,,buffalo ,,roo/ ,a ,/ory ( a ,"y ,m5's ,*ri/ian ,association ,boys' ,dep>tm5t by ,f4 ,h4 ,,*eley ,boys' ,"w ,director1 ,"y ,m5's ,*ri/ian ,association1 ,s\? ,b5d1 ,ind4 #aiac ,,to ,e ,good ,fell[ ,,:o ,,cut ,a ,,log ,,or ,,turn$ ,a ,,/one ,,= ,,! ,,con/ruction ,,( ,,! ,,old ,,cab9 ,,9 ,,buffalo ,,p>k1 ,,& ,,to ,my ,fa!r ,,:o ,,built ,,its ,,he>t ,,& ,,inspiration1 ,,! ,,fireplace1 ,,?is ,,/ory ,,is ,,d$icat$ ,,cont5ts ,i4 ,,willis ,,?ornton ,,displays ,,8 ,,pluck ,,ii4 ,a ,,/ory ,,is ,,told ,,& ,a ,,promise ,,made ,,iii4 ,,9 ,,:i* ,,willis ,,is ,,honor$ ,,iv4 ,,willis ,,becomes ,,int]e/$ ,,9 ,,gold ,,m9es ,v4 ,a ,,plan ,,is ,,evolv$ ,,vi4 ,a ,,/age ,,road ,,j\rney ,,vii4 ,a ,,wild]ness ,,camp ,,viii4 ,,! ,,second ,,day ,,out ,,ix4 ,,! ,,?ird ,,day ,,out ,x4 ,a ,,glimpse ,,( ,,buffalo ,,roo/ ,,xi4 ,a ,,/range ,,turn ,,( ,,fate ,,xii4 ,,! ,,discov]y ,,( ,,! ,,m9e ,,xiii4 ,,sleepy ,,smi? ,,has ,,an ,,exp]i5ce ,,xiv4 ,,! ,,op5$ ,,door ,,xv4 ,,9 ,,:i* ,,fate ,,takes ,a ,,h& ,,*apt] ,i ,willis ,?ornton ,displays ,8 ,pluck ,tra9 ,no4 #f on ! ,d4 ,p4,w41 two h\rs late at ,limon1 0 ru%+ & jolt+ along ov] its rickety roadb$4 ,! ra9 fell 9 torr5ts1 ! heavy peals ( ?und] seem$ ab\t to te> ! c> to pieces1 ! black & ?reat5+ cl\ds blott$ out ! l&scape1 & ! pass5g]s c\ld he> no?+ b ! ro> ( ! ?und] & ! rattle ( ! tra94 ,! brakeman1 %ak+ ! wat] f 8 hat z he pass$ ?r\gh ! aisle1 dropp$ some?+ ab\t x be+ a mighty t\gh day = railroad9'4 ,sudd5ly !re 0 a creak+1 a crack+1 & !n a s]ies ( awful jolts4 ,w9d[ glass broke & flew 9 e direction4 ,l a mighty mon/] t _h sudd5ly be5 fright5$ by an unse5 foe1 ! tra9 lur*$ =w>d1 tipp$ a little1 & sl[ly came to an unc]ta9 /op4 ,p 7 hurl$ f _! seats ) a great viol5ce z ! em]g5cy brake 0 set4 ,a baby cri$ out f a seat ne> ! front ( ! c>1 & a woman scream$ z a sat*el f ! luggage rack above h] head dropp$ d[n ^u h]4 ,willis ,?ornton rais$ 8 arms above 8 head j 9 "t to save a heavy lea!r suitcase f /rik+ 8 "m full 9 ! face4 ,?r\gh ! brok5 w9d[s 0 he>d ! %rill w>n+ notes ( ! eng9e's tr\ble :i/le1 b s int5se 0 ! /orm t ! s\nd seem$ r a "p ( ! rag+ gale4 ,! brakeman ru%$ ?r\gh ! c>1 & z he pass$ ,willis he>d him exclaim half-al\d1 ,! freight6 ,!n 9 a l\d1 %aky voice1 n meant to betray excitem5t1 he %\t$1 ,all out2 tra9 (f ! track6 ,he ne$ n h spok51 h[ev]1 = ! p :o _h n already gott5 out 7 close ^u him4 ,fir/ 9 ! ru% 0 ! "m ( ! babe t _h scream$ :5 ! fir/ jolts came4 ,%e 0 wild-ey$ & hy/]ical4 ,a piece ( fly+ glass _h /ruck h] on ! face1 & ! w>m1 trickl+ blood _h fright5$ h]4 ,%e ru%$ up to ! ne>e/ man & %\t$1 ,is my husb& safe8 ,j !n a sickly1 dudi% little man1 ) a light$ cig> 9 8 m\?1 ru%$ t[>d h]4 ,ba ,jove1 my de>1 y are 'urt1 he said z %e hurri$ t[>d him & fa9t$ 9 8 arms4 ,! ^w _h be5 pass$ ar\nd t a heavy freight 0 expect$ at any mom5t4 ,! pass5g] :i/le blew 9 long1 %rill tones1 :ile ! brakeman hurri$ up ! hill 9 ! direction ( ! expect$ freight to give ! dang] signal4 ,h>dly _h he rea*$ ! top :5 !re came ! fa9t s\nd ( a :i/le4 ,he he>d ! ?ree bla/s4 ,! tra9 _h left ,ea/onville6 ,c\ld he save a wreck8 ,lant]n 9 h&1 he hurri$ d[n ! track z fa/ z he c\ld ) ! w9d & ra9 beat+ him back4 ,sudd5ly a black =m loom$ up 9 ! mi/ ahead4 ,full bla/ %e came1 ! black smoke f h] /ack runn+ ahead z if to coax h] on to great] spe$4 ,! brakeman wav$ 8 r$ lant]n frantically 9 ! air4 ,!re 0 a scree*+ s\nd ( brake-%oes on ! :eels1 a long1 %rill :i/le1 & ! tra9 sp$ pa/ him1 a mi/y dull s]p5t 9 ! /orm4 ,he turn$ & foll[$ z fa/ z he c\ld4 ,wom5 ) di%evel$ hair /ood & wrung _! h&s4 ,m5 curs$ & swore z !y ran back & =? ab\t ! d]ail$ pass5g]4 ,! w9d lull$ = a second1 & 9 ! mom5t>y sil5ce !re came ! half-smo!r$ cry ( a little *ild f "o direction1 answ]$ f some:]e 9 ! fog by ! ru%+ ( :eels & ! fa9t1 weird sigh ( a :i/le4 ,willis's head w5t up1 8 eyes fla%$1 8 muscles tight5$2 !n1 turn+ to 8 "m1 he cri$1 ,! baby6 & 9 an in/ant 0 gone4 ,x all happ5$ s quickly !re 0 no "t = ,mrs4 ,?ornton to ?9k4 ,%e saw ,willis ha/5 away & ent] ! front door ( ! c> !y _h be5 occupy+2 at ! same in/ant %e became aw>e ( ! approa*+ tra94 ,!re 0 a %rill1 angry hiss1 & ! freight swung into ! cut ) a t]rible ro>1 !n came a cra%+ ( glass & break+ ( timb]s4 ,! eng9e] _h op5$ ! :i/le valve ) su* a j]k t x _h /uck fa/1 & ! :i/le did its utmo/4 ,x 0 a doleful s\nd1 pulsat+ its /range1 %>p cry into ! /orm4 ,mrs4 ,?ornton sank to h] knees 9 an attitude ( pray]1 h] head dropp$ to h] brea/4 ,! "m t _h fa9t$ r\s$ a little & call$ = h] *ild4 ,! pass5g]s ru%$ back & =? 9 a p]fect fr5zy1 %\t+1 ,! baby6 ! baby6 ,wom5 cri$ & begg$ & implor$ "s "o to save x2 b x 0 all ov] be=e any "o c\ld act or be=e ! ,engli%man realiz$ t x 0 8 *ild t 0 9 dang]4 ,! eng9es _h telescop$4 ,! freight 0 d]ail$ & ! fir/ ?ree c>s completely demoli%$4 ,! crew _h all jump$ & 7 un9jur$1 except ! fireman1 :o _h a badly-brok5 leg & "s bruises4 ,two m5 came ar\nd ! end ( ! ,pullman ) a boy support$ betwe5 !m4 ,8 head hung limp & ! blood trickl$ sl[ly f na/y cuts on 8 head & face4 ,foll[+ !m came ! brakeman ) a