalty for the offence which the +two men had committed. In the early days of California, theft was +generally punished in the most summary manner by hanging the culprit +from a limb of the nearest tree, and that, in the majority of cases, +would have been the fate of Bill Mosely and Tom Hadley.</p> + +<p>But neither Bradley nor Ben was willing to go to such extremes. Jake +Bradley had had rough experiences, and he was no soft-hearted +sentimentalist, but he had a natural repugnance to taking the life of +his fellow-creatures.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span>"Money," he said on one occasion to Ben, "ain't to be measured ag'in a +man's life. I don't say I wouldn't kill a man for some things, though I +should hate to mightily, but it wouldn't be on account of robbery. I +wouldn't have a man's blood on my conscience for such a thing as that."</p> + +<p>It is needless to say that our young hero, whose heart was warm and +humane, agreed fully with his older companion.</p> + +<p>When the two friends got up in the morning and went out of the cabin, +they found their two captives in the same position in which they had +left them. They looked weary and were stiff in the limbs, as well they +might be.</p> + +<p>"Well, my friends," said Bradley, "I hope you've passed a pleasant +night."</p> + +<p>"I'm almost dead," growled Bill Mosely. "I feel as if I'd been here a +week."</p> + +<p>"Do you feel the same way?" inquired Bradley, addressing Tom Hadley.</p> + +<p>"I should say so," answered Hadley, in a voice of intense disgust.</p> + +<p>"It was your own choice, Mosely," said Jake<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span> Bradley. "It was either all +night braced up against a tree, or to be shot at once and put out of +your misery."</p> + +<p>"Who wants to be shot?" returned Mosely. "That would be worse than +stayin' here all night. You might have let us go last night."</p> + +<p>"So I might, but I wanted to teach you a lesson. You know very well, +Bill Mosely, you'd have fared a good deal worse with some men. You'd +have been swingin' from the nearest bough, and so would your friend. +You'll come to that some time, but I'd rather some one else would hang +you. It ain't a job I hanker after."</p> + +<p>"Are you goin' to set us free?" asked Mosely, impatiently, not enjoying +Bradley's prediction as to his future fate.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I think I will—on one condition."</p> + +<p>"Go ahead! I'll agree to anything."</p> + +<p>"That you'll leave this part of California and not come back. I don't +want you to cross my path ag'in."</p> + +<p>"You can bet I don't mean to," said Mosely; and there is no doubt he was +entirely in earnest.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span>"Do you make the same promise, Tom?" asked Bradley, turning to Hadley.</p> + +<p>"I should say so," returned Hadley; and there is no reason to doubt his +sincerity also.</p> + +<p>"You see, my friends, you don't appear to know the difference between +your property and mine, particularly when it comes to hosses. It is an +unfortunate little peculiarity of yours that will bring your life to an +untimely end some of these days. If you should ever reform and set up as +respectable men, I might be willin' to know you, but there's about as +much chance of that, accordin' to my reckonin', as of water runnin' up +hill."</p> + +<p>While he was expressing himself thus he was cutting the cords of his +prisoners, and they took the first chance to stretch their cramped +limbs.</p> + +<p>"Feel better, don't you?" asked Bradley, smiling.</p> + +<p>"I should say so," answered Hadley.</p> + +<p>"Couldn't you give us something to eat?" asked Mosely; "I haven't eaten +a mouthful since yesterday noon, and I feel faint."</p> + +<p>"Ki Sing," said Bradley, "bring out some victuals. These men are not +particular friends of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span> mine, but we won't send them away hungry. I've +known what it is to fast for thirty-six hours at a stretch, and I +understand how it feels."</p> + +<p>Ki Sing brought out some cold meat and other plain food, which the two +adventurers ate as if they were famished. Their long fast and exposure +during the night had sharpened their appetites and lent a keener zest to +their enjoyment of the meal.</p> + +<p>When they had finished Jake Bradley pointed down the mountain. "You've +had your breakfast," he said, "and now there is only one thing more. I +want to see you travel."</p> + +<p>Bill Mosely looked askance at the two mustangs, which were tied only a +few rods off.</p> + +<p>Jake Bradley caught the direction of his glance. "It's no go, my +friend," he said. "You don't borrow our mustangs this time. We shall +have occasion to use them ourselves. It won't do you any harm to try +your own legs for a while."</p> + +<p>Bill Mosely wasn't easily abashed. He was lazy, and the prospect of +tramping all day was by no means agreeable to him. Thanks to his last +robbery, he and his companion were tolerably well<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span> supplied with +gold-dust, which was a common circulating medium in California at that +time. An idea struck him, which he lost no time in carrying out. "What +value do you set on them horses?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"What makes you ask?" inquired Jake Bradley, with some curiosity.</p> + +<p>"We'll buy 'em if you'll take a fair price."</p> + +<p>"Buy our mustangs! Have you got the money?"</p> + +<p>"We've got gold-dust."</p> + +<p>"Where did you get it? I'll warrant you didn't work for it."</p> + +<p>"That's our business," answered Mosely, stiffly. "The question is, Do +you want to sell?"</p> + +<p>"No, I don't; and if I did I should want to know whose money I was +takin'."</p> + +<p>Bill Mosely was disappointed. In that lonely neighborhood it was hardly +likely there would be any other opportunity of obtaining horses, and +there was nothing for it but to walk.</p> + +<p>"You haven't got any other business, have you, Mosely?" asked Bradley.</p> + +<p>"No.—Tom, come on."</p> + +<p>"Good-bye, then. Our acquaintance has been brief,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span> Mosely, but I know +you as well as if we'd lived in the same town for years. You're a fine +man, you are, and an ornament to your native State; but if you ain't a +little more careful you'll be likely to die young, and the world will +lose a man who in his line can't be beat."</p> + +<p>Bill Mosely did not attempt any reply to this farewell, but strode down +the sloping path, closely followed by Tom Hadley.</p> + +<p>When he had got out of hearing of his late captors he turned to Hadley +and said, "I hate that man! He has put a stain on my honor; he has +insulted and outraged me."</p> + +<p>"I should say so," observed Tom Hadley.</p> + +<p>"He has treated you just as badly, Hadley; that stain must be washed out +in blood."</p> + +<p>"When?" inquired his companion, in a matter-of-fact manner.</p> + +<p>"I don't know. Some time. He has had the advantage over us this time, +but we shall meet again. Do you hear that, Tom Hadley?" continued +Mosely, in a theatrical tone, raising his voice at the same time—"we +shall meet again."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span>"I don't want to meet him again," said Hadley.</p> + +<p>"You don't comprehend me. When we meet it will be our turn to deal with +him."</p> + +<p>"Just as you say," returned Tom Hadley, varying his usual formula.</p> + +<p>"It's very unlucky we went up to that cabin," said Bill, after a pause.</p> + +<p>"I should say so," chimed in Tom, very emphatically.</p> + +<p>"It was cursed ill-luck, but how could we know that that dare-devil was +a friend of Dewey's? If we'd let well enough alone, we shouldn't have +lost our horses and been compelled to tramp on foot over these +mountains."</p> + +<p>"Where are we going?" asked Tom Hadley.</p> + +<p>"Down hill," answered Mosely briefly.</p> + +<p>This answer did not appear to Tom Hadley to contain much information, +but his mind was not active enough to frame another question, and the +two plodded along in silence.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.</h2> + +<h3>PLANS FOR DEPARTURE.</h3> + + +<p>The recovery of the horses was in one respect especially fortunate. +Richard Dewey was anxious to leave the mountain-cabin as soon as +possible and make his way to San Francisco, where, as we know, his +promised wife was anxiously awaiting him. But there was considerable +danger that his ankle, which had been severely sprained, would not be in +a condition for travelling for a considerable time yet. The rough +mountain-paths would have tried it, and perhaps a second sprain would +have resulted.</p> + +<p>Now, however, he would be able to ride on one of the horses, and need +not walk at all if he pleased.</p> + +<p>This idea occurred to Jake Bradley, who suggested it to Richard Dewey.</p> + +<p>Dewey's face brightened up, for he was secretly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span> chafing over the delay +made necessary by his accident. "But, my friend," he said, "it would be +selfish in me to take your horse and leave you to go on foot."</p> + +<p>"Look here, Dick Dewey," said Bradley: "what do you take me for? Do you +think I'm so delicate I can't walk? I wasn't brought up in no such way. +I can do my regular share of trampin', whether on the prairie or on the +mountain. I ain't no tender-foot."</p> + +<p>"I don't doubt your strength and endurance, friend Bradley," said Dewey, +"but a man doesn't always like to do what he is fully able to do."</p> + +<p>"Then we needn't say no more about it. There's a gal—I beg your pardon, +a young lady—in 'Frisco that's pinin' to see you, Dick Dewey, and that +hoss'll get you there sooner'n if you waited till you could walk."</p> + +<p>"I am too selfish to resist your arguments, my good friend," said Dewey. +"I think I can venture to start within a week, as I am to ride."</p> + +<p>"No doubt of it."</p> + +<p>"You'd better let me buy your horse, and then<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span> if we don't meet again, +or anything happens to it, you won't be the loser."</p> + +<p>"'If we don't meet again'?" repeated Bradley, puzzled. "You don't mean +to say you are goin' to set out alone?"</p> + +<p>"I don't want to take you and Ben away from your claim. It isn't half +exhausted yet."</p> + +<p>"Then let somebody else exhaust it," returned Bradley. "You don't +suppose, Dick, we are goin' to let you go off alone?"</p> + +<p>"I shall not be alone. My faithful attendant, Ki Sing, will be with me."</p> + +<p>"And what good would Ki Sing be in case you fell in with a grizzly? I +want to know that," asked Bradley. "I don't say anything against the +heathen; he's squarer than many a white man I've met with, and he's +worth a dozen such men as Bill Mosely and Tom Hadley; but, all the same, +he wouldn't be much in a scrimmage. Them Chinamen are half women, +accordin' to my reckonin'. They look like it and speak like it. No, Ben +and I go when you do, and the first man that comes along is welcome to +the claim."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span>"I shall certainly be delighted to have you both with me," said Richard +Dewey. "You're a good fellow, Jake Bradley, and I trust you more than +any man I have met since I came to California. Ben acted as escort to +Florence, and I owe him a debt for that which I hope some day to repay."</p> + +<p>"Then it's all fixed," said Bradley, in a tone of satisfaction. "We four +are to keep together till we see you within reach of 'Frisco. When you +and your young lady meet you won't need us any more."</p> + +<p>Richard Dewey smiled. "Florence will wish to thank you for your kind +care of me, Bradley," he said.</p> + +<p>"I've no objection to that. You can invite me to the weddin', Dick."</p> + +<p>"I give you that invitation now, and hope you may not have long to wait +for the occasion. All difficulties are not yet removed, but I hope they +may vanish speedily. I get impatient sometimes, but I try to curb my +impatient feeling."</p> + +<p>"I reckon I would feel so myself if I was in your fix," observed +Bradley.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span>"I hope you may be, Jake."</p> + +<p>Bradley shook his head.</p> + +<p>"I'm a cross-grained old bachelor," he said, "and I reckon no gal would +look at me twice."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII.</h2> + +<h3>THE PROFITS OF MINING.</h3> + + +<p>A few evenings later Ben and Bradley were sitting just outside the cabin +as the twilight deepened.</p> + +<p>"It doesn't seem as if this was our last night in the old shanty," said +Jake Bradley, taking the pipe from his mouth. "It ain't a palace, but I +shall kinder hate to leave it."</p> + +<p>"I've got to feel very much at home here myself, Jake; still, I should +like to get somewhere where it isn't quite so far out of the world."</p> + +<p>"There's something in that, Ben."</p> + +<p>"I haven't heard anything from home for a good many weeks; I wish I knew +whether my uncle's family are all well."</p> + +<p>"How many is there in the family, Ben?"</p> + +<p>"There's Uncle Job and Aunt Hannah and Cousin Jennie."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span>"That's just what I thought," said Jake.</p> + +<p>"I don't understand you," said Ben, puzzled. "What did you think?"</p> + +<p>"I thought there was a Cousin Jennie."</p> + +<p>Our hero laughed, and, it may be, blushed a little. "What made you think +that?"</p> + +<p>"There generally is, I notice," said Mr. Bradley, eagerly. "Is Cousin +Jennie pretty?"</p> + +<p>"To be sure she is."</p> + +<p>"I thought that too, Ben."</p> + +<p>"What are you driving at, Jake?"</p> + +<p>"I was sure there was some one besides the old folks that you was +anxious about."</p> + +<p>"Well, you happen to be right," said Ben, laughing. "But I must tell you +that Jennie is only fourteen, and I am only sixteen."</p> + +<p>"You'll both of you be older some day, Ben. But there's a matter that we +must settle before we go."</p> + +<p>"What's that?"</p> + +<p>"About the gold we have found since we've been here. We must have some +arrangement about dividin' it."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span>"We sha'n't quarrel about that, Jake."</p> + +<p>"No, there's no danger of that. That'll be easy enough. We'll divide it +into two piles, one for you, and the other for me."</p> + +<p>"Jake, I have no right to half of it. You ought to have two-thirds."</p> + +<p>"I'd like to argy that matter, Ben. Why should I have two-thirds?"</p> + +<p>"Because you earned it. You understood mining better than I."</p> + +<p>"We're equal partners, Ben. I stick to that, and I mean to have my way. +I've been making a little calculation, and I reckon there's nigh on to a +thousand dollars for the two of us."</p> + +<p>"As much as that, Jake?" said Ben, eagerly.</p> + +<p>"I reckon there is, though I can't justly tell."</p> + +<p>"It doesn't seem possible I can be worth five hundred dollars," said +Ben, thoughtfully. "We've only been here four weeks. That makes a +hundred and twenty-five dollars a week."</p> + +<p>"So it does. That's pretty high pay for a boy."</p> + +<p>"Before I left home," said Ben, "there was an<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span> old farmer, Deacon +Pitkins, who wanted to hire me for a year. What do you think he offered +me?"</p> + +<p>"How much?"</p> + +<p>"Twenty dollars a year and board," answered Ben.</p> + +<p>"I reckon you did better to come to Californy."</p> + +<p>"It looks so now. How the old deacon would stare if he knew how I had +been prospering at the mines! I wish there was any way of sending part +of this money home. I would like to make a present to Uncle Job."</p> + +<p>"When you get to 'Frisco you won't have any trouble about sendin' it."</p> + +<p>"Uncle Job thought it was very risky for a boy like me to leave home and +seek my fortune in California. I would like to prove to him that I +didn't make a mistake."</p> + +<p>"It's likely you haven't, Ben," said Bradley cautiously, "but you ain't +out of the woods yet. I hope things will go on as well as they have, and +you'll be able to carry a pile home. But we've got to start in good +season to-morrow, and we may as well turn in and go to sleep."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII.</h2> + +<h3>KI SING'S RIDE.</h3> + + +<p>The next morning after breakfast the party got off. Fortunately, there +were no trunks or heavy luggage to carry. California pioneers had no +occasion for Saratoga trunks, and the amount of clothing they carried in +addition to what they had on was very small.</p> + +<p>"Ki Sing," said Bradley, jocosely, "I am afraid we can't carry your +trunk with us."</p> + +<p>"'Tlunk'!" repeated the Chinaman, looking puzzled.</p> + +<p>"Yes, trunk, or 'tlunk,' as you call it. Haven't you a trunk to carry +your clothes?"</p> + +<p>"Got clothes on," said Ki Sing, pointing to his blouse and wide pants.</p> + +<p>"I see," said Bradley, laughing. "We're all about in the same fix. The +clothes of the whole party wouldn't half fill a trunk."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span>The two horses were brought out and saddled.</p> + +<p>Bradley assisted Richard Dewey to mount one, and motioned to Ben to +mount the other. "Get on, Ben," he said. "It's time the procession was +moving."</p> + +<p>Ben shook his head. "No, Jake," he said. "You are older than I am. It is +proper that you should ride."</p> + +<p>"If I'm older than you," said Bradley, "I am stronger than you, and am +better able to walk."</p> + +<p>"I am strong enough, Jake. I sha'n't get tired."</p> + +<p>"One of us ought to ride. There's no use in havin' a horse if you ain't +going to use him."</p> + +<p>"Suppose," suggested Ben, laughing, "we let Ki Sing ride?"</p> + +<p>Bradley saw that a joke was intended, and he turned gravely to the +Chinaman. "Ki Sing," he said, "come here and mount this mustang. We are +goin' to let you ride."</p> + +<p>An expression of alarm overspread the Chinaman's broad face. He had +never been on a horse's back in his life, but he knew something of the +Californian mustangs. More than once he had seen<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span> them buck and throw +the ill-fated riders over their heads, and, not being of a daring or +venturesome nature, he preferred to walk rather than trust himself to +mount the back of so treacherous an animal.</p> + +<p>"Ki Sing no wantee lide," he said, starting back in alarm.</p> + +<p>"But, Ki Sing, you will get tired tramping over these hills. It will be +much easier to ride on a mustang."</p> + +<p>"No likee mustang—mustang buckee," objected the Chinaman.</p> + +<p>"You are right, Ki Sing. They do buck sometimes, but this animal is as +mild and peaceful as a lamb. However, we won't insist on your riding +now. Some other day, when you have found out how safe he is, you shall +try him."</p> + +<p>The Chinaman seemed much relieved at the privilege accorded him of +walking, and with his small bundle prepared to take his place in the +procession.</p> + +<p>"Ben," said Bradley, "the best way for us to arrange will be to take +turns in riding. I'd a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span> good deal rather walk half the way. My legs get +cramped when I am on horseback too long. You remember I used to get off +and lead the horse when we had one apiece. You may take your turn first, +and as you are riding I will give you a bag to carry. Mind you don't +lose it, for it contains our store of gold-dust."</p> + +<p>"All right, Jake. I'll ride first, if you say so." In truth, Ben was +pleased to find himself once more on the back of a horse. He had not had +much practice in riding at the East, but the practice he had had in +California had already made him a good rider, and even if the mustang +had taken a fancy to buck he would have found it rather hard to dislodge +our young hero. The animal he bestrode, however, was very well-behaved, +especially when he felt that his rider had the mastery over him. Any +horse, with any spirit, is apt to take advantage of a timid or +unpractised rider, and the animal is very quick to learn when this is +the case.</p> + +<p>During the first day the mustang behaved remarkably well. To begin with, +both Ben and Bradley<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span> were good riders. Moreover, the path was very +uneven, chiefly up and down hill, and the horse was too sensible to go +much beyond a walk.</p> + +<p>As for Dewey, he got on very comfortably. His ankle was nearly as strong +as at first, but if he had been compelled to use it for a day's tramp it +would undoubtedly have ached and become sensitive. On the back of his +horse—or rather Bradley's—there was of course no danger of injury. +When he became tired of his constrained position he got off and walked a +quarter or half a mile, and experienced the needed relief.</p> + +<p>At the end of the first day they had got well down the mountain, and the +commencement of the second day's ride was over a nearly level plateau.</p> + +<p>"This is a good place for Ki Sing to ride," suggested Ben.</p> + +<p>"Just so," said Bradley, taking the hint.—"Ki Sing, you must take your +turn now."</p> + +<p>"No wantee lide," said the Chinaman, but he did not greet the proposal +with so much alarm as on the morning previous. He had noticed the quiet +behavior and regular pace of the two mus<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span>tangs, and concluded that they +were of a different kind from those he had seen misbehave on former +occasions.</p> + +<p>"Oh, you'll like it well enough when you try it, Ki Sing," said Bradley. +"Were you ever on a horse's back?"</p> + +<p>"Me never lide," answered the Chinaman.</p> + +<p>"Then it is high time you began. You see, Ki Sing, it isn't exactly fair +that Ben and I should ride half the time and leave you to walk all the +way."</p> + +<p>"Likee walk," said Ki Sing.</p> + +<p>"That's because you never tried riding. You see, these two hosses of +ours are jest like lambs. They're so gentle they could be rid by a +two-year-old baby."</p> + +<p>The Chinaman looked at the mustangs, and confidence came to him. So far +as he had observed, what Jake Bradley said was strictly true. They +certainly did seem remarkably tame.</p> + +<p>With a little more persuasion he was induced to mount, Ben assisting him +to get into position, and the reins were put into his hands.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span>The mustang began to move off at a regular pace, very favorable to an +inexperienced rider, and a bland and child-like smile of content +overspread the face of the Chinaman.</p> + +<p>"You see, Ki Sing," said Bradley, who walked alongside, "it's nothing to +ride. You thought you couldn't ride, yet you are pacing it off like a +veteran."</p> + +<p>"Me likee lide," observed Ki Sing, with a pleased smile.</p> + +<p>"Just so: I thought you would.—Ben, doesn't Ki Sing ride well?"</p> + +<p>"Splendidly!" said Ben, contemplating with amusement the Mongolian +horseman.</p> + +<p>Certainly, Ki Sing in his Chinese garb, as he gingerly held the reins, +with his bland, smiling face, did look rather queer.</p> + +<p>But I am sorry to say that the poor Chinaman's pleasure and contentment +were destined to be of short duration. Bradley and Ben were eager for +the amusement they promised themselves when they planned this practical +joke at the expense of their Asiatic friend.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span>Winking at Ben, Bradley said, "You don't go fast enough, Ki Sing."</p> + +<p>As he spoke he brought down a stick which he had in his hand with +emphasis on the flanks of the mustang. The effect was magical. The tame +animal immediately started off at great speed, arching his neck and +shaking his head, while the poor Chinaman, his bland smile succeeded by +a look of extreme terror, was bounced up and down in the most +unceremonious fashion, and would have been thrown off quickly but for +the Mexican saddle, which is a securer seat than that used at the East.</p> + +<p>He uttered a howl of anguish, while his almond eyes seemed starting out +of their sockets as his steed dashed along the road.</p> + +<p>Though Ben sympathized with the terrified Chinaman, he knew there was +little or no danger, and he threw himself on the ground and gave way to +a paroxysm of laughter.</p> + +<p>Finally the horse slackened his pace, and Ki Sing lost no time in +sliding to the ground.</p> + +<p>"How do you like it, Ki Sing?" asked Bradley, trying to keep his face +straight.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span>"No likee lide," answered Mr. Chinaman. "Horsee 'most kill Ki Sing."</p> + +<p>"You rode splendidly, Ki Sing," said Ben, laughing. "You made him go +fast."</p> + +<p>"No likee go fast," said Ki Sing, inspecting his limbs to see that none +were broken.