Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1888-02-11
THE PROSPECTOR.
BY "BIG BEND BOB"

BY "BIG BEND BOB"
The Pike River diggings in the far
north of Queensland were OF some
note at the time of the first rush there.
Gold was found in payable quantities
and for some time the place was en-
Enthusiastically anticipated to turn out a
future Queensland Bendigo.
But few weeks feverish work on
the part of hundred and odd miners
quickly revealed the fact that the allu-
vial gold drift was of the shallowest
description, and of no extent whatever.
Disguised enterprise in consequence
incontinently shook the dust of Pike
River from the soles of its feet, and
wandered elsewhere in search of richer
and more hopeful fields; and some
three months after their first discovery
the diggins were permanently aban-
doned.
Three Cinnamon, however, remained
on the spot, content to plod along and
CLEAN the pickings that more sanguine
and restless seekers after the precious
metal scorned. These three led the
loneliest and most isolated of lives.
The diggings were fully 200 miles
from the nearest coast settlement, and
the Celestials, not boasting the posses
sion of horse, seldom or never moved
far from the camp.
They had purchased the stock of pro-
visions that was in the camp when their
fellow-workers left, and the Pike River
running close by, they had little or
nothing to take them from the scene of
their labors.
Their only visitor was, now and again,
bearded stockman out in search of
strayed cattle, or the black boy sent
from the nearest cattle station, with a
pack horse laden with salt beef for their
use.
Occasionally one or two chance mus
terers at the time Of gathering" for
branding calves found their way to the
deserted camp, and spread their blank
cts for one night beneath the shelter of
the Chinamen's roof but these comings
and goings were of such rare occur
renee that, as a general rule, the soli-
tude of the community of three at the
Pike River Camp was, day after day,
week after week, wholly unbroken.
Towards the close of one afternoon,
however. stranger made his appear
ance suddenly in the camp-a white
man. He rode rough-looking horse,
all skin and bone, and led second of
similar woebegone appearance, carry
ing pack.
The man rode into the camp, not
from the direction of either of the faint
tracks that led, one to the coast settle
ment and one to the nearest station,
but as if he had come direct from the
country that stretched away inland. He
rode without word, or even gesture
of greeting to the observant Chinemen,
straight for the river, and throwing
himself off his horse, bent forward and
took long, revivifying drink. The
parched and wearied horses rushed into
the water and followed the riders ex-
ample.
When his thirst was satisfied the man
rose, and catching at the brides of the
still drinking horses, pulled at them
viciously with an oath, and made his way
to the Chinamen's quarters.
He was a brawny, ragged bearded,
thick-set man, dressed with the ordi-
nary mining disregard of appearances
A pair of filthy, patched, moleskin
trousers, a torn and stained Crimea
shirt, shapeless SLOUGH hat, and pair
of heavily-naiied bluchers constituted
his costume.
"Gimme some tucker" he growled
hoarsely, directly he approached the
- ~ -
hut
Some rice and salt meat being
brought in response to this request, he
proceeded to gorge himself voraciously,
boiling the rice in huge mouthfuls and
tearing the stringy beef with his teeth
like hungry dog. No word passed
his lips until his hunger was partially
satisfied, and then he said:
IF we've got any tea made, bring me
out billy-full."
There being none forthcoming, how.
ever, he had to content himself with
water. and he uttered an evidently sin.
cere curse at the necessity.
After his hunger and thirst were
finally satisfied, he entered into some
explanation Of his presence.
Eve been out prospectin,, and goi
{ boxed up in the ranges. ate all the
d tncker had, and couldn't find blamed
4 thing 10 shoot Water was scarce, too,
md had il mighty rough; but
fnowed this place was somewhere.
handy. so made straight in for the
river. I'm goin' to turn out the horses
and camp here for day or two, anG
maybe Ill do bit of work now Tn
here.
What the three Cinnamon thought o.
shie statement eyen If they under