v fright5$ b unh>m$ baby1 wrapp$ 9 an ov]coat4 ,e "o made a ru% = ! little gr\p4 ,! ,engli%man 0 fir/ 9 l9e4 ,8 eyes op5$ wide & 8 cig> fell f 8 lips4 ,by ,jove1 ,*auncey6 he exclaim$1 !y came ne> gett+ y t "t1 !n began to cry l a *ild4 ,! dang] 0 pa/4 ,!re 0 no "o kill$1 & only a few injur$4 ,sev]al p 7 cut by brok5 glass & bruis$ by bumps4 ,! fireman ( ! freight _h brok5 8 leg & cut 8 %\ld] badly 9 8 jump4 ,willis _h rea*$ ! opposite plat=m1 ) ! baby 9 8 arms1 j z ! tra9s collid$4 ,! j> _h ?r[n him f 8 feet & brok5 ! glass 9 ! door beh9d him4 ,! jolt ?rew him1 baby & all1 out aga9/ ! side ( ! cut into ! wet s&4 ,outside ( ! ugly cuts & bad bruises he 0 unh>m$1 b 0 ! h]o ( ! day4 ,mrs4 ,?ornton sat by h] boy1 t5d]ly c>+ = 8 e ne$4 ,he _h swoon$ at ! sight ( 8 own blood & _h n yet return$ to consci\sness4 ,9 ! next seat ! injur$ fireman 0 propp$ up on pill[s1 wat*+ ! boy4 ,!re's a piece ( real /uff1 he said to ! eng9e] z !y sat talk+ toge!r4 ,looks j l my old p>d4 ,x took real pluck to g aft] t baby4 ,if ,bill'd a be5 "h he w\ld h gott5 en?usia/ic ov] t lad4 ,,*apt] ,,ii ,a ,/ory ,is ,told & a ,promise ,made ,an op5 fire _h always be5 trem5d\sly fasc9at+ to ,willis ,?ornton1 & on w9t] ev5+s1 :5 8 *ores 7 done & supp] ov]1 he w\ld pile ! big fireplace high ) maple logs1 !n sit & dream z ! flames danc$ & ! fire ro>$4 ,he 0 a /urdy lad1 heal?y1 *e]ful1 :olesome1 & tonight he 0 ?9k+4 ,! sn[-lad5 w9d 0 sweep+ across ! ,flat ,bu%4 ,at e fre% gu/ ! fire w\ld crackle & ! little blue flames />t up along ! none-too-well season$ logs4 ,outside ! old f>mh\se ! great dead limb ( a mon/r\s :ite oak moan$ & sigh$1 :ile ! usual s\nds f ! b>ny>d 7 lo/ 9 ! patt] ( ! icy sn[flakes t rattl$ aga9/ ! w9d[ pane4 ,f ! op5 door ( ! kit*5 came fa9t odors ( fre%ly-popp$ corn & ! monoton\s hum ( ! old sew+-ma*9e4 ,willis 0 h>dly aw>e ( any pres5ce 9 ! room save 8 own until a w>m h& 0 laid g5tly on 8 & a di% ( sn[y popcorn set 9 8 lap4 ,he _h be5 s engross$ ) 8 own fancies t he _h n se5 8 "m ent] ! firelit room & come t[>d him4 ,well1 my boy2 :at are y dream+ ( tonight8 %e ask$1 z %e seat$ h]self 9 h] accu/om$ place on ! arm ( 8 *air & plac$ h] arm g5tly on 8 %\ld]4 ,o1 ,i've j be5 plann+ a bit1 "m1 he said ) a smile4 ,sometimes :5 ,i sit "h by ?is old fire ,i =get myself4 ,i travel to ! /range/ l&s & ?9k ! /range/ ?