</p> + +<p>The poor Chinaman's limbs were sore for a day or two, and he could never +be induced to mount one of the mustangs again.</p> + +<p>It was his first and last ride.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV.</h2> + +<h3>GOLDEN GULCH HOTEL.</h3> + + +<p>The party were able to cover a greater distance on the second day than +on the first, being now among the foot-hills, where travelling was +attended with less difficulty.</p> + +<p>In the mountain-cabin they had been solitary. Their only visitors had +been Bill Mosely and his friend Tom Hadley, and such visitors they were +glad to dispense with. Now, however, it was different. Here and there +they found a little mining-settlement with its quota of rough, bearded +men clad in strange fashion. Yet some of these men had filled +responsible and prominent positions in the East. One of the most +brigandish-looking miners had been a clergyman in Western New York, who +had been compelled by bronchial troubles to give up his parish, and, +being poor, had wandered to the California mines in the hope of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span> +gathering a competence for the support of his family.</p> + +<p>"It seems good to see people again," said Ben, whose temperament was +social. "I felt like Robinson Crusoe on his desert island when I was up +on the mountain."</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered Bradley, "I like to see people myself when they're of +the right sort. When they're like Bill Mosely I'd rather be alone."</p> + +<p>"I agree with you there," said Ben. "Poor company is worse than none."</p> + +<p>Besides the mining-settlements there were little knots of miners at work +here and there, who generally gave the travellers a cordial welcome, and +often invited them to stay and join them.</p> + +<p>"No," said Bradley, "we're in a hurry to get to 'Frisco."</p> + +<p>"Oh, you've made your pile, then?" was generally answered. "What luck +have you had?"</p> + +<p>"Our pile is a small one," Bradley was wont to reply, "but we've got +business in 'Frisco. Leastwise, he has," pointing to Richard Dewey, who +headed the procession.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span>"Will you come back to the mines?"</p> + +<p>"I shall, for one," said Bradley. "I ain't rich enough to retire yet, +and I don't expect to be for half a dozen years yet."</p> + +<p>"Will the boy come back?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered Ben. "I'm in the same situation as my friend, Mr. +Bradley. I haven't my fortune yet."</p> + +<p>"You'd better stay with us, boy. We'll do the right thing by you."</p> + +<p>Ben shook his head and declined with thanks. He did not want to forsake +his present companions. Besides, he had been commissioned by Florence +Douglas to find Richard Dewey, and he wanted to execute that commission +thoroughly. He wanted to see the two united, and then he would be +content to return to the rough life of the mining-camp.</p> + +<p>It is easy to understand why Ben should have received so many friendly +invitations. A boy was a rarity in California at that time—at any rate, +in the mining-districts. There were plenty of young men and men of +middle age, but among the ad<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span>venturous immigrants were to be found few +boys of sixteen, the age of our hero. The sight of his fresh young face +and boyish figure recalled to many miners the sons whom they had left +behind them, and helped to make more vivid the picture of home which +their imaginations often conjured up, and they would have liked to have +Ben join their company. But, as I have said, Ben had his reasons for +declining all invitations at present, though he had every reason to +anticipate good treatment.</p> + +<p>Toward the close of the second day the little party reached a small +mining-settlement containing probably about fifty miners.</p> + +<p>It was known as Golden Gulch, and it even boasted a small hotel, with a +board sign, on which had been scrawled in charcoal—</p> + +<p class="center"><span style="font-size: 120%;">GOLDEN GULCH HOTEL.</span></p> + +<p class="center">KEPT BY JIM BROWN.</p> + +<p>"I believe we are getting into the domain of civilization," said Richard +Dewey. "Actually, here<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span> is a hotel. If Mr. Brown is not too exorbitant +in his prices, we had better put up here for the night."</p> + +<p>"It doesn't look like an expensive hotel," said Ben, looking at the +rough shanty which the proprietor had dignified by the appellation of +"hotel."</p> + +<p>It was roughly put together, had but one story, was unpainted, and was +altogether hardly equal, architecturally, to some of the huts which are +to be found among the rocks at the upper end of Manhattan Island.</p> + +<p>Such was Jim Brown's "Golden Gulch Hotel." Such as it was, however, it +looked attractive to our pilgrims, who for so long had been compelled to +be their own cooks and servants.</p> + +<p>They found, upon inquiry, that Jim Brown's terms for supper, lodging, +and breakfast were five dollars a day, or as nearly as that sum could be +reached in gold-dust. It was considerably higher than the prices then +asked at the best hotels in New York and Philadelphia; but high prices +prevailed in California, and no one scrupled to pay them.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span>The party decided to remain, and the landlord set to work to prepare +them a supper as good as the limited resources of the Golden Gulch Hotel +would allow. Still, the fare was better and more varied than our +travellers had been accustomed to for a long time, and they enjoyed it.</p> + +<p>Ki Sing sat down to the table with them. This was opposed at first by +Jim Brown, the landlord, who regarded Chinamen as scarcely above the +level of his mules.</p> + +<p>"You don't mean to say you want that heathen to sit down at the table +with you?" he remonstrated.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I do," said Richard Dewey.</p> + +<p>"I'd sooner be kicked by a mule than let any yaller heathen sit next to +me," remarked Jim Brown, whose education and refinement made him +sensitive to such social contamination.</p> + +<p>Richard Dewey smiled. "Of course you can choose for yourself," he said. +"Ki Sing is a friend of mine, though he is acting as my servant, and I +want him to have equal privileges."</p> + +<p>Jim Brown remarked that of course Dewey<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span> could choose his own company, +though he intimated that he thought his taste might be improved.</p> + +<p>"Me eatee aftelward," said Ki Sing when he perceived that his presence +at the table was the subject of controversy, but he was overruled by +Richard Dewey, who possessed a large share of independence, and would +not allow himself to be controlled or influenced by the prejudices of +others.</p> + +<p>This may not seem a very important matter, but it aroused a certain +hostility on the part of the landlord, which arrayed him against Dewey +and his companions at a critical time.</p> + +<p>Entirely unconscious of the storm that was soon to gather about them, +the little party did good justice to the supper which Mr. Brown set +before them.</p> + +<p>"How would it seem, Jake, to have supper like this every night?" +remarked Ben.</p> + +<p>"It would make me feel like a prince," answered Jake Bradley.</p> + +<p>"It is no better than I used to get at Uncle Job's, and yet he was a +poor man. How he would<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span> stare if he knew I was paying five dollars a day +for no better fare than he gave me!" replied our hero.</p> + +<p>"That's true, Ben; but maybe it's easier to get the five dollars here +than it would have been to scrape together fifty cents at home."</p> + +<p>"You're right there, Jake. Fifty cents was a pretty big sum to me a year +ago. I don't believe Uncle Job himself averages over a dollar and a +quarter a day, and he has a family to support. If I only do well here, +I'll make him comfortable in his old age."</p> + +<p>"I guess you'll have the chance, Ben. You're the boy to succeed. You're +smart, and you're willin' to work, and them's what leads to success out +here."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, Jake. I will try to deserve your favorable opinion."</p> + +<p>As Ben finished these words, there was a confused noise outside, the +hoarse murmur as of angry men, and a minute later Jim Brown the landlord +entered the room, his face dark and threatening.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span>"Strangers," said he, "I reckoned there was something wrong about you +when you let that yaller heathen sit down with you. Now, I know it. You +ain't square, respectable men; you're hoss-thieves!"</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV.</h2> + +<h3>BILL MOSELY REAPPEARS.</h3> + + +<p>It will be necessary to go back a little in order to explain how so +extraordinary a charge came to be made against the party in which we are +interested.</p> + +<p>Bill Mosely and Tom Hadley did not become reconciled to the loss of +their stolen horses. They found it much less agreeable to use their own +legs than the legs of the two mustangs which had borne them so +comfortably over the hills. They cursed the fate which had led to their +meeting with Ki Sing, and the poor Chinaman would have fared worse at +their hands had they anticipated the trouble which he indirectly brought +them.</p> + +<p>Bill Mosely was naturally lazy; any sort of work he considered beneath +him, and he desired to avoid all possible trouble in the lawless and +vagabond life which he had chosen. He took it worse, in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span>deed, than his +companion, who was neither so shiftless nor so lazy as he.</p> + +<p>During the few days which had elapsed since they were glad to leave the +mountain-cabin they had averaged less than ten miles' daily travel. They +had money enough to purchase animals to replace those which had been +taken from them, but had not found any one who was willing to sell for a +reasonable price, and Mosely, though he came easily by his money, was +far from lavish in the spending of it.</p> + +<p>It chanced that an hour after the arrival of Richard Dewey and his party +at the Golden Gulch Hotel, Mosely and his companion, dusty and tired, +approached the small mining-settlement, of which the hotel was the +principal building.</p> + +<p>They had had nothing to eat since morning, and both of them felt hungry, +not to say ravenous.</p> + +<p>"Thank Heaven, Tom, there's a mining-town!" ejaculated Mosely, with an +expression of devotion not usual to him. "Now we can get something to +eat, and I, for my part, feel as empty as a drum. It's hard travelling +on an empty stomach."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span>"I should say so," remarked Mr. Hadley, with his usual formula. It must +be admitted, however, that in the present instance he was entirely +sincere, and fully meant what he said.</p> + +<p>"There's a hotel," said Tom Hadley, a minute later, venturing on an +original observation.</p> + +<p>"So there is; what is the name?" inquired Mosely, who was not as +far-sighted as his companion.</p> + +<p>"The Golden Gulch Hotel," answered Hadley, shading his eyes and reading +from a distance of fifty rods the pretentious sign of the little inn.</p> + +<p>"I suppose they'll charge a fortune for a supper," said Mosely, whose +economical spirit was troubled by the exorbitant prices then prevalent +in California, "but we must have it at any cost."</p> + +<p>"I should say so," assented Tom Hadley, cordially.</p> + +<p>"You always have a good appetite of your own," observed Mosely, not +without sarcasm, which, however, Tom Hadley was too obtuse to +comprehend.</p> + +<p>"I should say so," returned Tom complacently, as if he had received a +compliment.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span>"No doubt you'll get your money's worth, no matter how much we pay for +supper."</p> + +<p>Tom Hadley himself was of this opinion, and so expressed himself.</p> + +<p>They had already caught sight of two mustangs which were browsing near +the Golden Gulch Hotel, and the sight of these useful animals excited +the envy and longing of Bill Mosely.</p> + +<p>"Do you see them mustangs, Tom?" he inquired.</p> + +<p>"I should say so."</p> + +<p>"I wish we had them."</p> + +<p>"Couldn't we take them?" suggested Hadley, his face brightening at the +thought of this easy mode of acquiring what they so much needed.</p> + +<p>"Are you mad, Tom Hadley?" returned Bill Mosely, shrugging his +shoulders. "Are you anxious to die?"</p> + +<p>"I should say—not."</p> + +<p>"Then you'd better not think of carrying off them horses. Why, we'd have +the whole pack of miners after us, and we'd die in our boots before +twenty-four hours had passed."</p> + +<p>On the whole, this prospect did not appear to be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span> of an encouraging +character, and Tom Hadley quietly dropped the plan.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps we can buy them," suggested Mosely by way of amendment. "I've +got tired of tramping over these hills on foot. After we've got some +supper we'll inquire who they belong to."</p> + +<p>Up to this point neither Mosely nor his companion suspected that the +mustangs which they desired to purchase had once been in their +possession. That discovery was to come later.</p> + +<p>Before reaching the Golden Gulch Hotel they encountered the landlord, +already introduced as Jim Brown.</p> + +<p>Mr. Brown scanned the new-comers with an eye to business. Being +strangers, he naturally looked upon them as possible customers, and was +disposed from motives of policy to cultivate their acquaintance.</p> + +<p>"Evenin', strangers," he remarked, as affably as a rather gruff voice +and manner would permit.</p> + +<p>"Good-evening," said Bill Mosely, socially. "What might be the name of +this settlement?"</p> + +<p>"You kin see the name on that sign yonder, stranger, ef your eyes are +strong enough."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span>"Golden Gulch?"</p> + +<p>"I reckon."</p> + +<p>"It ought to be a good place, from the name."</p> + +<p>"It's middlin' good. Where might you be from?"</p> + +<p>"We're prospectin' a little," answered Bill Mosely vaguely; for there +had been circumstances in his California career that made it impolitic +to be too definite in his statements.</p> + +<p>"Where are you bound?" continued the landlord, with that licensed +curiosity which no one ventured to object to in California.</p> + +<p>"That depends upon circumstances, my friend," said Bill Mosely, +guardedly. "We may go to 'Frisco, and then again we may not. To-night we +propose to remain here in Golden Gulch. Is that a comfortable hotel?"</p> + +<p>"Well, stranger, seein' I keep it myself, it mightn't be exactly the +thing for me to say much about it; but I reckon you won't complain of it +if you stop there."</p> + +<p>"I'm glad to meet you," said Bill Mosely, grasping the landlord's hand +fervently. "I don't need to ask any more about it, seein' you're the +land<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span>lord. You look like a man that can keep a hotel—eh, Tom?"</p> + +<p>"I should say so," returned Tom Hadley, making the answer that was +expected of him.</p> + +<p>"You're a gentleman!" said Jim Brown, on whom this flattery had its +effect. "Just come along with me and I'll see that you are treated as +such."</p> + +<p>"What are your terms, say, for supper and lodgin', landlord?" asked +Bill, with commendable caution.</p> + +<p>"Five dollars," answered Brown.</p> + +<p>Bill Mosely's jaw fell. He had hoped it would be less.</p> + +<p>"And for supper alone?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Two dollars."</p> + +<p>"We'll only take supper," said Mosely.</p> + +<p>"Just as you say."</p> + +<p>"We're so used to campin' out that we couldn't breathe in-doors—eh, +Tom?"</p> + +<p>"I should say so, Bill."</p> + +<p>"Suit yourselves, strangers. I reckon you'll want breakfast in the +mornin'."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span>"As likely as not." Then, turning his attention to the mustangs: "Are +them mustangs yours, landlord?"</p> + +<p>"No; they belong to a party that's stoppin' with me."</p> + +<p>"Will they sell?"</p> + +<p>"I reckon not. There's a lame man in the party, and he can't walk much."</p> + +<p>"A lame man? Who is with him?" asked Bill Mosely, with a sudden +suspicion of the truth.</p> + +<p>"Well, there's another man and a boy and a heathen Chinee."</p> + +<p>"Tom," said Bill Mosely, in excitement, "it's the party we left on the +mountain."</p> + +<p>"I should say so, Bill."</p> + +<p>"Do you know them, strangers?"</p> + +<p>"Know them?" ejaculated Bill Mosely, who instantly formed a plan which +would gratify his love of vengeance and secure him the coveted horses at +one and the same time—"I reckon I know them only too well. They stole +those mustangs from me and my friend a week ago. I thought them animals +looked natural."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span>"Hoss-thieves!" said the landlord. "Well, I surmised there was something +wrong about them when they let that yaller heathen set down to the table +with them."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI.</h2> + +<h3>A TRAVESTY OF JUSTICE.</h3> + + +<p>It was speedily noised about in the mining-camp that a party of +horse-thieves had had the audacity to visit the settlement, and were +even now guests of the Golden Gulch Hotel.</p> + +<p>Now, in the eyes of a miner a horse-thief was as bad as a murderer. He +was considered rather worse than an ordinary thief, since the character +of his theft gave him better facilities for getting away with his +plunder. He was looked upon by all as a common and dangerous enemy, on +whom any community was justified in visiting the most condign +punishment.</p> + +<p>Bill Mosely knew very well the feeling he would rouse against the men +whom he hated, and, having started the movement, waited complacently for +the expected results to follow.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span>Jim Brown was by no means slow in spreading the alarm. True, these men +were his guests, and it might be considered that it was against his +interests to denounce them, but he knew his claim for entertainment +would be allowed him out of the funds found in possession of the party, +with probably a liberal addition as a compensation for revealing their +real character.</p> + +<p>Horse-thieves! No sooner did the news spread than the miners, most of +whom were through work for the day, began to make their way to the +neighborhood of the hotel.</p> + +<p>There hadn't been any excitement at Golden Gulch for some time, and this +promised a first-class sensation.</p> + +<p>"Hang 'em up! That's what I say," suggested Brown the landlord.</p> + +<p>"Where's the men that call 'em thieves?" asked one of the miners, a +middle-aged man, who was sober and slow-spoken, and did not look like a +man to be easily carried away by a storm of prejudice or a wave of +excitement.</p> + +<p>"Here they be," said Brown, pointing to Bill<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span> Mosely and Tom Hadley, who +were speedily surrounded by an excited crowd.</p> + +<p>"What have you say?" asked the first speaker of Mosely.</p> + +<p>Bill Mosely repeated his story glibly. It was to this effect: They had +met the Chinaman, who induced them to accompany him to the cabin where +his master lay sick. From motives of compassion they assented. When they +reached the cabin they were set upon by the combined party, their horses +were taken from them, they were tied to trees, where they were kept in +great pain all night, and in the morning stripped of the greater part of +their money and sent adrift.</p> + +<p>It will be seen that the story did not entirely deviate from fact, and +was very artfully framed to excite sympathy for the narrator and +indignation against the perpetrators of the supposed outrage. Tom +Hadley, who had not the prolific imagination of his comrade, listened in +open-mouthed wonder to the fanciful tale, but did not offer to +corroborate it in his usual manner.</p> + +<p>The tale was so glibly told that it carried convic<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span>tion to the minds of +most of those present, and a storm of indignation arose.</p> + +<p>"Let's have 'em out! let's hang 'em up!" exclaimed one impetuous miner.</p> + +<p>Others echoed the cry, and the company of miners in stern phalanx +marched to the hotel, where, unconscious of the impending peril, our +friends were resting after the day's fatigue.</p> + +<p>We have already described the manner in which Jim Brown burst in upon +them with the startling charge that they were horse-thieves.</p> + +<p>Of course all were startled except Ki Sing, who did not fully comprehend +the situation.</p> + +<p>Richard Dewey was the first to speak. "What do you mean," he said, +sternly, "by this preposterous charge?"</p> + +<p>"You'll find out soon enough," said the landlord, nodding significantly. +"Jest you file out of that door pretty quick. There's some of us want to +see you."</p> + +<p>"What does all this mean?" asked Dewey, turning to Jake Bradley.</p> + +<p>"I don't know," answered Bradley. "It looks like a conspiracy."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span>The party filed out, and were confronted by some thirty or forty +black-bearded, stern-faced men, who had tried and condemned them in +advance of their appearance.</p> + +<p>Richard Dewey glanced at the faces before him, and his spirit sank +within him. He had been present at a similar scene before—a scene which +had terminated in a tragedy—and he knew how swift and relentless those +men could be. Who could have made such a charge he did not yet know, +but, innocent as he and his companions were, he knew that their word +would not be taken, and the mistake might lead to death. But he was not +a man to quail or blanch.</p> + +<p>"Hoss-thieves! string 'em up!" was shouted from more than one throat.</p> + +<p>Richard Dewey calmly surveyed the angry throng. "Gentlemen," he said, "I +am no more a horse-thief than any one of you."</p> + +<p>There was a buzz of indignation, as if he had confessed his guilt and +implicated them in it.</p> + +<p>"I demand to see and face my accusers," he said boldly. "What man has +dared to charge me and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span> my friends with the mean and contemptible crime +of stealing horses?"</p> + +<p>Jake Bradley had been looking about him too. Over the heads of the men, +who stood before them drawn up in a semicircle, he saw what had escaped +the notice of Richard Dewey, the faces and figures of Bill Mosely and +Tom Hadley.</p> + +<p>"Dick," said he, suddenly, "I see it all. Look yonder! There are them +two mean skunks, Bill Mosely and Tom Hadley. It's they who have been +bringin' this false slander ag'in us."</p> + +<p>Richard Dewey and Ben immediately looked in the direction indicated.</p> + +<p>Bill Mosely eyed them with a glance of evil and exulting triumph, as +much as to say, "It's my turn now; I am having my revenge."</p> + +<p>But Jim Brown, who seemed to be acting as prosecuting attorney, had +already summoned the two men to come forward and testify.</p> + +<p>"Here's the men!" he said, exultingly. "Here's the men you robbed of +their horses and tied to trees.—Isn't it so, stranger?"</p> + +<p>Bill Mosely inclined his head in the affirmative,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span> and Tom Hadley, being +also asked, answered, but rather faintly, "I should say so."</p> + +<p>Lying did not come as natural to him as to Bill.</p> + +<p>Richard Dewey laughed scornfully.</p> + +<p>"Are those the men," he asked, "who charge us with stealing their +horses?"</p> + +<p>"In course they do."</p> + +<p>"Then," burst forth Jake Bradley, impetuously, "of all the impudent and +lyin' scoundrels I ever met, they'll carry off the prize."</p> + +<p>"Of course you deny it," said Bill Mosely, brazenly persisting in his +falsehood. "A man that'll steal will lie. Perhaps you will charge us +with stealin' the horses next."</p> + +<p>"That's just what I do," said Bradley, in an excited tone. "You're not +only horse-thieves, but you'll take gold-dust an' anything else you can +lay your hands on."</p> + +<p>"Gentlemen," said Bill Mosely, shrugging his shoulders, "you see how he +is tryin' to fasten his own guilt on me and my innocent pard here. It +isn't enough that he stole our horses and forced<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span> us to foot it over +them rough hills, but now he wants to steal away our reputation for +honor and honesty. He thinks you're easy to be imposed on, but I know +better. You won't see two innocent men lied about and charged with +disgraceful crimes?"