“Yes, I came to seek my fortune. I was a poor boy, and my mother is unhappily situated. I came to see if I could not improve her lot and my own.”
“So poorly that I am thinking of giving it up and going elsewhere. In Sacramento I worked in a restaurant, and made a good deal more money than I have made at the mines. I am twenty dollars poorer than when I came here.”
“No, I have a friend with me—a young man whose acquaintance I made in crossing the plains.”
“Then there are such in the world. Those I have met have been of a different kind. Has he been any more fortunate than yourself?”
“Not since I arrived. He did something before I came, but I must have brought him bad luck, for he has been running behind ever since. We have not been making expenses for the last month.”
“I never thought much of Howe’s Gulch, though some have been fortunate there.”
“Then it was not there that you found your gold?”
Grant wanted to ask the old man where it was that his claim was located, but hesitated, not knowing how the question would be received.
“I can direct you to a rich spot,” said the old man, after a pause. “I had intended to let the secret die with me, but you have done me a service——”
“A very slight one,” said Grant modestly.
“Not slight, for without your help I should have been unable to get home.”
“I was glad to serve you, and do not need compensation. You may wish to work the claim yourself.”
“No; my days of labor are over. I am sixty-five, and might easily be taken for ten years older. I shall be glad to contribute to your happiness and success, and that of your friend.”
“Perhaps some one may have discovered and worked the claim.”
“No; it is an out-of-the-way place, and has not attracted attention.”
“By accident. As to the richness, let this convince you: in less than six months I took out ten thousand dollars, and having no need of more, stopped working, and carefully removed all traces likely to betray the mine’s entrance to a casual observer.”
“It will be a great favor to Tom and myself. We ought to give you a share of the proceeds.”
“I shall not live long enough to spend the money I have,” he answered. “You are welcome to all it will yield you. Come here with your friend to-morrow morning, and I will give you the directions that will enable you to find the claim.”