\ghts4 ,/ill1 !y all seem s v real to me t :5 ,i try n to ?9k ( !m a peculi> re/lessness comes ov] me4 ,i c h>dly wait = summ] & ! great big out-(-doors4 ,did y ev] ?9k1 "m1 :at life w\ld be if we didn't h ! birds & ! bees & ! fl[]s8 ,are p 9 ! cities happy & cont5t$ )\t !m8 ,i've (t5 wond]$4 ,i suppose "s day ,i'll be go+ to ! city to live1 z all ! o!r boys h done2 b :5 ,i ?9k ( x x makes me sad4 ,i don't believe ,i'd ev] be happy 9 ! city1 "m1 unless-- ,he paus$ long en\gh to /ir up ! fire & put on ano!r log4 ,unless :at1 ,willis8 8 "m inquir$4 ,unless-- he hesitat$ z if ?9k+4 ,i c\ld g ,we/ to :]e fa!r 04 ,8 "m li/5$ z he w5t on4 ,! s*oolma/] 0 tell+ u today ab\t ! wond]ful ,rocky ,m\nta9s4 ,he 0 !re la/ summ] on 8 vacation1 y "k4 ,we 7 /udy+ ab\t ,pike's ,peak & ! ,g>d5 ( ! ,gods1 s he told u all ab\t 8 trip !re4 ,he w5t f ,colorado ,spr+s to some:]e away up 9 ! m\nta9s to a great gold camp4 ,he told u ( ! que] little %anties ! p live 91 & ( ! great piles ( wa/e ore outside ( ea* m9e4 ,he w5t ?r\gh "o m9e1 ! ,indep5d5ce1 ,i ?9k he call$ x1 or ! ,portl&--,i don't rememb] :i* n[2 b he said ! ma*9]y us$ 9 hoi/+ ! ore 0 wond]ful4 ,x all set me to ?9k+ ( fa!r--,i've be5 ?9k+ ( him all day4 ,"m1 x's mighty h>d = a fell[ l me n to h any fa!r1 only j a dead "o4 ,he arose a second "t to repl5i% ! fire1 b rema9$ /&+1 fac+ 8 "m4 ,he 0 too deeply int]e/$ 9 8 own ?\ghts j !n to notice ! te>s t 7 sl[ly /eal+ d[n 8 "m's face1 & ! light 0 too dim = him to see h] sad1 c>e-worn expression4 ,%e 0 n old1 b fate _h n be5 k9d to h]4 ,%e 0 a sl5d] little woman1 ) a heavy mass ( :at _h once be5 br[n hair1 b x 0 n[ /reak$ ) gray4 ,h] eyes 7 l>ge & br[n1 & ! int]m+l$ expression ( love & sadness made h] face "o ( t5d] beauty1 light$ z x 0 by ! rosy t9ts f ! op5 fire4 ,z ! boy talk$ on 9 8 manly way %e sudd5ly became aw>e ( a *ange 9 him4 ,%e notic$ ! well-built & symmetrically develop$ body1 ! broad %\ld]s1 ! %ort1 /ocky neck1 & ! head cov]$ ) br[n r+lets4 ,%e c\ld n see ! face1 b %e knew only too well ( :om x rem9d$ h]1 = ( late %e _h (t5 f\nd h]self say+1 ,j l ! fa!r--j l ! fa!r4 ,x 0 dur+ su* w9t] ev5+s z ?is t %e _h come to "k h] son be/1 z %e sat on ! arm ( 8 *air & li/5$ ) tactful sympa?y to 8 /ories ( ! big black bass t kept h\se 9 ! pool at ! end ( ! lake1 or ( ! d[ny woodpeck]'s ne/ 9 ! old hickory1 or1 p]haps1 ( ! big hoot owl t p]*$ on ! gran>y w>m nights to wat* = mice4 ,x 0 ) a c]ta9 feel+ ( sadness1 z well z ( pride1 t %e wat*$ him gr[ old]1 lose 8 boyhood ways1 & become m & m ( a man--a man j l 8 fa!r6 ,i get s lonely = "s "o to tea* me ?