</p> + +<p>"I admire that fellow's cheek," said Bradley in an undertone to Richard +Dewey, but he soon found that the consequences were likely to be +disastrous to him and his party. The crowd were getting impatient, and +readily seconded the words of Jim Brown when he followed up Bill +Mosely's speech by a suggestion that they proceed at once to vindicate +justice by a summary execution.</p> + +<p>They rushed forward and seized upon our four friends, Ki Sing included, +and hurried them off to a cluster of tall trees some twenty rods away.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII.</h2> + +<h3>LYNCH LAW.</h3> + + +<p>Nothing is so unreasoning as a crowd under excitement. The miners were +inflamed with fierce anger against men of whom they knew nothing, except +that they were accused of theft by two other men, of whom also they knew +nothing. Whether the charge was true or false they did not stop to +inquire. Apparently, they did not care. They only wanted revenge, and +that stern and immediate.</p> + +<p>The moderate speaker, already referred to, tried to turn the tide by an +appeal for delay. "Wait till morning," he said. "This charge may not be +true. Let us not commit an injustice."</p> + +<p>But his appeal was drowned in the cries of the excited crowd, "Hang the +horse-thieves! string 'em up."</p> + +<p>Each of the four victims was dragged by a force<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span> which he couldn't +resist to the place of execution.</p> + +<p>Richard Dewey was pale, but his expression was stern and contemptuous, +as if he regarded the party of miners as fools or lunatics.</p> + +<p>"Was this to be the end?" he asked himself. "Just as the prospect of +happiness was opening before him, just as he was to be reunited to the +object of his affection, was he to fall a victim to the fury of a mob?"</p> + +<p>Jake Bradley perhaps took the matter more philosophically than either of +the other three. He had less to live for, and his attachment to life was +not therefore so strong. Still, to be hanged as a thief was not a +pleasant way to leave life, and that was what he thought of most. Again, +his sympathy was excited in behalf of the boy Ben, whom he had come to +love as if he were his own son. He could not bear to think of the boy's +young life being extinguished in so shocking a manner.</p> + +<p>"This is rough, Ben," he managed to say as the two, side by side, were +hurried along by the vindictive crowd.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span>Ben's face was pale and his heart was full of sorrow and awe with the +prospect of a shameful death rising before him. Life was sweet to him, +and it seemed hard to lose it.</p> + +<p>"Yes it is," answered Ben, faltering. "Can't something be done?"</p> + +<p>Jake Bradley shook his head mournfully. "I am afraid not," he said. "I'd +like to shoot one of those lyin' scoundrels" (referring to Bill Mosely +and his companion) "before I am swung off. To think their word should +cost us our lives! It's a burnin' shame!"</p> + +<p>Ki Sing looked the image of terror as he too was forced forward by a +couple of strong miners. His feet refused to do their office, and he was +literally dragged forward, his feet trailing along the ground. He was +indeed a ludicrous figure, if anything connected with such a tragedy can +be considered ludicrous. Probably it was not so much death that Ki Sing +feared, for with his race life is held cheap, but Chinamen shrink from +violence, particularly that of a brutal character. They are ready with +their knives, but other violence is not common among them.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span>Bill Mosely and Tom Hadley followed in the rear of the crowd. They would +have liked to improve the time by stealing away with the mustangs which +they coveted, but even in this hour of public excitement they knew it +would not be safe, and the act might arouse suspicion.</p> + +<p>While Mosely felt gratified that the men he hated were likely to be put +out of the way, there was in his heart a sensation of fear, and he +involuntarily shuddered when he reflected that if justice were done he +would he in the place of these men who were about to suffer a shameful +death. Moreover, he knew that some day it were far from improbable that +he himself would be figuring in a similar scene as a chief actor, or +rather chief victim. So, though he exulted, he also trembled.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile the place of execution had been reached. Then it was +discovered that one important accessory to the contemplated tragedy was +lacking—a rope. So one of the party was sent to the hotel for a rope, +being instructed by Jim Brown where to find it.</p> + +<p>It seemed the last chance for an appeal, and,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span> hopeless as it seemed, +Richard Dewey resolved to improve it. "Gentlemen," he said in a solemn +tone, "I call God to witness that you are about to put to death four +innocent men."</p> + +<p>"Enough of that!" said Jim Brown, roughly, "We don't want to hear any +more of your talk."</p> + +<p>But Dewey did not stop. "You have condemned us," he proceeded, "on the +testimony of two as arrant scoundrels as can be found in California;" +and he pointed scornfully at Bill Mosely and his partner.</p> + +<p>"Are you goin' to let him insult us?" asked Mosely in the tone of a +wronged man.</p> + +<p>"That don't go down, stranger," said Jim Brown. "We know you're guilty, +and that's enough."</p> + +<p>"You know it? How do you know it?" retorted Dewey. "What proof is there +except the word of two thieves and liars who deserve the fate which you +are preparing for us?"</p> + +<p>"Hang 'em up!" shouted somebody; and the cry was taken up by the rest.</p> + +<p>"If you won't believe me," continued Dewey, "I want to make one +appeal—to ask one last favor.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span> Spare the life of that innocent boy, who +certainly has done no evil. If there are any fathers present I ask, Have +you the heart to take away the life of a child just entering upon life +and its enjoyments?"</p> + +<p>He had touched the chord in the hearts of more than one.</p> + +<p>"That's so!" cried the speaker who had tried to stem the popular +excitement. "It would be a crime and a disgrace, and I'll shoot the man +that puts the rope 'round the boy's neck."</p> + +<p>"You're right," cried three others, who themselves had left children in +their distant homes. "The boy's life must be saved."</p> + +<p>The two men who held Ben in their grasp released him, and our young hero +found himself free. There was a great rush of joy to his heart as he saw +the shadow of death lifted from him, but he was not satisfied that his +life alone should be spared. He resolved to make an appeal in turn. +"Gentlemen," he said, "I am only a boy, but I want to speak a few words, +and those words shall be true."</p> + +<p>Ben had been a good speaker at school, and he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span> had unconsciously assumed +the attitude with which he commenced declaiming upon the school-rostrum.</p> + +<p>"Hear the boy!" shouted several; and there was a general silence. It was +a new thing to be addressed by a boy, and there was a feeling of +curiosity as to what he would say.</p> + +<p>"I want to say this," continued Ben—"that what Mr. Dewey has said is +strictly true. Not one of us is guilty of the crime that has been +charged upon us. The men who have testified against us are thieves, and +robbed us of these very horses, which we finally recovered from them. +May I tell you how it all happened?"</p> + +<p>Partly from curiosity, the permission was given, and Ben, in plain, +simple language, told the story of how they had received Mosely and +Hadley hospitably, and awoke in the morning to find that they had stolen +their horses. He also described the manner in which later they tried to +rob Dewey when confined to his bed by sickness. His words were frank and +sincere, and bore the impress of truth. Evidently a sentiment was being +created favorable to the prisoners, and Bill Mosely saw it and +trembled.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span>"Let us go," he whispered to Hadley.</p> + +<p>"If you wish to know whether I speak the truth," Ben concluded, "look in +the faces of those two men who have accused us."</p> + +<p>The terror in the face of Bill Mosely was plainly to be seen. Suddenly +the minds of the fickle multitude veered round to the two accusers, and +shouts arose: "The boy's right! Hang the thieves!"</p> + +<p>Then Bill Mosely did perhaps the most unwise thing possible. His courage +fairly broke down, and he started to run. Immediately a dozen men were +on his track. He was brought back, moaning and begging for mercy, but +the crowd was in no merciful mood. Victims they demanded, and when the +rope was brought the two wretched men were summarily suspended to the +branches of two neighboring trees.</p> + +<p>They had fallen into the pit which they had prepared for others.</p> + +<p>As for Ben, he became the hero of the hour. The miners raised him on +their shoulders and bore him aloft in triumph to the hotel from which he +had so recently been dragged to execution.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2> + +<h3>AFTER THE EXECUTION.</h3> + + +<p>While Ben rejoiced and lifted silent thanks to God for his narrow escape +from a shameful death, he felt no satisfaction in the knowledge that the +men who had basely conspired against them had suffered the like terrible +fate. He averted his head in horror from the sight, and, innocent as he +was of fault, he felt depressed to think that his words had resulted in +bringing this punishment upon them.</p> + +<p>I have said that he was the hero of the hour. Boys were scarce in +California, and the hearts of the miners warmed to him on account of his +youth and the memories it called up of their own children far away.</p> + +<p>A self-appointed committee waited upon him and asked him to stay with +them.</p> + +<p>"We'll all help you along," they said. "We will<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span> make your share equal +to that of the luckiest miner among us. You're true grit, and we respect +you for it. What do you say?"</p> + +<p>"What shall I do, Jake?" he asked of Bradley.</p> + +<p>"It's a fair offer, Ben. Perhaps you'd best stay. I'd stay too, only I +want to see Dick Dewey safe in 'Frisco. When he and his gal are j'ined +I'll come back and try my luck here."</p> + +<p>"I will do the same, Jake. I want to go to San Francisco and see the +lady who was so kind to me. I sha'n't feel that I've done all my duty +till I have seen her and Mr. Dewey united. Then I shall be ready to come +back."</p> + +<p>"Tell 'em so, Ben."</p> + +<p>Ben gave this answer to those who had asked him to stay, thanking them +gratefully for their kind offer. His answer gave general satisfaction.</p> + +<p>Ben could hardly realize that these very men had been impatient to hang +him only an hour before. He was thankful for this change in their +sentiments, though he did not pretend to understand it.</p> + +<p>Bradley and Dewey, knowing the fickleness of a mining-community, were a +little apprehensive that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span> their original suspicions might again be +aroused, and that some among them might be led to think they had make a +mistake, after all, and hung the wrong men. That would be serious, and +perhaps dangerous to them. They reflected that only Ben's speech had +turned the tide of sentiment, and the two thieves had been hung on the +unsupported word of a boy. Might not this occur to some of the company +in some of their cooler moments? They decided in a secret conference +that it would be best for them to get away early the next morning—that +is, as early as practicable—before any change had come over the minds +of their new friends.</p> + +<p>Later, however, they were relieved from their momentary apprehension.</p> + +<p>Two men who had been out hunting did not return to the camp till an hour +after the execution had taken place.</p> + +<p>"What's happened? they asked.</p> + +<p>"We've only been hangin' a couple of hoss-thieves," was answered coolly +by one of their comrades. "We came near hangin' the wrong men, but we +found out our mistake."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span>The two hunters went to view the bodies of the malefactors, who were +still suspended from the extemporized gallows.</p> + +<p>"I know them men," said one with sudden recognition.</p> + +<p>"What do you know about them? Did you ever meet them?"</p> + +<p>"I reckon I did. They camped with me one night, and in the morning they +were missing, and all my gold-dust too."</p> + +<p>"Then it's true what the boy said? they're thieves, and no mistake?"</p> + +<p>"You've made no mistake this time. You've hung the right men."</p> + +<p>This fresh testimony was at once communicated to the miners, and +received with satisfaction, as one or two had been a little in doubt as +to whether the two men were really guilty. No one heard it with more +pleasure than Dewey and Bradley, who felt now that they were completely +exonerated.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX.</h2> + +<h3>BEN WINS LAURELS AS A SINGER.</h3> + + +<p>Our party had no further complaint to make of ill-treatment. During the +remainder of the evening they were treated with distinguished +consideration, and every effort was made to make their sojourn pleasant.</p> + +<p>As the miners gathered round a blazing log-fire built out of doors, +which the cool air of evening made welcome, it was proposed that those +who had any vocal gifts should exert them for the benefit of the +company.</p> + +<p>Three or four of those present had good voices, and sang such songs as +they knew.</p> + +<p>Finally, one of the miners turned to Bradley. "Can't you sing us +something, friend?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"You don't know what you're asking," said Bradley. "My voice sounds like +a rusty saw. If you<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span> enjoy the howlin' of wolves, mayhap you might like +my singin'."</p> + +<p>"I reckon you're excused," said the questioner.</p> + +<p>"My friend Dick Dewey will favor you, perhaps. I never heard him sing, +but I reckon he might if he tried."</p> + +<p>"Won't you sing?" was asked of Dewey.</p> + +<p>Richard Dewey would have preferred to remain silent, but his life had +been spared, and the men around him, though rough in manner, seemed to +mean kindly. He conquered his reluctance, therefore, and sang a couple +of ballads in a clear, musical voice with good effect.</p> + +<p>"Now it's the boy's turn," said one.</p> + +<p>Ben, was in fact, a good singer. He had attended a country +singing-school for two terms, and he was gifted with a strong and +melodious voice. Bradley had expected that he would decline bashfully, +but Ben had a fair share of self-possession, and felt there was no good +reason to decline.</p> + +<p>"I don't know many songs," he said, "but I am ready to do my share."</p> + +<p>The first song which occurred to him was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span> "Annie Laurie," and he sang it +through with taste and effect. As his sweet, boyish notes fell on the +ears of the crowd they listened as if spellbound, and at the end gave +him a round of applause.</p> + +<p>I don't wish to represent that Ben was a remarkable singer. His +knowledge of music was only moderate, but his voice was unusually strong +and sweet, and his audience were not disposed to be critical.</p> + +<p>He sang one song after another, until at last he declared that he was +tired and would sing but one more. "What shall it be?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"'Sweet Home,'" suggested one; and the rest took it up in chorus.</p> + +<p>That is a song that appeals to the heart at all times and in all places, +but it may well be understood that among the California mountains, +before an audience every man of whom was far from home, it would have a +peculiar and striking effect. The singer, too, as he sang, had his +thoughts carried back to the home three thousand miles away where lived +all who were near and dear to him,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span> and the thought lent new tenderness +and pathos to his song.</p> + +<p>Tears came to the eyes of more than one rough miner as he listened to +the sweet strains, and there were few in whom home-memories were not +excited.</p> + +<p>There was a moment's hush, and then a great roar of applause. Ben had +made a popular success of which a prima donna might have been proud.</p> + +<p>One enthusiastic listener wanted to take up a contribution for the +singer, but Ben steadily declined it. "I am glad if I have given any one +pleasure," he said, "but I can't take money for that."</p> + +<p>"Ben," said Jake Bradley, when the crowd had dispersed, "you've made two +ten-strikes to-day. You've carried off all the honors, both as an orator +and a singer."</p> + +<p>"You saved all our lives by that speech of yours, Ben," said Dewey. "We +will not soon forget that."</p> + +<p>"It was your plea for me that give me the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span> chance, Mr. Dewey," said Ben. +"I owe my life, first of all to you."</p> + +<p>"That does not affect my obligation to you. If I am ever in a situation +to befriend you, you may count with all confidence upon Richard Dewey."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, Mr. Dewey. I would sooner apply to you than any man I +know—except Bradley," he added, noticing that his faithful comrade +seemed disturbed by what he said.</p> + +<p>Jake Bradley brightened up and regarded Ben with a look of affection. He +had come to feel deeply attached to the boy who had shared his dangers +and privations, and in all proved himself a loyal friend.</p> + +<p>The next morning the three friends set out for San Francisco, carrying +with them the hearty good wishes of the whole mining-settlement.</p> + +<p>"You have promised to come back?" said more than one.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Bradley; "we'll come back if we ain't prevented, and I +reckon we won't be unless we get hanged for hoss-stealin' somewhere on +the road."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span>This sally called forth a hearty laugh from the miners, who appreciated +the joke.</p> + +<p>"It's all very well for you to laugh," said Bradley, shaking his head, +"but I don't want to come any nearer hangin' than I was last night."</p> + +<p>"All's well that ends well," said one of the miners lightly.</p> + +<p>Neither Ben nor Richard Dewey could speak or think so lightly of the +narrow escape they had had from a shameful death, and though they +smiled, as was expected by the crowd, it was a grave smile, with no +mirth in it.</p> + +<p>"You'll come back too, boy?" was said to Ben.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I expect to."</p> + +<p>"You won't be sorry for it.—Boys, let us stake out two claims for the +boy and his friend, and when they come back we'll help them work them +for a while."</p> + +<p>"Agreed! agreed!" said all.</p> + +<p>So with hearty manifestations of good-will the three friends rode on +their way.</p> + +<p>"It's strange," observed Dewey, thoughtfully, "how this wild and lonely +life effects the cha<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span>racter. Some of these men who were so near hanging +us on the unsupported accusation of two men of whom they knew nothing +were good, law-abiding citizens at home. There they would not have +dreamed of such summary proceedings."</p> + +<p>"That's where it comes in," said Bradley. "It ain't here as it is there. +There's no time here to wait for courts and trials."</p> + +<p>"So you too are in favor of Judge Lynch?"</p> + +<p>"Judge Lynch didn't make any mistake when he swung off them two rascals, +Hadley and Bill Mosely."</p> + +<p>"We might have been in their places, Jake," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"That would have been a pretty bad mistake," said Bradley, shrugging his +shoulders.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX"></a>CHAPTER XX.</h2> + +<h3>A LITTLE RETROSPECT.</h3> + + +<p>It will be remembered that a merchant in Albany, Mr. John Campbell, was +the guardian of Miss Florence Douglas, whom our hero, Ben, had escorted +from New York to San Francisco.</p> + +<p>The disappearance of his ward was exceedingly annoying, since it +interfered with plans which he had very much at heart. He had an only +son, Orton Campbell, now a young man of twenty-eight. He was young in +years only, being a stiff, grave, wooden-faced man, who in his starched +manners was a close copy of his father. Both father and son were +excessively fond of money, and the large amount of the fortune of the +young lady, who stood to the father in the relation of ward, had excited +the covetousness of both. It was almost immediately arranged between +father and son<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span> that she should marry the latter, either of her own free +will or upon compulsion.</p> + +<p>In pursuance of this agreement, Mr. Orton Campbell took advantage of the +ward's residence in his father's family to press upon her attentions +which clearly indicated his ultimate object.</p> + +<p>Florence Douglas felt at first rather constrained to receive her +guardian's son with politeness, and this, being misinterpreted, led to +an avowal of love.</p> + +<p>Orton Campbell made his proposal in a confident, matter-of-fact manner, +as if it were merely a matter of form, and the answer must necessarily +be favorable.</p> + +<p>The young lady drew back in dignified surprise, hastily withdrawing the +hand which he had seized. "I cannot understand, Mr. Campbell," she said, +"what can have induced you to address me in this manner."</p> + +<p>"I don't know why you should be surprised, Miss Douglas," returned Orton +Campbell, offended.</p> + +<p>"I have never given you any reason to suppose that I regarded you with +favor."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span>"You have always seemed glad to see me, but perhaps that was only +coquetry," said Orton, in a disagreeable manner.</p> + +<p>"I certainly have never treated you with more than ordinary politeness, +except, indeed, as my residence in your father's house has necessarily +brought us nearer together."</p> + +<p>"I don't think, Miss Douglas, you would find me a bad match," said the +young man, condescending to drop his sneering tone and plead his cause. +"I am already worth a good sum of money. I am my father's partner, and I +shall become richer every year."</p> + +<p>"It is not a matter of money with me, Mr. Campbell. When I marry, that +will be a minor consideration."</p> + +<p>"Of course, because you have a fortune of your own."</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Florence, regarding him significantly, for she suspected +that it was rather her fortune than herself that he desired, being no +stranger to his love of money.</p> + +<p>Perhaps he understood her, for he continued:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span> "Of course I don't care +for that, you know. I should offer myself to you if you had nothing."</p> + +<p>This Florence Douglas thoroughly disbelieved. She answered coldly, "I +thank you for the compliment you pay me, but I beg you to drop the +subject."</p> + +<p>"I will wait."</p> + +<p>"You will wait in vain. I will look upon you as a friend if you desire +it, but there can be nothing more than friendship between us."</p> + +<p>Orton Campbell was very much chagrined, and reported the result of his +suit to his father.</p> + +<p>"I will speak to her myself," said the father. "As her guardian I ought +to have some influence with her."</p> + +<p>He soon ascertained, however, that Florence Douglas had a will of her +own.</p> + +<p>After a time he dropped persuasion and had recourse to threats. "Miss +Douglas," he said, "I shall have to remind you that I am your guardian."</p> + +<p>"I am quite aware of that fact, sir."</p> + +<p>"And I shall remain in that position till you have completed your +twenty-fifth year."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span>"That is quite true, sir."</p> + +<p>"If you take any imprudent steps I shall think it necessary to +interfere."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean, sir?"</p> + +<p>"I shall not allow you to fall a prey to any designing fortune-hunter."</p> + +<p>"You need not fear, sir: I am in no danger."</p> + +<p>"I am of a different opinion. I am quite aware that Richard Dewey has +been seeking to ingratiate himself with you."</p> + +<p>"Then," said his ward with dignity, "I have no hesitation in informing +you that he has succeeded."