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Show EXPERIENCE. 217 generally self-possessed and solemnly deliberate, said joyously, 'biggest luck in the world; I tell you we are next door to bonanza kings. I am a man of deeds and few words; let us grasp this right away before some one else gets in ahead of us.' "We rushed down stairs fearing our luck had already been gobbled up, but the miner sat dejectedly alone, with his eyes fixed on the door, watching for our return. " We tramped away to see the claim; found a hole twelve feet deep, and was soon satisfied that there was nothing in it. Immediately upon returning to the hotel the proprietor buttonholed us, and said he had a rare opportunity for us. He had taken up a placer claim and had done sufficient work to apply for a patent; was simply waiting for the snow to go off to make official surveys. One of the party was about to sell his interest to a party that was obnoxious to him; would be glad if we would take the interest and come in with him-would sell cheap -dirt cheap. Figured it up so £here was no question about the millions. I told my friend if he would agree it was a 'go.' He agreed. " Didn't see the location before purchasing. After purchasing we commenced at once getting ready to visit it, and upbraided ourselves for not doing so sooner, like the man that locked the stable after the horse was stolen. "We found it away above timber-line, and prospectors had located claims all over our placer grounds. A survey was made and we filed our application for patent. Prospectors filed sixteen adverses. A change came over the spirit of our dreams; we, who were so opulent a few days before, found ourselves embarrassed. A compromise was effected; they agreed to let us out, take the land and |