+s1 & g ) me into ! big woods1 & help me sk9 my rats 9 season1 he 0 say+1 & to tea* me to use tools & to und]/& ! books &-- ,yes1 my son1 %e repli$4 ,b hav5't y me8 ,won't ,i d to read ) y & help y f9d new wild fl[]s & ga!r /range cat]pill>s 9 ! spr+8 ,yes1 "m1 ( c\rse y w1 & y "k h[ ,i d c>e = y4 ,i c\ldn't beg9 to d )\t y ev5 = a day2 b someway y don't und]/&4 ,x's because y are a woman4 ,sometimes ,i feel z if ,i w\ld be ! happie/ boy 9 ! ,cle> ,creek ,s*ool if ,i j _h a fa!r ,i c\ld look up to & be pr\d ( &-- ,o1 b ,willis1 be c>eful4 ,h] voice 0 l[ & full ( feel+4 ,y c d all t1 my boy1 & m4 ,i "k y miss him1 b y mu/ n =get we _h him once1 bo? ( u1 & t he 0 ! v be/ fa!r 9 all ! _w4 ,%e /opp$1 = n[ ! te>s 7 com+ fa/4 ,! only tr\ble is t he 0 tak5 away be=e y 7 lad en\gh to "k him & love him z y w\ld if we _h him n[4 ,b t is all ! m reason :y y %\ld gr[ into a wor?y man1 my boy--= 8 sake & m9e4 ,he lov$ y de>ly1 & ,i've (t5 ?\ght x 0 t love & ambition = y t made him det]m9e to make money1 s t y might h ! future he plann$ = y4 ,he left y1 my boy1 some?+ bett] ?an money--a h]itage ( clean1 noble blood & "*4 ,y ar5't old en\gh j yet to "k all t t means1 b "s day y w be truly ?ankful4 ,y are "r--always "r2 b y "k :at ,i mean1 don't y8 ,y h nev] told me all ab\t him1 h y1 "m8 ,won't y tell me n[8 ,i nev] want$ to "k s badly z ,i d tonight4 ,he seems to come ne> to me sometimes1 ev5 if ,i c't see him1 & ,i want to "k m ab\t him4 ,! fire burn$ l[2 ! /orm _h increas$ 9 its fury2 x seem$ z if ea* gu/ w\ld lift ! h\se f its f\ndations4 ,/ill1 to ^! two1 op5+ _! he>ts to ea* o!r 9 ! k9dly gl[ ( ! firelight1 ! /orm 0 =gott54 ,aft] a pause %e began s(tly & v sl[ly to tell ! /ory4 ,y\r fa!r 0 a noble man1 ,willis1 su* z ,i am sure y w be if y are sp>$ to live4 ,8 boyhood ,i d n "k mu* ab\t1 only t x 0 sp5t on 8 fa!r's f>m4 ,he w5t to ,kalamazoo = 8 s*ool+1 & x 0 !re t ,i fir/ met him4 ,he work$ h>d1 sav$ 8 money1 & w5t to ,ann ,arbor = 8 college "w4 ,he 0 ambiti\s to become a great eng9e]1 & 0 always t9k]+ at "s k9d ( a ma*9e4 ,he us$ to joke ) me ab\t becom+ a great inv5tor1 & aft] we 7 m>ri$ he did try 8 h& at a pat5t c\pl] & a back-fir+ device = a gas eng9e4 ,he 0 j l y1 my boy1 always dream+ & see+ ?+s 9 ! out-(-doors4 ,i c rememb] ! delight he f\nd 9 ris+ e>ly on summ] morn+s to se>* = cat]pill>s1 mo?s1 & worms 9 ! ne>by woods1 & he w\ld put a /range bug 9 e bottle ,i _h 9 ! h\se4 ,aft] our m>riage we mov$ to ,lans+1 & he became sup]9t5d5t 9 an electrical manufactur+ company4 ,he _h a little %op ( 8 own 9 ! basem5t at home1 & dur+ ! long w9t] ev5+s ( ! fir/ ye> t we 7 !re he built furniture = our little home4 ,! *air we are sitt+ 91 ,willis1 is "o ( 8 fir/ pieces4 ,we 7 v happy toge!r !re1 & x wasn't long be=e y came4 ,! summ] be=e y 7 born 8 company s5t him ,we/ to in/all m9e ma*9]y4 ,x 0 !n t he became int]e/$ 9 ! great gold m9es ( ,colorado4 ,ev]ybody seem$ to be prospect+ & /ak+ gold claims4 ,he ?