</p> + +<p>"Ha! I thought so. That is why you rejected my son."</p> + +<p>"Excuse me, sir: you are quite mistaken. I should refuse your son if +there were no other man in the world likely to marry me."</p> + +<p>"And what is the matter with my son, Miss Douglas?" demanded her +guardian, stiffly.</p> + +<p>Florence might have answered that he was too much like his father, but +she did not care to anger her guardian unnecessarily, and she simply +answer<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span>ed, "It would be quite impossible for me to regard him as I wish +to regard the man whom I hope to marry."</p> + +<p>"But you could regard Richard Dewey in that way," sneered Campbell. +"Well, Miss Douglas, I may as well tell you that he asked my permission +yesterday to address you, and I ordered him out of my presence. +Moreover, I have charged the servants not to admit him into the house."</p> + +<p>"So you have insulted him, Mr. Campbell?" said his ward, her eyes +flashing with resentment.</p> + +<p>"It was the treatment which he deserved as an unscrupulous +fortune-hunter."</p> + +<p>"That word will better apply to your son," said the young lady, coldly. +"I shall not remain here to have Mr. Dewey insulted."</p> + +<p>"You will repent this, Miss Douglas," said her guardian, with an ugly +frown. "Mark my words: I will keep you and Dewey apart. I have the +power, and I will exert it."</p> + +<p>Two weeks later Richard Dewey sailed for California in search of +fortune, and five months later Miss Douglas, fearing that her guardian +might im<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span>prison her in a mad-house, escaped from his residence, and, +aided by Ben, also managed to reach California. For a time Mr. Campbell +was entirely ignorant of her place of refuge. The next chapter will show +how he discovered it.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI"></a>CHAPTER XXI.</h2> + +<h3>MR. CAMPBELL RECEIVES TIDINGS OF HIS WARD.</h3> + + +<p>"It is strange we can't find Florence," said Orton Campbell to his +father one morning some months after the young lady's departure. "Is +there no clue?"</p> + +<p>"The detective I have employed has failed to trace her."</p> + +<p>"Has he no theory?"</p> + +<p>"He suggests that she may have gone to Europe," said Mr. Campbell, "but +I am not of that opinion."</p> + +<p>"What do you think, then?"</p> + +<p>"I suspect she has buried herself in some obscure country place under +some assumed name, there to remain till she has attained her +twenty-fifth year, when my guardianship ceases."</p> + +<p>"When will that be?"</p> + +<p>"Six months hence."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span>"It is very important, then, that we should find her before that time," +said Orton Campbell, thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>"That is true. After the time referred to my power ceases, and I shall +be unable to assist you in your plans."</p> + +<p>"Her fortune amounts to one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, does it +not?"</p> + +<p>"More than that. The interest has been accumulating till it amounts to +nearer one hundred and seventy thousand dollars."</p> + +<p>Orton Campbell's eyes sparkled with covetous greed.</p> + +<p>"That is a stake worth playing for," he said. "With what I have of my +own, it would make me independently rich."</p> + +<p>"Just so, Orton," said his father.</p> + +<p>"And nothing stands in the way but the caprice of a foolish girl! I +declare, father, it is too exasperating. Suppose we try another +detective? Your man can't be very sharp."</p> + +<p>"I have no objection, Orton," said the merchant, "but as he would be +employed in your interest, it<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span> is only fair that you should pay the +expense incurred."</p> + +<p>"I don't see that," said the son. "She is your ward, you know. It ought +to come out of her property."</p> + +<p>"The item may not be allowed. In that case I should be responsible," +said John Campbell, cautiously.</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you what I will do, father: if she is found and I marry her, +I'll freely pay the whole expense."</p> + +<p>"Suppose we find her, and she won't marry you: what then?" asked his +father, keenly.</p> + +<p>The son looked nonplussed, but finally consented in that case to defray +the expense out of his private means—that is, if it could not be taken +out of the young lady's fortune.</p> + +<p>The matter having been satisfactorily adjusted, they were discussing the +choice of a detective when a clerk came to the door of the private +counting-room in which father and son were seated and said, "There's a +man outside wants to speak to you, Mr. Campbell."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span>"Who is he, Saunders?"</p> + +<p>"I think it's Jones, who used to be in your employ as light porter."</p> + +<p>"How does he look? Well-to-do?"</p> + +<p>"He is decidedly shabby," answered Saunders.</p> + +<p>"Come to ask help, probably," muttered the merchant. "I think I won't +see him."</p> + +<p>Saunders left the office, but presently returned.</p> + +<p>"Well, has he gone?" asked the merchant.</p> + +<p>"No; he says he wants to see you on business of importance."</p> + +<p>"Of importance to himself, probably.—Shall I see him, Orton?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, father. If he is humbugging us, we can send him off."</p> + +<p>So permission was given, and almost immediately Saunders ushered into +the room a short, broad-shouldered fellow, who looked very much like a +professional tramp.</p> + +<p>"Good-morning, Mr. Campbell," said he, deferentially.</p> + +<p>"Humph, Jones, is it you? You don't look as if you had prospered."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span>"No more I have, sir."</p> + +<p>"Don't come near me. Really, your appearance is very disreputable."</p> + +<p>"I can't help that, sir. I've just come from California in the steerage, +and you can't keep very neat there."</p> + +<p>"I believe you went to California to make your fortune, didn't you, +Jones?" said Orton Campbell, with a cynical smile.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Mr. Orton, I did."</p> + +<p>"And you didn't make it, I infer from your appearance."</p> + +<p>"I haven't got much money about me now," said Jones, with a shrug and a +smile.</p> + +<p>"You would have done better not to have left my employment, Jones," said +the merchant. "You wanted higher pay, I believe, and as I wouldn't give +it, you decided that you could better yourself at the mines."</p> + +<p>"That is about so, sir."</p> + +<p>"Well, and what luck did you have?"</p> + +<p>"Good luck at first, sir. I made a thousand dollars at the mines in a +few months."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span>"Indeed!" said Orton, in surprise.</p> + +<p>"I came with it to San Francisco, and gambled it away in one night. Then +I was on my beam-ends, as the sailors say."</p> + +<p>"Did you go back?"</p> + +<p>"No. I went to work in the city, and managed to get enough money to buy +a steerage passage, and here I am."</p> + +<p>"I suppose you have come to ask me to take you back into my employ? +That, I take it, is your business with me."</p> + +<p>"No, sir—not exactly."</p> + +<p>"Then, what is it?" asked the merchant, looking a little puzzled. It +crossed his mind that Jones might so far have forgotten his rule never +to give away money for any purpose as to suppose there was a chance to +effect a loan.</p> + +<p>"I thought you and Mr. Orton might be willing to pay my expenses back to +San Francisco," said Jones, coolly.</p> + +<p>"Are you out of your head, Jones?" demanded Orton Campbell, amazed at +the man's effrontery.</p> + +<p>"Not at all."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span>"If this is meant as a joke, Jones," said the merchant in a dignified +tone, "it is a very poor—and, I may add, a very impudent—one. What +possible claim have you on us, that you should expect such a favor?"</p> + +<p>"Have you heard anything of your ward, Mr. Campbell?" asked Jones, not +in the least abashed.</p> + +<p>"No. What has my ward to do with your concerns?"</p> + +<p>"I have seen her," answered Jones, briefly.</p> + +<p>"Where?" asked John Campbell and his son simultaneously.</p> + +<p>"That information belongs to me," said Jones, quietly. "A detective +doesn't work without pay."</p> + +<p>The two Campbells now began to see the point. This man had information +to sell, and would not give it up without what he considered suitable +compensation. They determined to drive the best possible bargain with +him. He was poor, and probably could be bought over for a small sum.</p> + +<p>"Your information is worth something, Jones," said the merchant, +guardedly. "I will go so far as to give you twenty-five dollars cash for +it."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span>"That won't do," said Jones, shaking his head.</p> + +<p>"Your information may be worth nothing," said Orton. "You may have seen +her, but that doesn't show where she is now."</p> + +<p>"I know where she is now," said Jones.</p> + +<p>"Is she in California?"</p> + +<p>"I don't mind telling you as much as that, Mr. Orton."</p> + +<p>"Then we can find her without your assistance."</p> + +<p>"I don't think you can. At any rate, it will take time, especially as, +if you don't make a bargain with me, I shall write her that you are on +her track."</p> + +<p>Father and son looked at each other.</p> + +<p>It was evident that Jones was no fool, and they would be obliged to +submit to his terms or give up the search, which was not to be thought +of.</p> + +<p>"What do you propose, Jones?" asked Mr. Campbell, a little less +haughtily.</p> + +<p>"That you pay my expenses back to California and one thousand dollars," +said Jones, promptly. "If you or Mr. Orton will go with me, I will show +you where she lives, and then you can take your own course."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span>This was finally agreed to, and Orton Campbell and the ex-porter sailed +by the next steamer for San Francisco, where Florence Douglas, still +boarding with Mrs. Armstrong, was waiting impatiently for news of +Richard Dewey.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII"></a>CHAPTER XXII.</h2> + +<h3>A MORNING CALL.</h3> + + +<p>Florence Douglas had now been an inmate of Mrs. Armstrong's household +for some months. She avoided making acquaintances, and therefore was +often lonely. But she was buoyed up by the thought that Richard Dewey +was somewhere in the State, and that the two messengers whom she had +sent out would eventually find him. She felt great confidence in Ben, +and also in Bradley, who had impressed her as an honest, straightforward +man, though illiterate and not at all times superior to temptation.</p> + +<p>Her hope had been sustained by a letter received from Ben at the time he +and Bradley were on the point of starting for the Sierras, where they +had information that Dewey was engaged in mining. Then weeks passed, and +she heard nothing. She began to feel anxious for the safety of her two<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span> +agents, knowing that not alone wild beasts, but lawless men, were to be +encountered among the mountains. Should Ben and his companion come to +harm, she would be sincerely sorry for their fate, feeling in a measure +responsible for it. Still more, Richard Dewey would then be left +ignorant of her presence in California, and might return to the East in +that ignorance, leaving her friendless and alone more than three +thousand miles from her old home.</p> + +<p>How would her heart have been cheered could she have known that at that +moment Richard Dewey, with his two faithful friends, was but four days' +journey from the city! So it happens that good fortune is often nearer +to us than we imagine, even when our hearts are most anxious.</p> + +<p>While she was trying to look on the bright side one morning, Mrs. +Armstrong entered her room. "Miss Douglas," she said, "there is a +gentleman in the parlor who wishes to see you."</p> + +<p>Her heart gave a great bound. Who could it be but Richard Dewey who +would call upon her?</p> + +<p>"Did he give his name?" she asked, in agitation.</p> + +<p>"No; he said you would know him."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span>"It must be Richard," she said to herself; and, controlling her +agitation as well as she could, she descended to the parlor. She paused +a moment before opening the door to regain her self-possession. Then, +with an effort, she turned the knob, and entering the room, found +herself face to face with Orton Campbell!</p> + +<p>It was so unexpected and so bitter a disappointment that an expression +of blank dismay overspread her face, and she sank into the nearest chair +without venturing on a single word of greeting.</p> + +<p>"You didn't expect to see me, Miss Douglas?" said Orton, enjoying the +effect of his appearance, for he had never deceived himself with the +thought that his father's ward would be glad to see him.</p> + +<p>By this time Florence had regained her self-possession, and with it came +back scorn for the man whose object in pursuing her she well understood +to be love of her fortune, not of herself.</p> + +<p>"You are entirely right, Mr. Campbell," she answered. "You are the last +person I expected to see."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span>"You don't appear very glad to see me," he continued.</p> + +<p>"Why should I appear so? You know very well that I am not glad to see +you," said the heiress, frankly.</p> + +<p>"That is complimentary," said Orton, rather provoked, though he knew +very well in advance that such was her feeling.</p> + +<p>"I suppose you didn't come here for compliments, Mr. Campbell?" said +Florence, coldly.</p> + +<p>"You are right: I didn't."</p> + +<p>"May I ask if you are in San Francisco on business?"</p> + +<p>"You take things very coolly, I must say, Miss Douglas. Certainly you +cannot be ignorant of my motive in coming here at great personal +inconvenience."</p> + +<p>"I hope I have nothing to do with your reason."</p> + +<p>"You are the sole reason."</p> + +<p>"I am sorry to hear it."</p> + +<p>"I came to remonstrate with you on the very unwise step you took in +running away from your legal guardian."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span>"My legal guardian, as you call him, though I look upon him as such only +as far as my property is concerned, rendered the step necessary."</p> + +<p>"I don't see how."</p> + +<p>"In plain terms, Mr. Orton Campbell, I believe that you and your father +entered into a conspiracy to keep my fortune in the family by inducing +me to become your wife."</p> + +<p>"I certainly did ask you to become my wife, but it was not because of +your fortune," answered the young man.</p> + +<p>Florence's lip curled. She thoroughly disbelieved his statement. Though +she said nothing, it was clear to him from her expression that she put +no confidence in his words.</p> + +<p>"You may believe me or not," he said, doggedly; "but why should you +think so poorly of yourself as to suppose you have nothing to attract +lovers except your money?"</p> + +<p>"I may not be so modest as you suppose, Mr. Campbell. I do believe that +I have won the love of a true and noble man. My doubt only related to +yourself."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span>"You mean Richard Dewey, I suppose?" said Orton Campbell, with a sneer.</p> + +<p>"I do mean Richard Dewey," answered Florence, with composure.</p> + +<p>"By the way, he came to California, I believe."</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"And you came here in pursuit of him?" he added, with a sneer.</p> + +<p>"I came here to find him, knowing that in him I had a true friend, while +your father's persecution and your own made me feel the need of one."</p> + +<p>"Have you found him? Do you know where he is?" asked Orton Campbell, +eagerly.</p> + +<p>"I only know he is somewhere at the mines. I have taken steps to find +him, and hope eventually to succeed."</p> + +<p>"Why don't you advertise?" asked the young man, with an angry sneer.</p> + +<p>"Would you advise it?" asked Miss Douglas, coolly.</p> + +<p>"No," muttered Orton, for he feared such a step might prove successful. +"What steps have you taken?" he asked.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span>"I prefer to keep them to myself."</p> + +<p>"Miss Douglas," said Orton Campbell, after a pause, "all this is very +foolish and humiliating. There is only one proper course for you to +pursue."</p> + +<p>"What is it?"</p> + +<p>"Return to New York with me in the next steamer, and place yourself once +more under the care of my father, whose protection you never ought to +have left."</p> + +<p>"'Protection'!" repeated Florence, with bitter emphasis. "What +protection did he give me?"</p> + +<p>"All that was required."</p> + +<p>"'All that was required'? You know very well that you and he had +conspired to put me in a mad-house if I would not agree to enrich you by +giving you my hand."</p> + +<p>"That is not true," said Orton Campbell, rather confused.</p> + +<p>"'Not true'? He distinctly threatened to do it as a means of terrifying +me into compliance with his and your wishes. It was not until then that +I decided to leave your house and seek some place of refuge until time +and the law should set me<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span> completely free from your family and their +machinations."</p> + +<p>"It is evident, Miss Douglas, that you are under a delusion. Your way of +talking is sufficient to show that your mind is affected. Any good +physician would need no other proof."</p> + +<p>Florence Douglas looked at him with distrust. Was this a threat, or how +should she interpret it?</p> + +<p>"It is convenient, Mr. Orton Campbell," she retorted with spirit, "to +charge with madness those who oppose us. At home I felt afraid of your +threats: here I am secure."</p> + +<p>He thought that perhaps he had gone too far, since the young lady was +independent of him, and it was not certain that he could gain possession +of her.</p> + +<p>"Miss Douglas," he said, "I have already told you that you have taken an +unwise step. There is one way to remedy it, and I hope I may be able to +induce you to take it. Let me assure you that I have called upon you as +a friend, as a warm friend, as one who seeks to be something more than a +friend."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span>"Well, sir?"</p> + +<p>"Let me urge you to consent to an immediate marriage with me, and to +accompany me home on the next steamer. My father will receive you as a +daughter, and never allude to your flight."</p> + +<p>"I suppose I ought to thank you for your disinterested proposal, Mr. +Campbell, but I can only tell you that you ask what is entirely out of +the question. This is final. Allow me to wish you good-morning."</p> + +<p>"But, Miss Douglas—"</p> + +<p>She did not turn back nor heed these last words, and Orton Campbell +found himself alone.</p> + +<p>He rose slowly from his seat, and an evil look came into his eyes. "She +has not done with me yet," he muttered as he left the house.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXIII.</h2> + +<h3>A SECRET CONFERENCE.</h3> + + +<p>The affairs of Florence Douglas are so interwoven with the fortunes of +my young hero that I find myself obliged to devote a part of my space to +their record. I confess that I have no pleasure in detailing the schemes +of Orton Campbell, who seems to me a very disagreeable character, but it +seems necessary.</p> + +<p>After leaving the presence of Miss Douglas he took a walk, to consider +the situation and decide what it was most expedient to do. He was +spending considerable time and money in the effort to recover his +father's ward, and he did not like to fail. Yet it was not easy to +decide upon any plan which would bring success. It was not a matter in +which he could invoke the assistance of the law. The young lady's manner +convinced him that she<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span> would not of her own free will consent to +accompany him back. What, then, was to be done?</p> + +<p>On the principle that two heads are better than one, he resolved to take +his companion, Jones, into his confidence and ask him to make a +suggestion.</p> + +<p>"How did you find the young lady, Mr. Orton?" asked his follower on his +return to the hotel.</p> + +<p>"Very offish, Jones."</p> + +<p>"Then she wasn't glad to see you?" said Jones, with a grin.</p> + +<p>"By no means. She hardly treated me with civility."</p> + +<p>"That's because of the other man," said Jones, sagaciously.</p> + +<p>"You are right. Mr. Dewey, as I learned, is in California."</p> + +<p>"Then maybe they have an understanding together."</p> + +<p>"No; she doesn't know where he is."</p> + +<p>Jones was puzzled, and showed it in a way common to men of his class. He +scratched his head and looked perplexed.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span>"Then, what good is it for her to stay here?" he asked, after a pause.</p> + +<p>"She is taking steps to find this Dewey, who is somewhere at the mines, +though she would not tell me what they were. He may turn up any time, +and then good-bye to all my hopes."</p> + +<p>"You want to marry her yourself, Mr. Orton?"</p> + +<p>"Of course. Otherwise I wouldn't have come so far in search of her."</p> + +<p>"The young lady is very rich, isn't she?" asked Jones, shrewdly.</p> + +<p>"She has a moderate fortune," replied Orton, guardedly; "but that +doesn't influence me."</p> + +<p>"Of course not," said Jones; but there was something in his tone which +made Campbell eye him sharply.</p> + +<p>"I am no fortune-hunter," said he, stiffly.</p> + +<p>"You'd want to marry her just the same if she hadn't a cent?"</p> + +<p>"Of course I would," snapped Orton.</p> + +<p>"Now, that's what I call real love," said Jones. "To be sure, you're +rich yourself, and needn't mind."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span>"Precisely so. I may not be rich, but I can support a wife."</p> + +<p>"As the young lady prefers some one else, I suppose we may as well go +home?"</p> + +<p>"That's what I want to talk to you about, Jones. Very likely this Dewey +is dead; at any rate, he's a mere fortune-hunter. Now, although Florence +doesn't care to marry me now, if our marriage could be brought about she +would no doubt be reconciled to it after a while. Now, Jones, have you +anything to suggest?"</p> + +<p>Orton Campbell threw himself back in his chair and eyed Jones. He had +formed a plan, but, if possible, he wanted the proposal to come from +Jones.</p> + +<p>Jones was not over-scrupulous; he had never been so, and the months he +had spent in the mines in the company of adventurers of all kinds had +not improved him. Even law-abiding citizens often lost their regard for +law in California, and Jones had fewer scruples to overcome than most.</p> + +<p>He suggested a plan which met with the ap<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span>proval of his employer, and +promised his co-operation on the understanding that if successful +Campbell should properly reward him.</p> + +<p>It may be added that of the thousand dollars which he was to receive for +his information he had actually received but three hundred, Orton +Campbell having on various pretexts put off paying him. He received the +assurance that this also should be paid him without further delay as +soon as the plan referred to was successfully carried out.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXIV.</h2> + +<h3>MISS DOUGLAS RECEIVES A MESSAGE.</h3> + + +<p>Florence Douglas felt somewhat uneasy after the visit of Orton Campbell. +Though he had no legal right to interfere with her, even as the +representative of his father, she knew the unscrupulous character of the +man, and that he would not have spent time and money in a visit to +California unless he had a strong hope of carrying her back with him. +Her chief fear was that he would carry out his father's threat and try +to have her pronounced of unsound mind, in which case he could have her +confined in an asylum.</p> + +<p>"If I could only hear from Richard Dewey!" she fervently ejaculated. "If +he were here I would have nothing to fear."</p> + +<p>Two days passed, and, considerably to her relief, she heard nothing from +Campbell. She began to hope that he had given up his purpose and made<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span> +arrangements to return to the East. She was determined to refuse him an +audience if he should call upon her again, either with or without +companions. That she might feel more secure, she took her landlady, Mrs. +Armstrong, into her confidence.