Weekly independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1887-1914, 1911-03-24
PAY" DREAMS OF
THE PROSPECTOR

ment is a correct one. although
there is great diversi'
opinion on this subject among
those who claim to be posted anent
geological matters and the chemical
ant. physical conditions which
result in the deposition uf the
precious metals in vains and fissures
We leave this matter for their
consideration, and will take up the
consideration of the g rowth of the
. pay streak of the new found
deposit of rich ore which, from
one to two inches, attains the
magnificent size of two or four
feet in a week, in a month and
always during the absence of it's
owner.
More than one instance can be
cited in the West where a
prospector in developing his claim,
has uncovered a small seam of rich
ore in its workings. Trem bling
with excitement he gathers picked
samples from the new find and
starts for the nearest town with
his treasures. Before going a
mile the pay streak has widened
from one 10 four inches lin his
mind). BY noon his little bonanza
find has widened to six inches. He
is fally satisfied that this is true.
Arriving at his destination he
shows his samples to his friends
and tells them that the pay streak
is foot in width. BY morning
he has two feet Of this class and
character of ore. His friends are
enthusiastic over his find which
by night has gained il dimensions
81 that n yard stick could hardly
take in its magnitude to make a
showing in the morning of four
feet or mere.
Tnc prospector is happy and he
firmly believes the story that he is
telling. And some of his ac-
quaintances believe him, and, to
sdch an extent that they are
willing to pay him a fancy figure
Tor Il share in his find. Finally the
deal is consummated. The new
co-0"ners, with provisions and
slDplicy. leave for the scene of the
new strike. On the way back the
proSreetor bcigns to feel troubled.
Suppose the vein is not quite so
vile as he has stated, and if this is
the case. what will his friends say.
Before reaching the mine he does
not srem to feel as cheerful as when
he set out. and he uegins to lag
hrhind the party: and as the portal
of the short tunnel is appro ached
he feels tugging at his throat.
His knees feel shaky and he
notices pain in the region of his
heart. His illusions have flown
one by one and he knows that he
is now face to face with the
reality Of cold facts. If he we're
100 miles away he would feel much
better, and realizes fully the
dreadful mistake he has made when
his companions enter the tunnel
and find that his fourfoot vein of
high grade ore has dwindled down
to one inch. Their wrath and fury
is not abated in the least when he
ventures the feeble explanation
that he thought it was 80.
As a matter of fact. the pros
pector was Kally honest in his
beliefs. He was not natural
born liar. and he had TO real
intention of deceiving his friends.
His action was a natural one. The
wish was the father of his
thought, and it was as natural for
him to exaggerate his po session as
1t is for every mining man to pick
out the very choicest specimen in
his mine to show to his friends; 4;
and there are man who judge the
value of mine from picked
specimens in their possession.
There is an overwhelming dc.
mand in this Western country fol-
good mines and prospects, but the
demand exceeds the supply.
Experts, in the employ OF
capitalists. of syndicates, ore daily
securing the country for bonanzat
--and many arc found,-in 6
minority of cases. 1pon carefu