\ght he saw 8 *ance to get ri* quickly1 s he1 too1 began prospect+4 ,he v soon develop$ a great love = ! m\nta9s1 & :ile y 7 a baby he us$ to g to ,colorado ,spr+s = 8 vacations4 ,8 m9d 0 v active1 & z he became m closely acqua9t$ ) ! m9es he conceiv$ an idea = a ma*9e to roa/ gold ore by electricity4 ,9 ! w9t] ev5+s he w\ld sit sket*+ its p>ts & dream+ ov] 8 plans4 ,sometimes 9 8 boyi% en?usiasm he w\ld assure me t he w\ld yet be a ri* man4 ,& :at ab\t 8 m9e1 "m2 doesn't t come into ! /ory pretty soon8 ,yes1 yes1 b don't hurry me1 son4 ,x seems s v /range to be sitt+ "h tell+ y all ab\t him1 = x seems to h happ5$ s long1 long ago4 ,on "o ( 8 trips we/ he fell 9 ) an old m\nta9e] nam$ ,kies]1 ,tad ,kies]4 ,tad became int]e/$ 9 8 roa/+ ma*9e1 & !y decid$ to locate claims toge!r4 ,tad 0 to put up ! 'grub /akes1' z !y call$ x1 = y\r fa!r _h no money except 8 sal>y4 ,all "o fall1 :5 he 0 n in/all+ ma*9]y1 !y explor$ ! m\nta9s s\? ( ,colorado ,spr+s1 especially along ! old ,/age ,road to ,cripple ,creek1 look+ = suitable claims4 ,! old ,/age ,road 0 a /eep1 rocky m\nta9 road ov] :i* !y haul$ provisions & pass5g]s into ! ,cripple ,creek di/rict4 ,sev]al miles f ! city !re 0 an old log ho/elry--',wright's ,road ,h\se' !y call$ x4 ,"h liv$ a /range old man1 a m\nta9e] ( ! olde/ type4 ,daddy ,wright1 !y call$ him4 ,he & ,tad 7 old fri5ds1 s y\r fa!r became v well acqua9t$ ) him4 ,! /ages to & f ! gold camp always /opp$ at ,dad's2 sometimes = a meal & sometimes = all night4 ,x 0 "o ( ! delights ( y\r fa!r's bus9ess trips to sp5d an ev5+ ) ?is old man 9 8 r\gh m\nta9 cab91 sitt+ be=e 8 crude /one fireplace smok+ & li/5+ to /ories ( ! days ( '=ty-n9e1' :5 ,dad _h hunt$ = gold 9 ! m\nta9s ( ,cali=nia4 ,y\r fa!r & ,tad 7 bo? 9 ! old road h\se ! night x 0 burn$ & b>ely escap$ ) _! lives4 ,he didn't tell me ab\t x until long aft]w>ds4 ,tad & y\r fa!r f9ally fil$ on two claims4 ,"o 0 on ,*ey5ne ,m\nta91 ne> ,dad's claims1 & ! o!r 0 some:]e ne> a m\nta9 call$ ,cook/ove4 ,y\r fa!r ?