</p> + +<p>This lady had become much attached to her guest, and listened with great +indignation to the account which Florence gave her. "My dear Miss +Douglas," she said, "if that man Campbell calls, leave me to deal with +him."</p> + +<p>"How would you propose to do it?" asked Florence, smiling.</p> + +<p>"I would give him a piece of my mind, you may depend upon that."</p> + +<p>"He would be rude to you."</p> + +<p>"In that case I would order him out of the house," said Mrs. Armstrong, +resolutely. "The man needs a lesson, and I should like to be the one to +give it to him."</p> + +<p>"I shall be very glad to have you meet him in my place," said the young +lady. "An interview with him is something which I would gladly avoid."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span>"That you shall! I only hope he'll come soon. He'll find one woman that +isn't afraid of him."</p> + +<p>"I am not afraid of him, Mrs. Armstrong, but I own that I am +apprehensive of what he may do. It would not surprise me at all if he +should make his appearance with some needy physician who for a fee will +be ready to pronounce me insane."</p> + +<p>"Don't be alarmed, Miss Florence. I'll send the doctor packing, as well +as his employer. Perhaps he will pronounce me insane. If he does, he is +welcome to. I think he would find me an unsatisfactory patient."</p> + +<p>"I think so too," said Florence, smiling, as she scanned the firm, +determined face and the tall and muscular form of her hostess, who +certainly would never be classed as a weak or timid woman.</p> + +<p>On the afternoon of the third day a knock was heard at the door, for as +yet it was unprovided with a bell.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Armstrong and Florence were sitting together.</p> + +<p>The two glanced at each other, and the same thought came to each.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span>"It may be Orton Campbell," said Florence, who was the first to speak.</p> + +<p>"Then let me go to the door. Stay where you are, Miss Douglas; I will +receive the gentleman."</p> + +<p>But when the landlady opened the door she saw a man who looked like a +coachman. A covered carriage was at the gate, which he had evidently +driven.</p> + +<p>"Well, sir, what can I do for you?" demanded the landlady, sharply.</p> + +<p>"Is there a young lady living with you named Florence Douglas?" asked +the man.</p> + +<p>"Miss Florence Douglas boards here," answered Mrs. Armstrong.</p> + +<p>"I've got a message for her, ma'am."</p> + +<p>"If it's from Mr. Orton Campbell, you can go back and tell him that she +won't receive any messages from him," said the landlady, resolutely.</p> + +<p>"I don't know who you mean, ma'am," replied the man, in apparent +surprise. "I don't know any such gentleman."</p> + +<p>"Then who sent you?" inquired the landlady, whose turn it was to be +surprised.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span>"It's a man just come from the mines," said the driver—"a Mr. Dewey."</p> + +<p>Florence had drawn near to the head of the stairs in her interest to +hear who had called, and she caught the name of her lover. She came +flying down stairs, and demanded breathlessly, "What about Richard +Dewey? I am Miss Douglas, and your message is for me."</p> + +<p>Jones, for it was he, touched his hat respectfully, and held out a note +penned on rough paper and written in pencil.</p> + +<p>"This will explain everything, miss," he said.</p> + +<p>Florence took the paper, and with some difficulty read it. It ran thus:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"<span class="smcap">Dear Florence</span>: I have struggled to reach you, but +have been struck down by fever when I was nearly at +the end of my journey. I have had bad luck at the +mines, and was almost discouraged, when I learned +that you were in San Francisco. Poor as I was, I +determined to come to you, even at the risk of your +misjudging me. I am not able to write much, and must +defer particulars till I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span> see you. I am staying at +the house of a kind stranger a few miles from the +city. The man whom I send with this note is +trustworthy. If you will trust yourself to his +guidance, he will bring you to me. I know that I am +asking a great deal of you, but I think you will not +fail me.</p> + +<p class="center">"Yours, with love,</p> + +<p style="text-align: right;">"<span class="smcap">Richard Dewey.</span>"</p></div> + +<p>The writing was hurried—indeed, it was hardly more than a scrawl.</p> + +<p>"He must be very weak," thought Florence, her heart swelling with +painful emotions.—"My good friend," she said to the landlady, "Richard +is sick and poor. He asks me to come to him. I must go."</p> + +<p>"But can you trust that man? Is the letter genuine?" asked Mrs. +Armstrong, suspiciously.</p> + +<p>"I am sure it is genuine. It is written as Richard would write."</p> + +<p>"But don't be in haste, Miss Douglas—Florence. Make some inquiries, and +find out whether this news can be depended upon."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span>"Would you have me hesitate when Richard needs me?" asked Florence, +reproachfully. "No, Mrs. Armstrong, I must go, and at once. I have +waited so long to see him!"</p> + +<p>"He will be very glad to see you, miss," said Jones respectfully. "He +has been talking about you constant."</p> + +<p>"Were Ben and Mr. Bradley with him? Why didn't one of them come?"</p> + +<p>"Because, miss," said Jones with ready invention, though he had never +heard of either of the persons mentioned, "one went for the doctor, and +the other stayed to take care of him."</p> + +<p>This seemed very plausible. Without a particle of suspicion Florence +Douglas hastily dressed herself and entered the carriage in waiting.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXV" id="CHAPTER_XXV"></a>CHAPTER XXV.</h2> + +<h3>WALKING INTO A TRAP.</h3> + + +<p>The thought that she was so soon to see Richard Dewey, and to minister +to his comfort, was a source of pleasure to Florence. Her patient +waiting was at length to be rewarded. What mattered it to her that he +was poor and sick? He had all the more need of her.</p> + +<p>"It's a long ride, miss," said Jones as he closed the carriage-door. "I +hope you won't be tired before we get there."</p> + +<p>"I shall not mind it," said Florence. "How far is it?"</p> + +<p>"I don't rightly know. It's a matter of ten miles, I'm thinkin'."</p> + +<p>"Very well."</p> + +<p>Jones resumed his seat, and Florence gave herself up to pleasant +thoughts. She felt thankful that she was blessed with abundant means, +since<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span> it would enable her to spare no expense in providing for the sick +man. Others might call him a fortune-hunter, but that produced no +impression upon her, except to make her angry. She had given her whole +love and confidence to the man whom her heart had chosen.</p> + +<p>The carriage rolled onward rapidly: as from time to time she glanced out +of the window, she saw that they had left behind the town and were in +the open country. She gave herself no concern, however, and did not +question Jones, taking it for granted that he was on the right road, and +would carry her to the place where Richard Dewey had found a temporary +refuge.</p> + +<p>"It is some poor place, probably," she reflected, "but if he can be +moved I will have him brought into town, where he can see a skilful +doctor daily."</p> + +<p>At the end of an hour and a half there was a sudden stop.</p> + +<p>Florence looked out of the carriage-window, and observed that they were +in front of a shabby-looking dwelling of two stories.</p> + +<p>Jones leaped from his elevated perch and opened<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span> the door of the +carriage. "This is the place, miss," he said. "Did you get tired?"</p> + +<p>"No, but I am glad we have arrived."</p> + +<p>"It's a poor place, miss, but Mr. Dewey was took sick sudden, so I was +told, and it was the best they could do."</p> + +<p>"It doesn't matter. Perhaps he can be moved."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps so. Will you go in?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>The door was opened, and a slatternly-looking woman of sinister aspect +appeared at the threshold. Florence took no particular notice of her +appearance, but asked, hurriedly, "How is he?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, he'll get along," answered the woman, carelessly. "Will you come +in?"</p> + +<p>"He is not dangerously sick, then?" said Florence, relieved.</p> + +<p>"He's got a fever, but ain't goin' to die this time."</p> + +<p>"This is Mrs. Bradshaw, Miss Douglas," said Jones, volunteering an +introduction.</p> + +<p>"I thank you, Mrs. Bradshaw, for your kindness to a sick man and a +stranger," said Florence, earnestly. "Can I see him now?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span>"Yes, miss, if you'll just walk up stairs. I hope you'll excuse the +looks of things; I haven't had time to fix up."</p> + +<p>"Oh, don't mention it."</p> + +<p>In a tumult of emotion Florence followed her guide up a rough staircase.</p> + +<p>On the landing Mrs. Bradshaw opened a door and, standing aside, invited +Florence to enter.</p> + +<p>On a sofa, with his back to her, lay the figure of a man covered with a +shawl.</p> + +<p>"Richard!" said the visitor, eagerly.</p> + +<p>The recumbent figure slowly turned, and revealed to the dismayed +Florence, not the face of the man she expected to see, but that of Orton +Campbell.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Campbell!" she ejaculated, in bewilderment.</p> + +<p>"I see you know me, Miss Douglas," said Orton Campbell, throwing off the +shawl and rising from the couch.</p> + +<p>For the first time it dawned upon Florence that she had walked into a +trap. She hurried to the door and strove to open it, but Mrs. Bradshaw +had locked it.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span>"What does this mean, Mr. Campbell?" she demanded with spirit, in spite +of her terror. "Is this unworthy trick of your devising?"</p> + +<p>"I am afraid I must confess that it is," said Orton, coolly.</p> + +<p>"And it was all a falsehood about Richard Dewey's sickness?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"And the note?"</p> + +<p>"I wrote it myself."</p> + +<p>"Then, sir, you have acted shamefully," said Florence, indignantly.</p> + +<p>"I am afraid I have," said Orton Campbell, smiling, "but I couldn't help +it!"</p> + +<p>"'Couldn't help it'?" repeated Miss Douglas.</p> + +<p>"No; you would not receive me, and I had to contrive an interview."</p> + +<p>"Do you know anything of Richard Dewey?"</p> + +<p>"No; he is perfectly well, so far as I know, or he may be dead. Pray be +seated."</p> + +<p>"I would rather stand. May I ask what you expect to gain by this base +deception?"</p> + +<p>"Your consent to a marriage with me."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span>"Then it is clear you don't know me, Orton Campbell."</p> + +<p>"It is quite as clear, Miss Florence Douglas, that you don't know me."</p> + +<p>"I believe you capable of any atrocity."</p> + +<p>"Then you do know me. I am capable of anything that will break down your +opposition to my suit."</p> + +<p>"Do you propose to keep me here?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, until you give me a favorable answer."</p> + +<p>"That will never be."</p> + +<p>"Then you will stay here an indefinite period."</p> + +<p>"Are there no laws in California?"</p> + +<p>"None that will interfere with me. The people who live here are devoted +to my interests, as you will find. I don't wish to hurry you in your +decision, and will therefore leave you for the present. Your meals will +be sent you at regular times, and I will call again to-morrow."</p> + +<p>He drew a key from his pocket, opened the door, and left the room, +locking the door behind him.</p> + +<p>Florence sank into a chair, almost in despair.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXVI"></a>CHAPTER XXVI.</h2> + +<h3>A HARD-HEARTED JAILER.</h3> + + +<p>Florence soon recovered a degree of self-possession, and began to +consider the situation. The room in which she so unexpectedly found +herself a prisoner was about fifteen feet square. There were two front +windows, from which she took a survey of the neighborhood, which she had +but slightly observed from the windows of the carriage. She could see no +other house, and naturally concluded that this had been selected on +account of its lonely location.</p> + +<p>The distance from the window-sill to the ground was not over twelve +feet, and Florence began to consider whether she could not manage to +escape in this way.</p> + +<p>She tried to open one of the windows, but could not stir it. Closer +examination showed her that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span> it had been nailed down. She went to the +second window, and found that secured in a similar way.</p> + +<p>"They evidently anticipated that I would try to escape," she thought to +herself.</p> + +<p>Next her thoughts recurred to the woman who appeared to be the mistress +of the house. Not that she had any intention of appealing to her +kindness of heart, for the hard-featured Mrs. Bradshaw was not a woman +likely to be influenced by any such considerations. Florence had enjoyed +but a transient view of the lady's features, but she already had a +tolerably correct idea of her character.</p> + +<p>"She is probably mercenary," thought Florence, "and is in Orton +Campbell's pay. I must outbid him."</p> + +<p>This thought inspired hope, especially when from the window she saw her +persecutor ride away on horseback. This would gave her a fair field and +a chance to try the effect of money upon her jailer without risk of +interruption. She would have felt less sanguine of success if she had +heard the conversation which had just taken place between Mrs. Bradshaw +and her captor:</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span>"Mind, Mrs. Bradshaw, you must not let the young lady leave her room on +any consideration."</p> + +<p>"All right, sir."</p> + +<p>"I take it for granted, Mrs. Bradshaw, you are not easily taken in?"</p> + +<p>"I should say not, sir," said the woman, emphatically.</p> + +<p>"The young lady will try to impose upon you while I am away."</p> + +<p>"Then she'd better save her trouble," said Mrs. Bradshaw, tossing her +head.</p> + +<p>"She's very artful," said Orton. "Most crazy people are."</p> + +<p>"You don't mean to say she's crazy?" said Mrs. Bradshaw in surprise. +"She don't look like it."</p> + +<p>"You are quite right. She doesn't look like it, but she wrong here," +continued Campbell, tapping his forehead. "Why, she fancies herself +immensely rich, Mrs. Bradshaw, when, as a matter of fact, she's a +penniless cousin of mine, who would have gone to the poorhouse but for +my father's charity."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span>"You don't say so!" exclaimed Mrs. Bradshaw, interested.</p> + +<p>"Sometimes she thinks she's worth millions of dollars. I wish she were, +for in that case my father would be relieved of the burden of supporting +her."</p> + +<p>"To be sure, sir!"</p> + +<p>"Some time since she managed to elude our vigilance and escaped from our +home in Albany. Knowing how feeble-minded she was, we felt very anxious +about her, but for some time were unable to get a trace of her. Finally, +we learned that she had been seen in California, and I came out at great +personal inconvenience to bring her back."</p> + +<p>"Very kind of you, sir, I am sure: but how could she travel so far +without money?"</p> + +<p>"That is easily explained. She opened my father's desk and took out some +hundreds of dollars," answered Orton Campbell, with unblushing +falsehood. "Of course, we don't consider her responsible, as she is of +unsound mind. Otherwise, we should look upon her as very ungrateful."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span>"She seems to be very good-looking," observed Mrs. Bradshaw.</p> + +<p>"So she is, and if her mind were healthy I can imagine that she would be +admired. As it is, her beauty counts for nothing."</p> + +<p>"To be sure!"</p> + +<p>"I hope to calm her down, and induce her without a violent disturbance +to embark on the next steamer for New York with me. She won't listen to +me now, but I shall call to-morrow forenoon and see how she appears. +Meanwhile, she will probably try to bribe you to release her. She may +promise you thousands, perhaps millions, of dollars, for it's all the +same to her, poor thing! But of course you're too sensible a woman to be +taken in by the promises of a crazy girl?"</p> + +<p>"I should say so!" returned Mrs. Bradshaw, who was thoroughly deceived +by the artful story of her employer, who, by the way, had promised her +one hundred dollars for her co-operation in his scheme.</p> + +<p>"She will probably tell you that she came to California in search of her +lover, who is at the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span> mines. Of course there is no such person, but she +thinks there is."</p> + +<p>"I understand," said the woman, confidently.</p> + +<p>"I thought you would. Well, Mrs. Bradshaw, I will see you to-morrow. I +am sure you are to be relied upon."</p> + +<p>About six o'clock Mrs. Bradshaw carried up some supper to her prisoner.</p> + +<p>"I hope you've got an appetite, miss," she said.</p> + +<p>"Stay a moment," said Florence, eagerly. "I want to speak to you."</p> + +<p>"Now it's coming," thought Mrs. Bradshaw, with some curiosity. She was +rather taken aback by the first words of her prisoner:</p> + +<p>"How much money has Mr. Orton Campbell promised to pay you for assisting +him in his plot?"</p> + +<p>"Well, I declare!" said Mrs. Bradshaw, bridling, for though she had been +bribed she did not like to confess it.</p> + +<p>"He is to pay me rent for this room," she said, after a pause.</p> + +<p>"Then I am your lodger, am I?" asked Florence.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span>"I suppose so," answered the woman, rather embarrassed by this +unexpected question.</p> + +<p>"Very well, then. I don't think I care to occupy the room. I will pay +you a week's rent out of my own purse, and leave you after supper."</p> + +<p>"I think not," said Mrs. Bradshaw, decidedly.</p> + +<p>"Then I am to consider myself your prisoner?"</p> + +<p>"You may call it so if you like."</p> + +<p>"It is just as well to call things by their right names. Of course Mr. +Campbell has hired you to detain me here. Tell me how much he is to pay +you, and I will pay you more to release me."</p> + +<p>"Then you are rich, I suppose?" said the woman.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I am rich."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Bradshaw laughed. "You are worth several millions, I suppose?" she +said, mockingly.</p> + +<p>"Certainly not. Who told you so?"</p> + +<p>"Mr. Campbell warned me that you would pretend you were rich."</p> + +<p>"It is no pretence; I am rich, though at present his father has the +greater part of my fortune under his charge."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span>"Oh, of course!" said the woman, laughing again. "I understand all about +it."</p> + +<p>"What has Orton Campbell told you?" asked Florence, suspiciously.</p> + +<p>"He said you would pretend to be rich, and try to bribe me, though you +were only a poor relation of his who would have gone to the poorhouse +unless his father had supported you out of charity."</p> + +<p>"He has deceived you, Mrs. Bradshaw. His father wanted me to marry this +man in order to keep my fortune in his own family. That is why I ran +away from his house."</p> + +<p>"What made you come to California?" asked the woman.</p> + +<p>"Because the man whom I really loved was at work somewhere in the +mines."</p> + +<p>"Ho! ho!" laughed Mrs. Bradshaw, loudly.</p> + +<p>"Why do you laugh?"</p> + +<p>"Because you are as crazy as a loon. Mr. Campbell told me just what you +would say. He told me all about your stealing money from his father's +desk, and running off to California after a lover in the mines. It's +turned out exactly as he said."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span>"Did he dare to slander me in that way?" demanded Florence, so +indignantly that her jailer drew back in some alarm.</p> + +<p>"No violence, miss, if you please," she said. "You'd better be quiet, or +you'll have to be tied."</p> + +<p>"Good Heavens!" exclaimed Florence, "I would not have believed Orton +Campbell so false and artful!"</p> + +<p>"He's acting for your good, miss. So you'd better not make a fuss;" and +the landlady left the room, not failing to lock the door securely behind +her.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXVII"></a>CHAPTER XXVII.</h2> + +<h3>A STAR IN THE CLOUD.</h3> + + +<p>Meanwhile, though things looked dark for Florence and favorable for her +persecutor, there was one circumstance that threatened failure to the +latter's plans. Orton Campbell was a mean man, and his meanness in this +instance worked against him. He had promised his confederate, Jones, a +thousand dollars as the price of his information and co-operation, but +intended all the while to avoid paying it if it were a possible thing. +Of this sum seven hundred dollars were still due, besides an extra sum +for the services of Jones in making Florence a captive.</p> + +<p>It was in regard to these sums that Jones called on Mr. Campbell on the +evening succeeding the success of the plot.</p> + +<p>Orton Campbell was about to go out when Jones appeared at his hotel.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span>"I would like to see you a few minutes, Mr. Orton," said the man +respectfully.</p> + +<p>"You must come some other time, Jones," said Campbell, carelessly; "I've +got an engagement."</p> + +<p>"I must see you now, sir," said Jones, still respectfully, but in a +resolute tone.</p> + +<p>"'Must'?" repeated Orton Campbell, arching his brows. "You are +impertinent."</p> + +<p>"Call me what you please," said Jones, doggedly; "I'm not to be put +off."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean?" demanded his employer, angrily.</p> + +<p>"You know well enough. I want the money you are owing me."</p> + +<p>"You seem to be in a hurry," said Campbell, with a sneer.</p> + +<p>"You don't," retorted Jones. "All I ask is that you will keep your +promise."</p> + +<p>"What promise do you refer to?"</p> + +<p>"'What promise do I refer to?' You said if I would join you in +<i>kidnapping</i>—"</p> + +<p>"Hush!" said Orton looking around, apprehensive of listeners.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span>"The young lady," Jones continued, "you would pay me the seven hundred +dollars you owed me, and two hundred dollars extra for my help."</p> + +<p>Now, Orton Campbell knew very well that he had made this promise, but +the payment of nine hundred dollars he dreaded as much as some of my +readers would dread the extraction of half a dozen teeth. He had got all +he needed from Jones, and he decided that it would be safe to throw him +off. It might be dishonorable, but for that he cared little.</p> + +<p>"I suppose you have my promise in writing, Jones?" he said, with a +sneer.</p> + +<p>"No, I haven't, Mr. Campbell."</p> + +<p>"Then you can't prove that I owe you anything, I take it."</p> + +<p>"You don't mean to say, Mr. Orton, you'd cheat a poor man out of his +hard-earned money?" ejaculated Jones, who, in spite of his knowledge of +his employer's character, could hardly believe his ears.</p> + +<p>"I never intended to give you such an enormous sum for the little you +have done for me."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span>"Didn't you promise it, sir?" demanded Jones, exasperated.</p> + +<p>"Not that I remember," answered Campbell, coolly. "I should have been a +fool to promise so large a sum. I paid your expenses out to California +and three hundred dollars. That, I take it, is pretty liberal pay for +your services for a month."</p> + +<p>"I'll have justice if I live!" said Jones, furiously.</p> + +<p>He looked so threatening that Orton Campbell thought it might be best to +placate him, even at the expense of a small extra sum. "Don't be a fool, +Jones," he said. "You know very well that your demands are beyond all +reason. I've treated you very liberally already, but I don't mind doing +a little more. I'll go so far as to give you fifty dollars down, and a +further sum of one hundred dollars on my wedding-day if I marry Florence +Douglas, if you'll be content with that."</p> + +<p>"I won't be content with it, Orton Campbell," said Jones, indignantly; +"I won't be content with anything less than the full sum you promised +me.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span> You'd better pay me at once, or you may see trouble."