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Show CHAPTER XXVI. THE BONANZA TUNNEL. Believing that "familiarity breeds contempt," or, as the Dutchman said, "too much freedery breeds despise," we concluded not to return by way of the switch-back, therefore took a carriage to the depot at Black Hawk, stopping on the way to see the renowned Bonanza tunnel. As we entered it, the air that greeted us was like a vagrant breeze from the North Pole. Our lips turned blue, and teeth chattered so as to make conversation unintelligible. A gallant Boston man threw his linen duster around me. It was as cold as the "mantle of charity;" but I appreciated it, for it was something after the style of the widow's mite, "all he had." He, like many others, who come from the "benighted East" to "do" the mountains, had no heavier wrap than a linen duster. This tunnel pierces the solid mountain twelve hundred feet, and crosses twelve veins glittering with gold. As we explored its darkness by the light of our flickering candles we resembled a procession of spooks haunting the underground workers of earth. It is solid comfort to travel with a company. When one is brimful, "shaken down and running over" with enthusiasm at some beautiful, grand and glorious freak of nature, it is delightful to have some one to nudge, and see their eyes sparkle and faces brighten up with the same pleasure; and it is superlatively agreeable to have some one around when one feels afraid. "Of all the ghostly hab- 115 |