\ght t valley 0 ! mo/ beautiful spot he _h ev] se54 ,he us$ to write me long lett]s describ+ ! beautiful canyon & ! falls1 :i* 0 j a ribbon ( wat] t trickl$ d[n ! face ( a mon/r\s granite b\ld] hundr$s ( feet 9 height4 ,he call$ x ,/4 ,m>ys ,falls4 ,"h1 some:]e 9 a hidd5 spot ( ?is canyon1 !y f\nd a /range outcropp+ ( black rock :i* y\r fa!r believ$ w\ld lead to an ext5sive gold ve9 9 ! int]ior ( ! m\nta94 ,i rememb] he call$ ! ve9 an 'iron dyke1' & said t a compass revolt$ :5 plac$ on x4 ,8 great desire 0 to m9e t /rata by means ( a tunnel1 b he _h no money1 s he & ,tad decid$ t !y w\ld "w dur+ ! w9t] mon?s & save :at money !y c\ld1 !n bo? "w on ! tunnel 9 w>m wea!r4 ,!y *ose a spot d[n 9 ! canyon t 0 high1 b /ill ne> ! /ream1 & !re built a log %anty to live 9 :ile !y work$ ! claim4 ,he wrote me h[ !y cut ! great spruce on ! side ( ! m\nta9 f> above ! *os5 spot & roll$ !m 94 ,dad let !m use 8 team ( donkeys to pack 9 ! necess>y lumb] & %+les = ! '%ack4' ,fa!r came home1 & ,tad1 ) "s hir$ help1 erect$ ! fir/ log cab9 9 ! canyon4 ,my1 b he 0 pr\d ( x4 ,! next spr+ saw !m at "w on ! tunnel4 ,i did s hate to let fa!r g1 = ,i 0 afraid "s h>m w\ld befall him2 b he reassur$ me & seem$ s positive t all our future hopes lay hidd5 9 t hole t ,i let him g4 ,! fir/ season !y w5t 9 ?irty feet1 & ?+s look$ bett] e foot4 ,x 0 v h>d = him to close up ! hole & come home to 8 w9t]'s "w4 ,8 company 9 ,lans+ _h inspect$ ! draw+s ( 8 propos$ ma*9e & _h promis$ him a goodly sum = ! pat5t if he prov$ t x w\ld "w4 ,! only "q 0 ! secur+ ( ! prop] ore = flux4 ,i rememb] 8 hopes ran high :5 "o day !y came ^u a n>r[ ve9 ( ?is necess>y flux /one4 ,he 0 s sure t !y w\ld f9d m1 & ! gold1 too1 t he made plans to build a great r$uc+ plant1 us+ ! falls = motor p[]4 ,he _h x all work$ out on pap]1 ev5 to details4 ,mean:ile my si/]1 y\r ,aunt ,lucy1 & ,uncle ,joe w5t ,we/ = h] heal?1 & settl$ 9 ,colorado ,spr+s4 ,uncle ,joe became a real e/ate deal] & also int]e/$ 9 m9es & m9+ prop]ties4 ,he 0 greatly int]e/$ 9 ! tunnel1 & pr$ict$ great ?+s = its future4 ,ab\t ?is "t all ! l& ar\nd ! canyon1 bo? nor? & s\?1 became a "p ( ! ,pike's ,peak ,=e/ ,res]ve1 s t y\r fa!r _h to refile on 8 claim & prove to ! l& (fice t he 0 work+ a real m9]al ve94 ,9 refil+1 8 claim 0 n big en\gh to include ! %anty1 b anticipat+ no tr\ble on acc\nt ( x he neglect$ to lease 8 cab9 f ! ,=e/ ,res]ve (ficials4 ,! news leak$ out t gold _h be5 discov]$ 9 ,cook/ove ,gul*1 & 9 a few days ! entire /ream 0 /ak$ f "o end ( ! canyon to ! o!r z plac] claims4 ,( c\rse ! cab9 site became ! prop]ty ( ano!r man1 & ) x ! cab91 z x c\ld n be mov$4 ,! new own] 0 a little1 %ort1 pudgy man ) an ev]-ready eye = bus9ess1 s fa!r & ,tad 