</p> + +<p>Orton Campbell should have known that it was dangerous to trifle with a +man so thoroughly roused as Jones was, but his love of money and dislike +to part with it overcame every other consideration, and he said, "You've +refused my offer, and I have done with you. You needn't come near me +again."</p> + +<p>"Do you mean this?" asked Jones, slowly.</p> + +<p>"Of course I do. You have served my purpose, and been paid. I have +offered you more, and you have refused it. That ends everything."</p> + +<p>"I understand you now, Orton Campbell."</p> + +<p>"<i>Mr.</i> Campbell, if you please," interrupted Campbell, haughtily.</p> + +<p>"<i>Mr.</i> Campbell, then; and I am sorry I didn't know you better before, +but it isn't too late yet."</p> + +<p>"That's enough: you can go."</p> + +<p>As Jones walked away Campbell asked himself, "What is the fellow going +to do, I wonder? I suppose he will try to annoy me. Never mind: I have +saved nine hundred dollars. That will more than cover all the damage he +can do me."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span>It was about the same hour that a party of three, dusty and shabby, +entered San Francisco, and made their way to a respectable but not +prominent hotel.</p> + +<p>"We look like three tramps, Ben," said Bradley. "Anywhere but in San +Francisco I don't believe we could get lodged in any respectable hotel, +but they'll know at once that we are from the mines, and may have a good +store of gold-dust in spite of our looks."</p> + +<p>"If my friends at home could see me now," said Ben, laughingly, "they +wouldn't think I had found my trip to California profitable. It would +give my friend Sam Sturgis a good deal of pleasure to think that I was a +penniless adventurer."</p> + +<p>"He might be disappointed when he heard that you were worth not far from +a thousand dollars, Ben."</p> + +<p>"He certainly would be. On the other hand, Uncle Job would be delighted. +I wish I could walk into his little cottage and tell him all about it."</p> + +<p>"When you go home, Ben, you must have more money to carry than you have +now. A thousand<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span> dollars are all very well, but they are not quite +enough to start business on."</p> + +<p>"A year ago I should have felt immensely rich on a thousand dollars," +said Ben, thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>"No doubt; but you are young enough to wait a little longer. After our +friend Dewey has seen his young lady and arranged matters we'll dust +back to our friends, the miners who came near giving us a ticket to the +next world, and see whether fortune won't favor us a little more."</p> + +<p>"Agreed!" said Ben; "I shall be ready.—Shall you call on Miss Douglas +this evening, Mr. Dewey?" asked Ben.</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered Dewey. "I cannot bear to feel that I am in the same city +and refrain from seeing her."</p> + +<p>"Will she know you in your present rig?" suggested Bradley.</p> + +<p>"I shall lose no time in buying a new outfit," said Dewey. "There must +be shops where all articles of dress can be obtained ready-made."</p> + +<p>"I was afraid you were going as you are," said Bradley. "Of course she'd +be glad to see you, but<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span> she might be sensitive about her friends; and +that wouldn't be agreeable to you, I'm thinkin'."</p> + +<p>"I thank you for your kind suggestion, my good friend," said Dewey; "no +doubt you are right."</p> + +<p>Richard Dewey swallowed a hasty supper, and then sought the clothing +shops, where he had no difficulty in procuring a ready-made outfit. So +many persons came from the mines in his condition, desiring similar +accommodation, that he was not required to go far to secure what he +wanted.</p> + +<p>Then, having obtained from Ben the proper directions, he took his way to +the house of Mrs. Armstrong, which he reached about eight o'clock.</p> + +<p>"Can I see Miss Florence Douglas?" he asked.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Armstrong, hearing the request, came herself to the door. She was +feeling anxious about the prolonged absence of her young friend.</p> + +<p>"May I ask your name, sir?" she inquired.</p> + +<p>"Richard Dewey."</p> + +<p>"'Richard Dewey'?" repeated Mrs. Armstrong, in amazement. "Why, I +thought you were sick in bed!"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span>"What made you think so?" asked Dewey, in equal amazement.</p> + +<p>"Your own note. Miss Douglas, on receiving it, went away at once with +the messenger, and has not returned."</p> + +<p>"I have sent no note, and no messenger has come from me. I don't +understand you," said Richard Dewey, bewildered.</p> + +<p>It was soon explained, and the bitter disappointment of Dewey may well +be imagined. This feeling was mingled with one of apprehension for the +personal safety of the young lady.</p> + +<p>"This is indeed alarming," he ejaculated. "Who can have planned such an +outrage?"</p> + +<p>"I will tell you, sir," said a voice.</p> + +<p>Turning quickly, Richard Dewey's glance rested upon Jones.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVIII" id="CHAPTER_XXVIII"></a>CHAPTER XXVIII.</h2> + +<h3>JONES CHECKMATES ORTON CAMPBELL.</h3> + + +<p>"Who are you?" inquired Richard Dewey, not favorably impressed by the +appearance of the man who addressed him.</p> + +<p>"You wouldn't know if I should tell you," said Jones; "so I may as well +say that I came out to San Francisco with Orton Campbell."</p> + +<p>"Orton Campbell in the city?" exclaimed Dewey, apprehensively. "Had he +anything to do with the disappearance of Miss Douglas?"</p> + +<p>"Everything, sir; but I can't tell you about it in the street. I will go +with you to your hotel."</p> + +<p>"Tell me on the way," said Richard Dewey. "First, has any harm befallen +Florence—Miss Douglas?"</p> + +<p>"None as yet."</p> + +<p>"Is any threatened?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span>"The loss of her liberty; but I will help you to thwart Orton Campbell."</p> + +<p>Jones told the story, which need not be repeated here, as it is already +known to the reader. He had difficulty in restraining Mr. Dewey from +starting out instantly to the rescue of the young lady, but on his +representing that she was safe, and that it would be soon enough to go +out in the morning, Richard Dewey yielded.</p> + +<p>A little before eight o'clock, Jones, driving the same carriage in which +he had conveyed Florence to her place of captivity, halted in front of +Mrs. Bradshaw's dwelling.</p> + +<p>"Remain in the carriage, Mr. Dewey," he said, "and I will see if I can't +secure the young lady without any fuss."</p> + +<p>"Won't it be better for me to accompany you?"</p> + +<p>"I think not, sir. Mrs. Bradshaw knows I am the one who brought Miss +Douglas here, and she will think it is all right. Stay!" he continued, +with a sudden thought. "I have an idea. Mr. Campbell told Mrs. Bradshaw +that the young lady was insane. I will make her think that you are<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span> the +doctor from the asylum come to take Miss Douglas back with you."</p> + +<p>"Did Orton Campbell really intend such an outrage?" asked Richard Dewey, +in a tone of horror.</p> + +<p>"Yes, if Miss Douglas wouldn't consent to marry him."</p> + +<p>"Go, then, and lose no time."</p> + +<p>Jones knocked at the door, which was opened by Mrs. Bradshaw in person. +She naturally regarded Jones with surprise, not anticipating so early a +call.</p> + +<p>"How is Miss Douglas?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Very contrary," answered the landlady. "I can't get her to eat. It's my +belief she means to starve herself."</p> + +<p>"It's a crazy freak," said Jones, shrugging his shoulders. "Well, I've +come to take her away."</p> + +<p>"To take her away—so soon?" asked Mrs. Bradshaw, in surprise.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Mr. Orton thought it best."</p> + +<p>"Is he with you?"</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>"I think I see some one in the carriage."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span>"To be sure. It's the mad doctor from the asylum. Don't let Miss Douglas +know it," continued Jones, lowering his voice, "or she wouldn't consent +to go with us."</p> + +<p>"I see," answered the landlady, nodding. "Do you want to go up now?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; let me see her alone, so that I can tell her a story which will +quiet her suspicions."</p> + +<p>"Mr. Campbell hasn't paid me all he promised yet," said Mrs. Bradshaw, +rather uneasily.</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's all right," said Jones. "He never forgets his promise—and +seldom keeps it," he said to himself.</p> + +<p>Florence was sitting on the lounge in her room in rather a despondent +state of mind when the door opened, and she looked up, expecting to see +Orton Campbell.</p> + +<p>Jones closed the door behind him, and then, putting his hand over his +lips, said, "Miss Douglas, I bring you good news."</p> + +<p>"Are you not the man who brought me out here yesterday?"</p> + +<p>"The same one."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span>"Then how have you the face to show yourself in my presence?"</p> + +<p>"Because I am come to free you from your imprisonment."</p> + +<p>Florence started to her feet in some excitement. "If this were true!" +she exclaimed. "But no; you are an agent of Orton Campbell, and this is +some new trick of his."</p> + +<p>"I was an agent of Orton Campbell, but he deceived me, and I am his +enemy."</p> + +<p>"Is he with you?" asked Florence, suspiciously.</p> + +<p>"No; but in the carriage outside is one whom you will be glad to meet."</p> + +<p>"Who is it?"</p> + +<p>"Richard Dewey."</p> + +<p>"You brought me a note from him which he never wrote. How do you expect +me to believe you now?"</p> + +<p>"If he is not there, don't get into the carriage. Not a word to Mrs. +Bradshaw. She is in the employ of Mr. Campbell, who represented you as +insane, and I told her that Mr. Dewey, whom I did not dare to bring in, +was a doctor from the insane asylum."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span>"Are you sure you are not deceiving me?" said Florence, earnestly.</p> + +<p>"I am on the square, miss, but you can easily convince yourself by +coming down stairs. If you prefer to remain here till nine o'clock, when +Orton Campbell will be here, you can do so."</p> + +<p>"No, no! anything better than that!"</p> + +<p>Mrs. Bradshaw watched the exit of her guest with a peculiar look. "She +little knows where she's going," thought the woman. "Well, if she's +crazy, it's the best place for her."</p> + +<p>As may easily be imagined, there was scant leave-taking. Florence was +eager to leave this shabby cabin, where she had passed a night of +anxious solicitude.</p> + +<p>She approached the carriage, and Jones opened the door. She looked in, +and saw Dewey, who said in a low voice, "Get in at once, Florence, but +keep silent till we are on our way."</p> + +<p>An expression of joy came over her face as she saw this most convincing +proof of her driver's good faith. He mounted the box and drove rapidly +off.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span>On their way back to San Francisco the two who had been so long +separated had ample time to compare notes and form plans for the future.</p> + +<p>"Florence," said Richard Dewey, "after this treachery of Orton Campbell +there is but one way of safety for you."</p> + +<p>"And what is that?"</p> + +<p>"Let me become your legal protector, and at once. When we are married +your guardian will be powerless. He will have me to deal with then, not +a defenceless girl."</p> + +<p>"But, Richard, this seems so sudden!"</p> + +<p>"It ought not to, Florence. Have we not waited for each other long +enough? Have we not been separated long enough? I am not much richer +than when I left you—not so rich," he added, smiling, "as your other +suitor, Orton Campbell."</p> + +<p>"I will marry you if only to get rid of him, Richard," said Florence, +impetuously.</p> + +<p>"I won't quarrel with your motives, since you consent."</p> + +<p>So it happened that on their arrival in San Francisco they directed +Jones to drive to the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span> house of a clergyman, and were speedily united in +marriage, the clergyman's wife and daughter being witnesses. +Circumstances compelled them to dispense with the usual "cards and +cake."</p> + +<p>At nine o'clock, Orton Campbell, secure of his prey, drove up to Mrs. +Bradshaw's door and leisurely descended.</p> + +<p>"Well, and how is Miss Douglas this morning?" he asked of the astonished +landlady.</p> + +<p>"How is she? She's gone."</p> + +<p>"What!" ejaculated Orton, furiously; "you have dared to let her escape?"</p> + +<p>"You sent for her yourself. She went away with the mad doctor."</p> + +<p>"'The mad doctor'? I don't know anything about any mad doctor. Woman, +you are deceiving me."</p> + +<p>"Don't call me <i>woman</i>!" said Mrs. Bradshaw, offensively, putting her +arms akimbo. "I'm no more a woman than you are."</p> + +<p>"Then you'd better dress differently," sneered Campbell. "Tell me what +all this means."</p> + +<p>"The man that drove the lady out here yesterday<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span> came here more than an +hour ago and said you had sent for her. He said there was a doctor in +the carriage who would take her to the asylum. That corresponded with +what you told me, and I let her go."</p> + +<p>"That scoundrel Jones!" exclaimed Orton Campbell. "So this is his +revenge? I must go back to the city at once and circumvent him if I +can."</p> + +<p>He was about to go when Mrs. Bradshaw said, "Before you go you'd better +pay me what you promised."</p> + +<p>"I won't pay you a cent," said Campbell, angrily.</p> + +<p>"Jack!"</p> + +<p>The word spoken by the woman brought a rough-looking man to the +carriage-door.</p> + +<p>"This man says he won't pay me a cent, Jack," said Mrs. Bradshaw.</p> + +<p>"You'd better reconsider that, stranger," said Jack, pulling out a +revolver and fingering it significantly.</p> + +<p>"I owe her nothing," said Orton Campbell, surveying the revolver +uneasily. "If she had kept<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span> the young lady here, it would have been +different."</p> + +<p>"If there's a trick been played on you, my wife ain't goin' to suffer by +it. She's earned the money, stranger, and I'll give you just two minutes +to pay it over."</p> + +<p>Orton Campbell read something in the man's face that convinced him he +was not to be trifled with. With many an inward groan he drew out one +hundred dollars from his purse and handed it over.</p> + +<p>"That's all right, stranger," said Jack, coolly. "I thought you'd be +reasonable. Short reckonings make long friends."</p> + +<p>With a muttered imprecation Orton Campbell sharply ordered his driver to +turn the horses' heads toward San Francisco and make his way there as +quickly as possible. His thoughts were by no means pleasant company. He +had just been forced to pay out a considerable sum without value +received, and was beginning to think the sum paid to Jones also money +thrown away.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIX" id="CHAPTER_XXIX"></a>CHAPTER XXIX.</h2> + +<h3>A WEDDING RECEPTION.</h3> + + +<p>Orton Campbell cursed his folly in arousing the hostility of Jones. He +concluded that the latter had released Florence in order to obtain a +hold upon him, and would be ready to assist him again if satisfactorily +paid. In that event all was not lost. It was necessary to see Jones as +early as possible and make matters right with him.</p> + +<p>He was not quite clear as to where Jones could be found, but concluded +that he had carried Florence back to her boarding-house. He therefore +ordered his driver to proceed at once to the house of Mrs. Armstrong.</p> + +<p>He hastily descended from the carriage and rang the bell.</p> + +<p>It was answered by Mrs. Armstrong in person, who regarded him with no +very friendly eye.</p> + +<p>Orton Campbell, knowing his own treachery, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span> conscious that it was +also known to the lady before him, asked, in some embarrassment, "Is +Miss Douglas here?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir."</p> + +<p>Orton Campbell looked surprised. "I—I thought she might be here," he +stammered.</p> + +<p>"Were you the person who lured her from my house yesterday by a false +letter?" demanded Mrs. Armstrong, sternly.</p> + +<p>"No," answered Campbell, unblushingly; "it was an agent of mine, who has +deceived and betrayed me."</p> + +<p>"Then, you had nothing to do with the disappearance of the young lady?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly not," answered Orton Campbell, boldly. "I assure you it has +given me great concern, and I have been riding hither and thither this +morning in search of her."</p> + +<p>"Won't you come in, sir? Perhaps we may be able to throw some light on +this mystery."</p> + +<p>"She believes me," thought Orton Campbell, congratulating himself on the +effect of his duplicity.—"Certainly," he answered; "I shall be most +happy to do so."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span>He was ushered into the parlor, into which, five minutes later, entered +Florence, Richard Dewey, and a gentleman of clerical appearance.</p> + +<p>"Miss Douglas!" exclaimed Orton Campbell, in astonishment.—"I thought +you said," turning to Mrs. Armstrong, "that Miss Douglas was not here?"</p> + +<p>"I am not Miss Douglas," said Florence, quietly.</p> + +<p>"I don't understand you."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps I can explain the mystery," said Richard Dewey, coming forward.</p> + +<p>"I wish you would, if you can," said Orton Campbell, with a sneer.</p> + +<p>"This young lady is my wife."</p> + +<p>"Your wife? And who are you?"</p> + +<p>"Richard Dewey, at your service."</p> + +<p>Orton Campbell had never known Dewey well, and his life at the mines had +so changed his appearance that it was not surprising he did not +recognize him.</p> + +<p>"Is this true?" he asked, in visible dismay. "When were you married?"</p> + +<p>"Half an hour since, by this gentleman;" and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span> Richard Dewey waved his +hand in the direction of the clerical gentleman already referred to.</p> + +<p>"You have done a good stroke of business, sir," said Campbell, with a +sneer and a look of baffled hatred. "The lady's fortune makes her a good +match."</p> + +<p>"So you evidently thought, sir," answered Dewey. "Your unscrupulous +methods have not succeeded, and I beg to warn you that the lady now has +a protector who will punish any such persecution as that with which you +have recently visited her."</p> + +<p>"You are quite mistaken. My agent—"</p> + +<p>"Only followed your instructions," said an unexpected voice, as Jones, +who was within hearing, now entered from the adjoining room. "Mr. Orton, +I have confessed all, so you needn't try to humbug this gentleman."</p> + +<p>"You are a scoundrel," said Campbell, wrathfully, excited by the +appearance of the man who, in return for being cheated, had betrayed +him.</p> + +<p>"Then there's a pair of us, Mr. Campbell," said he, coolly. "I admit +that I behaved like a rascal, but I've tried to set matters right."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span>"You can find your way back to New York as you can; I have done with +you," said Campbell, hardly conscious that this very remark betrayed +him.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Dewey has kindly offered to take me back with him," said Jones, not +at all disturbed by this notice.</p> + +<p>"If you are going back by the next steamer, Mr. Campbell," said Richard +Dewey, "I will thank you to apprise your father of his ward's marriage, +and ask him to arrange for the surrender of her property at the proper +time."</p> + +<p>"You may attend to your own messages, sir," said Orton, irritably. "I +will have nothing to do with them."</p> + +<p>Without any further words he hurried out of the house, and drove at once +to the office of the steamship company, where he secured passage by the +earliest vessel eastward bound.</p> + +<p>That same evening Mr. and Mrs. Richard Dewey held an informal reception +at their boarding-house.</p> + +<p>It was not largely attended, for Florence had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span> made but few +acquaintances during her stay in the city. Uncertain as her prospects +were, she had thought it best to keep aloof from her friends, who might +possibly make known her residence to her guardian. Among those present, +however, were Richard Dewey's tried friends, Bradley and Ben Stanton.</p> + +<p>Bradley tried to excuse himself, on the ground that he was only a rough +miner and not accustomed to society, but his objection was overruled +both by Florence and her husband.</p> + +<p>"You are a true friend, Mr. Bradley," said Florence, gratefully, "and I +should miss you more than any one else except my young friend and +cousin, Ben."</p> + +<p>"Ben's different from what I am," said Bradley. "He ain't such a rough +specimen."</p> + +<p>"I'm only a miner, like you," said Ben. "I am a country boy and not used +to society, but I don't believe Cousin Ida will care for that."</p> + +<p>"Cousin Ida" was the name by which Ben had been instructed to call +Florence when she came out to California under his escort.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span>The upshot of it all was that both Bradley and Ben were present at the +bride's reception, and were made so thoroughly at home by Mrs. Richard +Dewey that neither felt in the least awkward.</p> + +<p>Two weeks later Richard Dewey and his wife sailed for New York, but Ben +and Bradley remained behind.</p> + +<p>"Come with us, Ben," said Florence. "I don't like to leave you behind."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, Miss Florence—I mean Mrs. Dewey," said the boy—"but I am +not ready to go yet."</p> + +<p>"Don't let the thought of money keep you here, Ben. I am rich, or I +shall be in a few months, when my guardian surrenders his trust, and I +will take care that you are well provided for."</p> + +<p>"Thank you again," said Ben; "but I've promised to go back to the mines. +I've got a claim reserved for me, and so has Bradley. We'll go back now +and try to gather a little more gold-dust."</p> + +<p>"But you'll let us see you in New York before long?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span>"Yes, I shall go home in a few months, even if I come back again later. +I want to see Uncle Job and Cousin Jennie, and all my old friends, not +forgetting Sam Sturgis," added Ben, smiling.</p> + +<p>"We must be content with that, I suppose," said the young lady. "I hope +you will have good luck, but even if you don't, remember that you have +two friends who will only be too glad to be of service to you.—Please +consider, Mr. Bradley, that this is said to you also."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, ma'am," said Jake Bradley, awkwardly, for with all his good +traits he was not quite at ease in the society of ladies.</p> + +<p>Ben and Bradley saw the young couple off on the steamer, and then +prepared to go back to the mines.</p> + +<p>"It's made me feel kind of lonesome to part with Dick Dewey," said +Bradley, thoughtfully. "He's a whole-souled feller, and he's 'struck it +rich' in a wife."</p> + +<p>"That's so, Jake."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXX" id="CHAPTER_XXX"></a>CHAPTER XXX.</h2> + +<h3>THE NUGGET.</h3> + + +<p>Ben and Bradley made their way back to Golden Gulch by easy stages. They +reached the Gulch about sunset, and were welcomed in such noisy style by +the miners that it might almost be called an ovation.</p> + +<p>"We reckoned you'd come," said one of the leaders. "You look like you'd +keep your promise."</p> + +<p>"I hope there ain't any hosses been stole since we went away," said +Bradley, jocosely. "Ben and I ain't quite ready to hand in our checks."</p> + +<p>"We wouldn't hold you responsible if there had been," was the reply.</p> + +<p>"That makes me feel a little easier in mind," said Bradley. "It may be +pleasant to hang from a branch with a noose round your neck, but I don't +want to try it."</p> + +<p>The miners were just preparing to take their<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span> evening meal, and Ben and +his friend were invited to share their hospitality. After supper pipes +were produced, and Bradley was called upon to bring forth his budget of +news. In the little mining-settlement, far from the great world, a man +who could give the latest news from the city or produce a late paper +from any of the Eastern cities was hailed as a public benefactor.