The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1899-06-29
Then after a rapid mental calculation


Then after a rapid mental calculation
the miner said:
well, make it that we've got about
Sl5O,000 worth now. That's about $780,
600 apiece, and a, very tidy months
work. But I'm tired. haven't got
great many years to live and confess
/ want to enjoy the rest of my days.
We can sell our claims here for a big
pile any time, and move that we
do it, T.. f.
'But who is to buy them?" asked
Tom, while Avery merely nodded his
approval of his friends sentiments.
''There'll be dozens of capitalists and
spectators in Dyea by this time,' re-
piled Taylor. "We've got good deal
more here now than we want to carry
out on our backs. 1 move that the rest
of you keep on digging here and that
60 to Dyea, and find out what kind
of a trade I can make. Besides that,
these claims must be registered before
we can sell Them
II agree that is the right thing to
do" agreed Avery. ''We shall be rich
enough, and I confess I am anxious to.
see these claims registered before we
have any trouble over them. I think
you'd better start right Off, Dick The
season is very short, and it'll take some
time to settle the whole thing up, even
if you find some one right off who
wants to buy"
The others were of the same opinion,
| and it was soon decided that Dick Tay-
lor should start the following morning
for Dyea on his important mission, the
rest delegating to him full power to dis
pose of their interests to the best ad-
vantage and to bring the would-be buy
ers back with him.
Accordingly he started bright and
early the next day, the little party
watching him from the top of the cliff
until he waved his hand at turn in
the trail and disappeared from view.
With listless steps the party turned
to their work, but the labor of the past
few weeks seemed to make itself left
all at once, now that their thoughts had
been even temporarily turned toward
civilization. They had been shaving like
madmen each day, their minds intent
on adding to their golden store, while
at night they slept that sleep of utter
exhaustion. Now that Taylor had di-
verted their minds for awhile from the
incessant labor they returned to it al
most unwillingly against the protest
Of their aching limbs.
| Ae s., ~
denly exclaimed:
81 wonder if that ridge is worth any,
| thing? I've been thinking lately that
it may be where all this gold comes
from. All these pieces of quartz we
find in the bed of the river must have
ago. Suppose we break up a few of the
smaller pieces? If we find gold there we
shall have something to sell anG no
mistake.'
They had no implements heavier than
axes and found it slow work, but after
an hours disappointing labor the old
miner gave shout of triumph and stood
erect, holding in his hand piece of
quartz about the size of an egg, the
side of which was a bright yellow. 1t
had the appearance of a honeycomb,
the cells being filed to OVERLOOKING
with gold.
AS the others gathered about him he
exclaimed:
"We've struck it! It's the richest
vein I ever saw!"
The heavy lump was passed from
hand to hand for examination, and
Avery said excitedly:
IF Dick had only known this! This
ledge is full of gold!"
Then I guess we'd better locate
here" said a strange voice near the
little group.
With a start of surprise they turned
to see two roughlooking miners who
had approached them from the wooded
side of the valley, their packs on their
backs, and who were gazing at the
treasure in Avery's hand with greedy
eyes.
For a moment our friends were too
astonished to speak; then Tarbox