</p> + +<p>So it was at an unusually late hour that our friends and the miners +retired to rest.</p> + +<p>The next morning the two new-comers were shown the claims which had been +set aside for them. They were eligibly located, and already had a +commercial value, but were bestowed out of good-will, without a cent of +compensation.</p> + +<p>Bradley and Ben got to work at once. They had had their vacation, and +were ready to settle down to business. They were stimulated to effort by +the success of some of their fellow miners. Ben's next neighbor had +already gathered nearly three thousand dollars' worth of gold-dust, and +it was quite within the limits of probability that our young hero might +be as successful.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span>"If I fail it won't be for lack of trying," thought Ben.</p> + +<p>Three thousand dollars, in addition to the thousand he already had, +would make him feel rich. Some of my readers, who have been luxuriously +reared, will be surprised to hear this. But Ben had always been used to +small things. He had been brought up in a small country town, where a +dollar counts for a good deal more than it does in the city, and where a +man possessing ten thousand dollars is thought to be independently rich. +His uncle Job, who was thrifty and industrious, and generally, through +careful economy, had a little money in the savings bank, was probably +worth, at the outside, fifteen hundred dollars.</p> + +<p>No wonder, then, that the prospect of being worth four thousand dollars +dazzled our young hero and stimulated him to unwonted effort.</p> + +<p>Neither of our two friends got on fast. They averaged perhaps fifty +dollars a week each, but out of this their expenses had to be paid, and +these, on account of the high price of all articles of necessity, were +rather heavy. Still, the end of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span> each week found both richer, and they +were contented.</p> + +<p>It was the aim of every miner to "strike it rich." Each had a dream of +some day cutting a rich vein or finding a nugget of extraordinary size +which should compress into one day the profits of a year or two of +ordinary success. But such lucky finds were not numerous. As in ordinary +life, the large prizes are rare, and average success is the rule. But +the general hope was kept up by occasional lucky strokes.</p> + +<p>"Ben," said Bradley, one day in excitement, returning from a visit to +the claims half a mile distant on the other side of a hilly ridge, "I've +got great news."</p> + +<p>"What is it, Jake?"</p> + +<p>"Perkins has just found a nugget that must contain five hundred dollars' +worth of gold."</p> + +<p>"You don't say so, Jake?"</p> + +<p>"Fact; I just saw it."</p> + +<p>"I hope there's more of them 'round here."</p> + +<p>"So do I. That's a find worth having."</p> + +<p>The discovery made a sensation at Golden Gulch.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span> It excited the hope of +all, and stimulated labor. What had fallen to Perkins might chance to +any one of his comrades.</p> + +<p>So, as the miners sat round their roaring fire—for it was getting +chilly in the evening—one and another discussed the interesting +question, "What would I do if I could find a nugget?" Various, of +course, were the answers. One would go home and start a dry-goods store +(he had been a dry-goods clerk in Philadelphia); another would buy the +old Stuart place and get married; another would pay off a mortgage on +the old homestead, and so on.</p> + +<p>"What would you do, Ben?" asked Bradley.</p> + +<p>"I would go home by the next steamer, and buy Uncle Job the three-acre +lot he has been wanting so long, and buy new dresses for aunt and +Jennie. But it isn't much use forming plans till the nugget is found."</p> + +<p>"That's so, Ben; but you are as likely to find it as the next man."</p> + +<p>"I will hope for it, at any rate."</p> + +<p>Though Ben's prospects were excellent, and he had met with unusual +success, his thoughts often<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span> wandered back to the quiet village where +the years of his boyhood had been chiefly passed. From time to time he +was disturbed by the thought that something might have happened to his +uncle's family, of whom he had heard little or nothing since he went +away. He afterward learned that letters had been sent which he had not +received. He was not exactly homesick, but he felt keenly the lack of +news from home.</p> + +<p>In spite of this, however, he worked on with energy and industry. He +felt that every dollar he earned brought nearer the day when he would +feel justified in turning his back upon the gold-fields of California +and wending his homeward way to Hampton.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile, Ben did not neglect to do what he could for the general +entertainment. It has already been mentioned that he could sing very +creditably, and his talent was very often called into requisition in the +evening. Ben was obliging, and, finding he could give pleasure, he +generally complied with the request of the miners and rehearsed such +songs as he knew, so that he was considered a decided ac<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span>quisition by +the little company, and his popularity was unbounded.</p> + +<p>"I've been thinkin', Ben," said Bradley, one Sunday when they were +taking a walk together, "that if there was any offices to be filled +you'd stand a good show of bein' elected."</p> + +<p>"What makes you think so, Jake?"</p> + +<p>"You're the most popular man in the camp—leastways, boy."</p> + +<p>"I can easily believe that, Jake, as I am the only boy."</p> + +<p>"Well, there's no one ahead of you, man or boy."</p> + +<p>"I am glad if that is so," said Ben, modestly. "It is chiefly because I +am a boy."</p> + +<p>"Boys are not always popular. It depends a good deal on the kind of +boy."</p> + +<p>So the reader will get some idea of Ben's life at the mines and the +estimation in which he was held by his comrades. It was not very +exciting nor very eventful, but there was to be a change.</p> + +<p>One day his pick struck something hard. It might be a rock which would +need to be removed.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span> He dug round it patiently, but when he wished to +lift it after it was loosened, he found it necessary to summon Bradley +to his assistance.</p> + +<p>"Why, Ben!" exclaimed Bradley, in excitement, "this isn't a rock; it is +a nugget, and a bouncer."</p> + +<p>"'A nugget'!" repeated Ben, incredulously.</p> + +<p>"Yes; look here!" and Bradley pointed out the indubitable signs of its +value. "Yes, Ben, your fortune has come at last."</p> + +<p>"How much is it worth?" demanded Ben, almost breathless with excitement +and exhilaration.</p> + +<p>"How much? Three thousand dollars at least."</p> + +<p>"Then I can go home."</p> + +<p>"Yes, Ben, you're got your pile."</p> + +<p>It may as well be stated here that Bradley's guess was not far out of +the way. The nugget, when it reached San Francisco, was found to amount +to three thousand seven hundred dollars.</p> + +<p>To the credit of the miners of Golden Gulch, it must be said that all +rejoiced in Ben's success. No one's good luck would have excited so +little envy or jealousy as that of the boy who had worked by their side +for months, and done so much by his good<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span>-humor and musical gifts to +cheer up and entertain them. When he was ready to start for the city on +his homeward journey all joined in wishing him a pleasant journey and +the best of luck in the years to come.</p> + +<p>Ben was not obliged to travel alone. Bradley decided not only to +accompany him to San Francisco, but to sail to New York in his company.</p> + +<p>"I've never seen York," he said, "and I never shall see it if I don't go +now. So, if you don't mind, Ben, I'll go along with you."</p> + +<p>"Mind, Jake? There's nothing I shall like better."</p> + +<p>While they are on the steamer homeward bound events have transpired in +Ben's old home which require to be noted.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXI" id="CHAPTER_XXXI"></a>CHAPTER XXXI.</h2> + +<h3>JOB STANTON'S MISTAKE.</h3> + + +<p>There had not been many changes in the little town of Hampton since Ben +left it. It was one of those quiet New England villages where life moves +slowly, and a death or a marriage is an event.</p> + +<p>Uncle Job still lived in his plain little cottage with his wife and +daughter, and still plied his humble task as the village cobbler, +essaying sometimes to make shoes when there were none to be repaired. +There was a plat of land belonging to his house rather more than an acre +in extent, but land was cheap in Hampton, and it is doubtful whether +both house and lot would have brought, if thrown into the market, over +one thousand dollars. Uncle Job had at one time about a hundred dollars +in the savings bank in a neighboring town—a fund to draw<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span> from in an +emergency—and this money with his plain home constituted his entire +wealth.</p> + +<p>Eleven hundred dollars all told! It was not a very brilliant result for +forty years' labor, beginning with the days of his boyhood; but Job +Stanton was not ambitious, and he actually felt well-to-do. He earned +enough to supply the simple wants of his family, and had something over, +and this satisfied him.</p> + +<p>But one day a strong temptation came to Job Stanton, and he yielded to +it.</p> + +<p>A trader came riding over from a neighboring town and called on Uncle +Job. The good man thought he had come to order a new pair of shoes, and +felt flattered that such a dashing man should have gone so far out of +his way to patronize him.</p> + +<p>"I'm glad to see you, Mr. Richmond," he said. "Won't you set down?"</p> + +<p>He should have said <i>sit</i>, but Job Stanton's educational advantages had +been very limited.</p> + +<p>"I don't care if I do. Snug place you've got here, Mr. Stanton."</p> + +<p>"It's very plain and humble, but it's home, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span> I set by it," answered +Job, who was busily engaged in tapping a shoe belonging to Eliphalet +Nourza, a farm-laborer.</p> + +<p>"I've come over to see you on a little business, Mr. Stanton," said the +trader, affably.</p> + +<p>"Jest so!" returned Uncle Job cheerfully, glancing over his spectacles +at the trader's shoes to see if they looked much worn. "Want a pair of +new shoes, I reckon?"</p> + +<p>"I shall need a new pair soon," said Richmond, "but that isn't exactly +what I meant."</p> + +<p>It flashed across Job Stanton's mind that his visitor might be going to +make him an offer for the old place, but he felt that he could not bear +to part with it. He had lived there ever since he was married, +thirty-five years ago, and there Jennie, the child of his old age, had +been born.</p> + +<p>But the trader's next sentence relieved him of this thought.</p> + +<p>"The fact is, Uncle Job," proceeded the trader, adopting the title by +which the shoemaker was generally known in Hampton, "I've got a favor to +ask of you."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span>"'A favor to ask of me'?" repeated Job, looking up with some surprise at +the well-dressed merchant, who seemed by his presence to honor the +homely little shop.</p> + +<p>"Yes," continued Richmond, with gravity; "I want you to indorse my note +for five hundred dollars."</p> + +<p>"What made you come to me?" asked Job Stanton in surprise. "I am not a +capitalist; I am a poor man."</p> + +<p>"Oh, well, you're good for five hundred dollars."</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered Job with some complacency; "my place here is worth twice +that, let alone the money I've got in the savings bank."</p> + +<p>"Of course it is."</p> + +<p>"Still, I don't want to run no risk. You'd better go to some moneyed +man—like Major Sturgis, for instance."</p> + +<p>"Why, the fact is, Uncle Job, it's the major that lets me have the money +on my note, but he stipulated that I should have an indorser, and he +particularly mentioned you."</p> + +<p>"That's cur'us!" said Job. "Why should he think of me?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span>"Oh, he knew you were a reliable man."</p> + +<p>"How does it happen that you need money?" asked Job, bluntly. "Isn't +your business good?"</p> + +<p>"That's just it," said Richmond, glibly. "It's so good that I've got to +extend my stock, and that takes money. I'm turning money over all the +time, and it won't be long before I am able to retire."</p> + +<p>"I'm glad of that, but I don't quite understand, if that's so, why +you're short of funds."</p> + +<p>"It's clear you are not a business-man," said Richmond, laughing, "but I +think I can explain to you how it is."</p> + +<p>He did explain, and the explanation seemed very plausible, yet Job +Stanton, who was a cautious man, hesitated.</p> + +<p>This brought the trader to his closing argument: "You mustn't think, +Uncle Job, that I expect this service for nothing. I am ready to pay you +ten dollars for the accommodation, and to order a pair of shoes at your +own price."</p> + +<p>"That's handsome!" said Job; "and all I've got to do is to sign my +name?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span>"Just so. It's a mere formality. I shall have the money to pay the note +twice over before it comes due."</p> + +<p>"Then I wonder the major wants an indorser."</p> + +<p>"Oh, it's his invariable custom. 'I know it isn't necessary, Mr. +Richmond,' he told me, 'but it's my rule, and I won't break over it, +even in your case. If you will get Job Stanton to indorse for you, it +will be perfectly satisfactory. I know he is a poor man, but then it's +only a form.'"</p> + +<p>"Well, I don't know," said Job, doubtfully. "If Ben was here I would ask +him."</p> + +<p>"You mean your nephew, don't you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, the boy that went to California."</p> + +<p>"I'm glad you mentioned him. As soon as he gets back send him to me and +I'll give him a place in my store. I've heard he's very smart."</p> + +<p>"So he is," said Job, "and I'd like to have him with you, so that he +could come to see us once in a while. There ain't no openin' in +Hampton."</p> + +<p>"Of course not."</p> + +<p>"And you'll give Ben a place when he gets home?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span>"Certainly; that is, if you indorse my note. I am ready to pay you the +ten dollars down."</p> + +<p>He drew a crisp bank-note for ten dollars from his pocket, and Job +Stanton yielded, for it was a great deal of money to him. I think, +however, that he was more influenced by the prospect of obtaining a good +place for Ben that would keep him from wandering farther away from home. +If he had been shrewder, it would have occurred to him that a prosperous +business-man, such as Richmond claimed to be, was unusually anxious for +a small accommodation. However, to him five hundred dollars represented +a large sum, and it didn't seem at all strange.</p> + +<p>So Uncle Job took off his leather apron, ushered his visitor into the +sitting-room, and sitting down at the table indorsed the note.</p> + +<p>"Thank you," said Richmond. "Here is the ten."</p> + +<p>"I don't know as I ought to ask you so much," said Job, with +conscientious scruples.</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's all right. Now, I'll go into the shop, and you may take my +measure for a pair of shoes."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span>"This has been a lucky day for me," thought Job Stanton. "I've got ten +dollars for writing my name, and it isn't often I earn as much as that +in a week."</p> + +<p>The trader seemed equally pleased, and the two parted in mutual good +spirits.</p> + +<p>The note was for three months, or ninety days, and Job Stanton thought +no more about it. Why should he? Richmond had expressly told him that it +was a mere form, and he supposed that this was the case. The ten dollars +went to buy new dresses—not very expensive, of course—for his wife and +Jennie, and that seemed to be the end of it.</p> + +<p>But Job was destined to be undeceived, and that very rudely.</p> + +<p>One day he was surprised by a call from his dignified fellow-townsman, +Major Sturgis.</p> + +<p>"Good-morning, Mr. Stanton," said the major, condescendingly.</p> + +<p>"Good-morning, major. I hope your family are quite well."</p> + +<p>"Quite well, I thank you."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span>"What's he come about?" thought Job, wonderingly.</p> + +<p>"You indorsed a note for Richmond, the dry-goods man, three months +since."</p> + +<p>"So I did. Is it really three months?"</p> + +<p>"Close upon it, Mr. Stanton. I regret to say that I shall be obliged to +call upon you to pay it."</p> + +<p>"Me! to pay it!" ejaculated Uncle Job, thunderstruck. "Why, I only +indorsed it."</p> + +<p>"Precisely. That means that you are to pay it if Richmond doesn't."</p> + +<p>"But he will pay it," said the poor shoemaker, eagerly. "He said it was +only a matter of form."</p> + +<p>"Then he deceived you. I have just received a note from him telling me +to look to you."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXII" id="CHAPTER_XXXII"></a>CHAPTER XXXII.</h2> + +<h3>THE HOUSE IS MORTGAGED.</h3> + + +<p>Job Stanton would not have been more utterly overwhelmed if he had seen +his treasured home reduced to ashes before his eyes. That he should be +responsible for a debt of five hundred dollars seemed to him almost +incredible. The trader's representation that indorsing the note was only +a matter of form he had accepted as strictly true.</p> + +<p>"Well, what are you going to do about it?" asked the major, impatiently.</p> + +<p>"'Goin' to do about it'?" ejaculated Job.</p> + +<p>"Certainly. When a man indorses a note he knows that he may be called +upon to pay, and of course has some plan for doing it."</p> + +<p>"I don't know what to do," said the poor shoemaker, sadly. "I can't pay +the note."</p> + +<p>"Humph! There seems to be only one thing to do, then."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span>"What is it?"</p> + +<p>"You must sell or mortgage your place."</p> + +<p>"What! sell or mortgage my house? I can't do that, Major Sturgis."</p> + +<p>"Very well. I won't insist on it if you can pay the note in any other +way."</p> + +<p>"Heaven knows I can't."</p> + +<p>"Then, Mr. Stanton," said the major, sharply, "it's time to speak +plainly. Unless you do as I suggest, I shall attach your property and +compel you to raise the money in the way I indicate."</p> + +<p>Job Stanton was mortally afraid of legal proceedings, and after a while +he acceded to the major's proposal, which was himself to accept a +mortgage for the sum of five hundred dollars secured upon the place. His +wife, who had to be told, wept bitterly, for it seemed to her as if they +were parting with their main reliance. But Major Sturgis carried his +point, and walked off triumphant.</p> + +<p>And now for the major's motive, for he had one, and he had artfully made +use of Richmond to forward his plan: He was desirous of getting +possession of the poor shoemaker's house and land,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span> having in view the +purchase of the lot adjoining. Then he would move the house off, throw +down the fence between the two lots, build a nice dwelling, and rent it +to a city friend who wished to spend his summers in Hampton. He knew +very well that Job Stanton wouldn't listen to a proposition for selling +his house, and he therefore tried to accomplish by stratagem what he +could not fairly.</p> + +<p>"Pa, you are looking in good spirits," said Sam Sturgis when his father +came home.</p> + +<p>"I don't feel so," said the major, hypocritically. "I have had to do a +very disagreeable thing this morning."</p> + +<p>"What was it?" Sam asked, his curiosity being excited.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Richmond the trader owed me a note for five hundred dollars, +indorsed by Job Stanton, and as he did not pay it, I had to call on +Stanton."</p> + +<p>"He couldn't pay—he's too poor," said Sam.</p> + +<p>"Not in money, but he owns his place. I have accepted a mortgage for six +months' time on his house and lot."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span>"Suppose he doesn't pay when the time comes?"</p> + +<p>"I am afraid I shall have to foreclose the mortgage."</p> + +<p>"And he'll have to leave, won't he?"</p> + +<p>"Unless he can raise the money some other way."</p> + +<p>"There isn't any other way, is there?"</p> + +<p>"Richmond might hand over the money by that time."</p> + +<p>"Do you think he will?"</p> + +<p>"He ought to, but I don't think there is much chance of it."</p> + +<p>"Ben will be rather astonished when he comes home and finds his uncle +has lost his place."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I suppose he will."</p> + +<p>"I sha'n't be sorry for him. He puts on a good many airs, considering +how poor he is. I wish I knew how he is getting along in California."</p> + +<p>"He may get a living there, but that is about all," said the major. "I +shouldn't be at all surprised if his uncle came to me for money to get +him home."</p> + +<p>"You wouldn't let him have it, would you, pa?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span>"I might," answered Major Sturgis, "if he would surrender the place to +me without putting me to inconvenience."</p> + +<p>"Would you take Ben for my servant, pa, in that case?"</p> + +<p>"Why do you want him for a servant?"</p> + +<p>"I want to humble his pride," answered Sam, with a gleam of something +like hatred in his eyes.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXXIII.</h2> + +<h3>THE BLOW ABOUT TO FALL</h3> + + +<p>All this happened soon after Ben went away. His uncle did not write him +of it, for he knew it would trouble the boy, and it could do no good. +"No, wife," he said; "Ben will have a hard row of his own to hoe. He +mustn't have any part nor lot in our troubles."</p> + +<p>"It's very hard, Job, at our time of life," said Mrs. Stanton, +despondently.</p> + +<p>"So it is, wife, but it may turn out for the best, after all. I haven't +given up hope that Mr. Richmond will pay the sum, so that I can take up +the mortgage. I'm goin' to see him about it to-morrow."</p> + +<p>Uncle Job left his work the next day, and walked five miles to the store +of the man who had brought this calamity upon him.</p> + +<p>"I've come to see you, Mr. Richmond," he said,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</a></span> wiping his forehead with +his red cotton handkerchief, "about that money I've had to pay."</p> + +<p>"Oh yes," said Richmond, with his usual suavity. "I'm very sorry it +happened so."</p> + +<p>"It seems to me you didn't treat me just right," said poor Job.</p> + +<p>"Such things will happen, you know, Mr. Stanton."</p> + +<p>"But you said it was only a matter of form signin' the note?"</p> + +<p>"Of course I so regarded it. I could have sworn I should be ready to pay +when the note became due. You see, there was money owing to me that I +couldn't collect."</p> + +<p>"Didn't you know that was likely to happen when you tempted me to +indorse the note?"</p> + +<p>"It wasn't likely to happen, but it was possible. My plans miscarried, +as any man's are liable to. If you were more used to business, Uncle +Job, you'd see that I hadn't acted wrong in the matter."</p> + +<p>"I don't understand the ways of business men, but I know you've done me +a grievous wrong, John Richmond," said Job Stanton, gravely.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</a></span> "I've come +to ask if you can pay me back a part of that money."</p> + +<p>"Well, I can't do it this morning. I've got two payments to make. You +don't look at it in the right light, Uncle Job."</p> + +<p>"I want my money," said the old man. "When can you give it to me?"</p> + +<p>"Since you push me so hard, I can only say I don't know," said Richmond, +dropping his soft tones and looking angry.</p> + +<p>"Is that all the satisfaction you are goin' to give me? Don't you ever +mean to pay me that money you've made me pay out on your account, +mortgaging my house and risking my home?"</p> + +<p>"Of course I shall pay you some time, but I can't say exactly when," +said the trader, brusquely.</p> + +<p>"Will you sign a note for the money at three months or six months, John +Richmond?"</p> + +<p>"No, I won't. You'll have to wait, Uncle Job, till I get ready to pay +you; that's all about it. I may be ready next week, or it may not be +till next month. A business-man can't always foresee how he'll be +situated at any definite time."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</a></span>With this poor consolation Job Stanton had to rest content. He looked +around him and saw every evidence of prosperity. Several customers were +in the store, and the two clerks seemed to have as much as they could +do. He saw money paid over for purchases in considerable amounts, and he +felt that a part of it might be spared as a partial payment to him; but +it was of no avail, and he turned sadly away.</p> + +<p>The next week passed, and the next month passed, and Job Stanton waited +vainly for a payment on account from John Richmond. He didn't like to +judge the trader harshly, but it did seem as if he was quite indifferent +in the matter. Another month passed, and Job made another visit to the +store of his prosperous debtor. Richmond wasted few words on him.</p> + +<p>"Uncle Job," he said, "it's no use your coming over here. I'll send you +the money when I can spare it."</p> + +<p>Finally, six months passed, the mortgage became due, and Job received a +notice from Major Sturgis that he wanted his money.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span>"If you can't raise it," said the major, "I am willing to cancel the +note, give you two hundred and fifty dollars, and take a deed of the +place."</p> + +<p>"That is only allowing seven hundred and fifty dollars for it," said +poor Job.</p> + +<p>"It's all it is worth," said the rich man, coldly. "If you prefer to put +it up at auction, I am willing, but you may in that case get less. I'll +give you three days to decide."</p> + +<p>There was great sorrow in Job Stanton's house that evening. Six months +before he had considered himself well-to-do. Now, at the age of sixty, +poverty and destitution stared him in the face.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXXIV.</h2> + +<h3>CONCLUSION.</h3> + + +<p>"Do you think we shall have to give up the house, Job?" asked Mrs. +Stanton, anxiously.</p> + +<p>"I see no other way," said Job, mournfully. "I can't raise five hundred +dollars anywhere."</p> + +<p>"Have you been to Deacon Pitkin?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, but the deacon says he's just put out what money he had, and can't +accommodate me."</p> + +<p>"It's hard!" said Mrs. Stanton, with sad brevity.</p> + +<p>"Yes, it is hard!" assented Job. "I did hope the Lord would show us a +way of deliverance, but it seems likely that the sorrow must come upon +us."</p> + +<p>"How meanly Major Sturgis and that man Richmond have behaved! I can't +help feeling that they will be come up with sooner or later," said Mrs.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</a></span> +Stanton, who, mild as she generally was, could not help feeling +exasperated.</p> + +<p>"I do think they've been inconsiderate," Job admitted.</p> + +<p>"'Inconsiderate'! Their conduct has been contemptible. The major don't +need the money. He could just as well let us stay here."</p> + +<p>While this conversation was going on Ben and his friend Bradley were +approaching the little cottage.</p> + +<p>Full of joyful memories, Ben lifted the latch and walked into the +presence of his uncle and aunt. Nothing but his return could have chased +the mournful expression from their faces.</p> + +<p>"Why, it's Ben come back!" exclaimed his aunt, joyfully.</p> + +<p>"Well, I declare, so it is!" answered Job Stanton, hurrying forward and +grasping the hand of his boy after his aunt had embraced him.</p> + +<p>"How you've grown, Ben!" said his aunt, admiringly.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Aunt Clarissa, I've grown four inches," said Ben, proudly. "But +I've brought a friend with me.—Jake, come in."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</a></span>And then Bradley was introduced to Job and his wife, and was cordially +welcomed by both.</p> + +<p>"You're lucky to come while we've got a home to welcome you to," said +Job, his face again saddening.</p> + +<p>"Why, Uncle Job, you're not thinking of selling the house, are you?"</p> + +<p>Then the whole story came out.</p> + +<p>Ben listened attentively, and when his uncle had finished he said, "That +Richmond is a first-class rascal."</p> + +<p>"And I'd like to give him a first-class kick," said Bradley, +indignantly.</p> + +<p>"That wouldn't mend matters," said Job, shaking his head. "It wouldn't +pay off the mortgage."</p> + +<p>"You say the mortgage amounts to five hundred dollars, Uncle Job?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. Then there's six months' interest, at six per cent., makes fifteen +dollars more."</p> + +<p>"When do you expect Major Sturgis to call?"</p> + +<p>"This morning. It's almost time for him."</p> + +<p>"I met Sam on my way here," said Ben. "He<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</a></span> told me I'd come just in the +nick of time. I didn't know what he meant, but I know now."</p> + +<p>"The major offers to buy the house, paying me two hundred and fifty +dollars over and above the note."</p> + +<p>"Why, that's robbery!" said Ben, indignantly.</p> + +<p>"So it is, Ben; but what can I do?"</p> + +<p>"I think," said Ben, smiling, "you'd better borrow five hundred and +fifteen dollars of your rich nephew."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean, Ben?" asked Job, in surprise.</p> + +<p>"I mean this, Uncle Job—that I'll lend you the money to pay up this +shark."</p> + +<p>"You don't mean to say you've got money enough?" ejaculated Uncle Job.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I do, uncle, and a little over. I'll prove it to you."</p> + +<p>He produced a wallet, from which he drew out five one-hundred-dollar +bills and three fives.</p> + +<p>"Take them, uncle, and ask me questions afterward, for I see through the +window that the major is coming."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</a></span>Indeed, a knock was heard directly, and Job, answering it himself, +ushered in the stately figure of Major Sturgis.</p> + +<p>The major looked around him in surprise, finding more persons than he +expected to see.</p> + +<p>"Don't you remember Ben, Major Sturgis?" asked Job.</p> + +<p>"When did you come home, Benjamin," asked the major, taken by surprise.</p> + +<p>"I have just arrived, sir."</p> + +<p>"Tired of California, eh?"</p> + +<p>"For the present, yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"I think my son Sam wishes to see you. He thinks of offering you a +place."</p> + +<p>Ben bowed and smiled. He understood what sort of a place Sam was likely +to offer.</p> + +<p>"Well, Mr. Stanton," asked the major, pompously, "have you decided to +accept my offer for the house?"</p> + +<p>"No, major. Your offer is too small."</p> + +<p>"You are quite at liberty to look around for a higher bid, or rather you +were. Now it is too late."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</a></span>"Just so, major. On the whole I don't think I want to sell."</p> + +<p>"'Don't want to sell'?" repeated the major, frowning; "you will have to +sell."</p> + +<p>"Why will Uncle Job have to sell?" demanded Ben, irritated by the +major's tone.</p> + +<p>"Young man," said the major, grandly, "this is not a matter with which +you have anything to do. Your uncle and I can arrange it between +ourselves."</p> + +<p>"Still, I shall advise Uncle Job to pay the mortgage, though he was +swindled into agreeing to it."</p> + +<p>"I apprehend," sneered the major, "he will have some difficulty in +paying me five hundred and fifteen dollars."</p> + +<p>"I guess I can manage to do it, major," said Job, mildly.</p> + +<p>"I don't believe you," said the major, hastily.</p> + +<p>"Have you got the mortgage with you?" asked Job.</p> + +<p>"Yes; here it is."</p> + +<p>"And here is your money," said the shoemaker, producing the bills.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</a></span>Major Sturgis received them in amazement bordering upon stupefaction, +and counted them over three times.</p> + +<p>"I guess they're all right," said Job.</p> + +<p>"Where did you get them?" inquired the major, unable to control his +curiosity.</p> + +<p>"I guess that doesn't matter so long as they're good," answered Job. +"Still, I've no objection to tellin' you that it's Ben's money that he's +kindly lent to me."</p> + +<p>"Did you bring this from California?" asked the major, turning to our +hero.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," answered Ben.</p> + +<p>"Have you any more?"</p> + +<p>"I've got enough more, so that I don't expect to need the situation Sam +thought of offering me."</p> + +<p>When Major Sturgis left the cottage his grand air had passed off, and he +looked disappointed and mortified. Sam's spirits, too, were perceptibly +dashed when he learned that the boy he disliked had been successful in +California.</p> + +<p>"That settles the major," said Ben. "This after<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</a></span>noon I will see what I +can do in the case of Richmond."</p> + +<p>"You can't do anything, Ben," said his aunt. "Leave him to the +reproaches of his own conscience."</p> + +<p>"He hasn't got any conscience, Aunt Clarissa," said Ben.—"Jake, will +you ride over with me to the next town this afternoon?"</p> + +<p>"I shall be glad to, Ben."</p> + +<p>Ben went at once to the office of an able lawyer, engaged his services, +and put the matter into his hands. The result was, that John Richmond +received a note by messenger summoning him to the lawyer's office. He at +first tried to bluster, then to temporize, but the lawyer was stern and +threatened to exhaust the resources of the law in behalf of his clients. +Like most bullies, Richmond was a coward, and ended by giving a note for +the full amount, with interest, at thirty days.</p> + +<p>"You had better leave this note with me," said the lawyer to Ben; "I +will collect it when due."</p> + +<p>And he did. With a crestfallen air John Richmond had to confess himself +defeated in his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</a></span> mean attempt at swindling, for he had obtained Uncle +Job's indorsement with the deliberate intention of leaving him to pay +the note, supposing that the old man would be too timid to do anything +about it.</p> + +<p>Ben remained in Hampton a week. During that time he bought the +three-acre lot adjoining—the major having given up the purchase when +his plan of getting possession of Job Stanton's little property fell +through—and gave it to his uncle. This made Job feel like a rich man, +and he only accepted it on Ben's assurance that he had plenty more +money.</p> + +<p>At the end of a week Ben received a letter from Richard Dewey, informing +him that he proposed to go into business for himself in the city of New +York, and was anxious to engage Ben as a clerk. This offer was too good +to refuse. So Ben, a month later, found himself in a responsible +business position. As his employer within a few months came into +possession of his wife's large fortune, which her guardian was +reluctantly obliged to surrender, he was not hampered by<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</a></span> lack of +capital, but within a year had his business securely established.</p> + +<p>Ten years have passed. Ben is now junior partner, and enjoys a high +reputation for business ability. A year since he married his cousin +Jennie, and in so doing has made a wise choice. He lives in the city, +but Uncle Job and his wife still live in Hampton, though Job is no +longer compelled to work for a livelihood. He has given up his shop, and +confines himself to the cultivation of his small tract of land. Though +now seventy, his eye is not dim nor his natural force abated.</p> + +<p>Major Sturgis is dead, and Sam, it is understood, has wasted a +considerable portion of the handsome property that was left him. It is +quite possible that he may end in poverty and destitution, and be forced +at last to work for a living. This he would regard as a misfortune, but +it will probably be a blessing in disguise, for the necessity of honest +labor is generally a salutary restraint.</p> + +<p>Bradley has gone back to California. His son in now with him, and both +are prosperous. Richard Dewey and his wife are rich and happy (the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</a></span> two +do not always go together), and have four children, the second of whom, +a boy, is named Benjamin Stanton Dewey, in honor of our hero.</p> + +<p>I have endeavored to ascertain what became of our Mongolian friend, Ki +Sing, but without entire success. My impression is, that he started a +laundry in San Francisco, made enough money for a Chinaman to retire +upon, and went back to his native land to live in competence, the happy +husband of a high-born Chinese maiden with incredibly small feet. +Doubtless, he has more than once retailed to wondering ears the account +of his adventures and perils when he, as well as Ben, visited California +"in search of fortune."</p> + + +<h3>THE END.</h3> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="FAMOUS_ALGER_BOOKS" id="FAMOUS_ALGER_BOOKS"></a>FAMOUS ALGER BOOKS.</h2> + + +<p class="bookheader"><b>RAGGED DICK SERIES.</b> By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 6 vols. 12mo. Cloth.</p> + +<ul class="booklist"> +<li>Ragged Dick.</li> +<li>Fame and Fortune.</li> +<li>Mark the Match Boy.</li> +<li>Rough and Ready.</li> +<li>Ben the Luggage Boy.</li> +<li>Rufus and Rose.</li> +</ul> + +<p class="bookheader"><b>TATTERED TOM SERIES.</b> By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth. <span class="smcap">First +Series.</span></p> + +<ul class="booklist"> +<li>Tattered Tom.</li> +<li>Paul the Peddler.</li> +<li>Phil the Fiddler.</li> +<li>Slow and Sure.</li> +</ul> + +<p class="bookheader"><b>TATTERED TOM SERIES.</b> 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth. <span class="smcap">Second Series.</span></p> + +<ul class="booklist"> +<li>Julius.</li> +<li>The Young Outlaw.</li> +<li>Sam's Chance.</li> +<li>The Telegraph Boy.</li> +</ul> + +<p class="bookheader"><b>CAMPAIGN SERIES.</b> By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 3 vols.</p> + +<ul class="booklist"> +<li>Frank's Campaign.</li> +<li>Paul Prescott's Charge.</li> +<li>Charlie Codman's Cruise.</li> +</ul> + +<p class="bookheader"><b>LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES.</b> By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth. <span class="smcap">First +Series.</span></p> + +<ul class="booklist"> +<li>Luck and Pluck.</li> +<li>Sink or Swim.</li> +<li>Strong and Steady.</li> +<li>Strive and Succeed.</li> +</ul> + +<p class="bookheader"><b>LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES.</b> 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth. <span class="smcap">Second Series.</span></p> + +<ul class="booklist"> +<li>Try and Trust.</li> +<li>Bound to Rise.</li> +<li>Risen from the Ranks.</li> +<li>Herbert Carter's Legacy.</li> +</ul> + +<p class="bookheader"><b>BRAVE AND BOLD SERIES.</b> By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth.</p> + +<ul class="booklist"> +<li>Brave and Bold.</li> +<li>Jack's Ward.</li> +<li>Shifting for Himself.</li> +<li>Wait and Hope.</li> +</ul> + +<p class="bookheader"><b>PACIFIC SERIES.</b> By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 4 vols. 12mo.</p> + +<ul class="booklist"> +<li>The Young Adventurer.</li> +<li>The Young Miner.</li> +<li>The Young Explorers.</li> +<li>Ben's Nugget.</li> +</ul> + +<p class="bookheader"><b>ATLANTIC SERIES.</b> By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 4 vols.</p> + +<ul class="booklist"> +<li>The Young Circus Rider.</li> +<li>Do and Dare.</li> +<li>Hector's Inheritance.</li> +<li>Helping Himself.</li> +</ul> + +<p><b>WAY TO SUCCESS SERIES.</b> By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth.</p> + +<ul class="booklist"> +<li>Bob Burton.</li> +<li>The Store Boy.</li> +<li>Luke Walton.</li> +<li>Struggling Upward.</li> +</ul> + +<p class="bookheader"><b>NEW WORLD SERIES.</b> By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 3 vols. 12mo. Cloth.</p> + +<ul class="booklist"> +<li>Digging for Gold.</li> +<li>Facing the World.</li> +<li>In a New World.</li> +</ul> + +<p class="center"><b><i>Other Volumes in Preparation.</i></b></p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<h3>Good Form for Men</h3> + +<p class="center">A Guide to Conduct and Dress on All Occasions</p> + +<p class="center"><span style="font-size: 80%;">BY</span><br /> +CHARLES HARCOURT</p> + +<p>This thoroughly sensible and manly book is best described by a review +which appeared in the Philadelphia "Public Ledger:"</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p>Books on etiquette are not generally of such a character as to be worth +the notice of self-respecting men. They are generally left to the "young +misses" and "gents" who live in mortal fear of being found out to be +what they feel themselves to be. "Good Form for Men," however, is above +the average of its kind, for it is conceived and written in a wholesome, +manly spirit. There is nothing finical or foppish about the conventions +which Mr. Harcourt undertakes to codify and explain. "Society," thereby +meaning well-bred and cultured men and women, has as much right to lay +down rules to dress and conduct as any "secret" society has to insist +upon ritual and ceremony. Mr. Harcourt's book is a thoroughly sensible +one and may be studied with profit by men who, not being to the manner +born, desire to feel at ease among the cultured.</p> +</div> + +<p class="center"><b>12mo, Cloth, extra $1.00</b></p> + +<p class="center" style="font-size: 90%;"><b>Bound uniformly with Good Form for Women.</b></p> + +<hr style="width: 25%;" /> + +<h3>Good Form for Women</h3> + +<p class="center">A Guide to Conduct and Dress on All Occasions</p> + +<p class="center"><span style="font-size: 80%;">BY</span><br /> +MRS. CHARLES HARCOURT</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p>The writer addresses the great mass who make up the backbone of our +country and takes no account of the passing fads of fashion. Etiquette +at its best means consideration and fair treatment of every one, and +every womanly woman should have an understanding of its rules to help +her over difficult places. This book contains chapters on Introductions, +Invitations, Cards and Calling, Dress, Correspondence and Reading, +Conversation, Dinners, Balls, Table Etiquette, Receptions, Luncheons, +Suppers, Engagements, Weddings, The Young Wife, etc. Unlike so many +books of the same character "GOOD FORM FOR WOMEN" is not dry and +tiresome but bright and entertaining from cover to cover. The personal +tone adopted by the author cannot fail to attract and charm the reader. +It is a book written by a sensible woman for sensible readers, and is a +reliable and helpful guide.</p> +</div> + +<p class="center"><b>12mo, Cloth, extra $1.00</b></p> + +<p class="center" style="font-size: 90%;"><b>Bound uniformly with Good Form for Men.</b></p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<h3>THE RENOWNED STANDARD JUVENILES</h3> + +<p class="center"><b>BY EDWARD S. ELLIS</b></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p>Edward S. Ellis is regarded as the latter day Cooper. His books will +always be read for the accurate pen pictures of pioneer life they +portray.</p> +</div> + +<p class="center"><b>LIST OF TITLES</b></p> + +<p class="bookheader"><b>Deerfoot Series</b></p> + +<ul class="booklist2"> +<li>Hunters of the Ozark.</li> +<li>The Last War Trail.</li> +<li>Camp in the Mountains.</li> +</ul> + +<p class="bookheader"><b>Log Cabin Series</b></p> + +<ul class="booklist2"> +<li>Lost Trail.</li> +<li>Footprints in the Forest.</li> +<li>Camp Fire and Wigwam.</li> +</ul> + +<p class="bookheader"><b>Boy Pioneer Series</b></p> + +<ul class="booklist2"> +<li>Ned in the Block-House.</li> +<li>Ned on the River.</li> +<li>Ned in the Woods.</li> +</ul> + +<p class="bookheader"><b>The Northwest Series</b></p> + +<ul class="booklist2"> +<li>Two Boys in Wyoming.</li> +<li>Cowmen and Rustlers.</li> +<li>A Strange Craft and its Wonderful Voyage.</li> +</ul> + +<p class="bookheader"><b>Boone and Kenton Series</b></p> + +<ul class="booklist2"> +<li>Shod with Silence.</li> +<li>In the Days of the Pioneers.</li> +<li>Phantom of the River.</li> +</ul> + +<p class="bookheader"><b>War Chief Series</b></p> + +<ul class="booklist2"> +<li>Red Eagle.</li> +<li>Blazing Arrow.</li> +<li>Iron Heart, War Chief of the Iroquois.</li> +</ul> + +<p class="bookheader"><b>The New Deerfoot Series</b></p> + +<ul class="booklist2"> +<li>Deerfoot in the Forest.</li> +<li>Deerfoot on the Prairie.</li> +<li>Deerfoot in the Mountains.</li> +</ul> + +<p class="bookheader"><b>Overland Series</b></p> + +<ul class="booklist2"> +<li>Alden the Pony Express Rider.</li> +<li>Alden Among the Indians.</li> +</ul> + +<p class="bookheader"><b>True Grit Series</b></p> + +<ul class="booklist2"> +<li>Jim and Joe.</li> +<li>Dorsey, the Young Inventor.</li> +<li>Secret of Coffin Island.</li> +</ul> + +<p class="bookheader"><b>Great American Series</b></p> + +<ul class="booklist2"> +<li>Teddy and Towser; or, Early Days in California.</li> +<li>Up the Forked River.</li> +</ul> + +<p class="bookheader"><b>Colonial Series</b></p> + +<ul class="booklist2"> +<li>An American King.</li> +<li>The Cromwell of Virginia.</li> +<li>The Last Emperor of the Old Dominion.</li> +</ul> + +<p class="bookheader"><b>Foreign Adventure Series</b></p> + +<ul class="booklist2"> +<li>Lost in the Forbidden Land.</li> +<li>River and Jungle.</li> +<li>The Hunt of the White Elephant.</li> +</ul> + +<p class="bookheader"><b>Paddle Your Own Canoe Series</b></p> + +<ul class="booklist2"> +<li>The Forest Messengers.</li> +<li>The Mountain Star.</li> +<li>Queen of the Clouds.</li> +</ul> + +<p class="bookheader"><b>Arizona Series</b></p> + +<ul class="booklist2"> +<li>Off the Reservation; or, Caught in an Apache Raid.</li> +<li>Trailing Geronimo; or, Campaigning with Cook.</li> +<li>The Round-Up; or, Geronimo's Last Raid.</li> +</ul> + +<p class="bookheader"><b>The Catamount Camp Series</b></p> + +<ul class="booklist2"> +<li>Captain of the Camp.</li> +<li>Catamount Camp.</li> +</ul> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p class="center"><b>PRICE $1.00 PER VOLUME<br /> +Sold Separately and in set</b></p> + +<p><b>Complete Catalogue of Famous Alger Books, Celebrated Castlemon Books and +Renowned Ellis Books mailed on application.</b></p> + +<p class="center">THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO.<br />PHILADELPHIA, PA.</p> +</div> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p>[Transcriber's Note: The advertisement for "Famous Alger Books" has been +moved from its position before the main text to the rear of the book. In +addition, the following corrections have been made to the original text.</p> + +<p>In Chapter V, an apostrophe following "I don't see anything that looks +like a cabin," has been changed to a quotation mark.</p> + +<p>In Chapter VI, "Here's the cord, Tom, Tie his hands and feet" has been +changed to "Here's the cord, Tom, tie his hands and feet".</p> + +<p>In Chapter IX, "these follows have tied me hand and foot" has been +changed to "these fellows have tied me hand and foot"; a missing period +has been inserted after ""It'll do as far as it goes, Mosely," said +Bradley"; a superfluous quotation mark has been removed following +"echoed Tom Hadley from the other tree."</p> + +<p>In Chapter XII, "I thought that too, Ben?" has been changed to "I +thought that too, Ben."; an apostrophe preceding "there was an old +farmer, Deacon Pitkins" has been changed to a quotation mark.</p> + +<p>In Chapter XIII, "My legs get cramped when I am on horsback too long." +has been changed to "My legs get cramped when I am on horseback too +long."</p> + +<p>In Chapter XVI, a superfluous quotation mark has been removed preceding +"There's some of us want to see you."</p> + +<p>In Chapter XVIII, a missing quotation mark has been added preceding "We +will make your share equal to that of the luckiest miner among us."</p> + +<p>In Chapter XXI, a missing quotation mark has been added preceding "Her +fortune amounts to one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, does it +not?"; a missing period has been inserted after "muttered the merchant".</p> + +<p>In Chapter XXXI, "So Uncle Joe took off his leather apron" has been +changed to "So Uncle Job took off his leather apron".</p> + +<p>In Chapter XXXIII, a missing period has been inserted after "All this +happened soon after Ben went away"; "red cotton handkerkerchief" has +been changed to "red cotton handkerchief".</p> + +<p>In Chapter XXXIV, "Why, Uncle Ben" has been changed to "Why, Uncle +Job".]</p> +</div> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Ben's Nugget, by Horatio, Jr. Alger + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BEN'S NUGGET *** + +***** This file should be named 25384-h.htm or 25384-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/2/5/3/8/25384/ + +Produced by Steven desJardins and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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