7 =c$ to r5t ! cab9 !y _h built & paid =4 ,t w9t] 0 ! "o y\r si/] ,mabel 0 tak5 f u1 & ! la/ ye> we 7 all toge!r4 ,%e /opp$ & gaz$ into ! fire1 seem+ly =gett+ ! boy :o sat by h] side4 ,!n %e rea*$ =w>d & plac$ ! la/ /ick on ! sl[ly-dy+ emb]s4 ,z x caught1 & ! flames leap$ into ! *imney 9 response to ! w9d outside1 %e cont9u$3 ,! next summ] 0 ! la/4 ,i nev] knew j h[ x happ5$ exactly2 b "s way1 :ile mak+ a new side drift 9 ! tunnel1 a bla/ w5t (f prematurely1 & he 0 caught 9 ! fall+ rocks & cru%$ to dea?4 ,uncle ,joe wrote me ! p>ticul>s--all t ,i ev] _h4 ,he 0 too badly mangl$ to be recogniz$1 s ev5 be=e ,i knew ( ! accid5t 8 poor1 brok5 body 0 laid to re/ "u ! p9es 9 ,ev]gre5 ,cemet]y4 ,! tunnel 0 clos$ & lock$1 & y\r uncle pack$ fa!r's few belong+s 9 ! little old trunk ,i gave y la/ spr+ = y\r own & s5t x home--all t ,i ev] saw aga9 ( y\r fa!r4 ,!n foll[$ ! t]rible fev] t ne>ly took my life4 ,h[ ,i pray$1 my boy1 t ,i might die1 s great 0 my sorr[ & utt] lonel9ess2 b ! ,great ,fa!r saw fit to keep me "h1 & n[ ,i am ?ankful4 ,he ne$$ me to help y become a man4 ,:5 ,i 0 s sick gr&fa!r came & br\ght u home1 & "h we h be5 ev] s9ce4 ,b1 "m1 h y nev] want$ to g to ,colorado8 ,yes1 son1 ,i've (t5 ?\ght ,i w\ld be happi] !re1 b fa!r has nev] ?\ght s4 ,i've (t5 promis$ ,aunt ,lucy we'd come4 ,i'm afraid %e won't be long = ?is _w1 = %e has a v s]i\s tub]cul> tr\ble4 ,y mu/ nev] m5tion x1 son1 b y\r gr&fa!r nev] _h any use = ,uncle ,joe1 & 0 v mu* oppos$ to ,lucy's m>ry+ him1 s !y slipp$ (f & 7 m>ri$ secretly4 ,%e has nev] felt l com+ home s9ce--n ev5 = a visit4 ,fa!r gets v lonely = h]1 = %e 0 ! life ( ! old home4 ,i w\ld n be surpris$1 son1 if ,i %\ld be call$ to h] b$side any "t n[1 = %e is v l[4 ,"m1 if su* a ?+ %\ld happ51 y'd take me ) y1 w\ldn't y8 eag]ly ask$ ,willis4 ,( c\rse ,i w\ld1 my son4 ,& p]haps ,i c\ld f9d fa!r's tunnel4 ,say1 "m1 did y ev] he> :at became ( t ,tad ,kies] aft] fa!r's dea?8 he inquir$4 ,no1 son1 ,i nev] he>d4 ,he wrote me "o lett]1 express+ 8 sympa?y1 & 9 t lett] ,i rememb] he said he _h ab&on$ ! tunnel because he 0 conv9c$ t x 0 n a safe place to "w1 & probably x nev] w\ld h am\nt$ to any?+1 anyway4 ,d y suppose he is /ill prospect+ some:]e 9 ! m\nta9s1 "m8 ,i don't "k1 ,willis4 ,probably n1 = t 0 t5 ye>s ago1 y "k4 ,! rema9s ( ! la/ log dropp$ betwe5 ! &irons & roll$ ov]4 ,mrs4 ,?ornton rose4 ,x's "t we 7 9 b$1 son1 long ago4 ,) t %e g5tly b5t1 kiss$ him on ! =ehead1 & slipp$ (f to h] own room1 leav+ him ) ! dy+ fire4 ,he sat /ill a long "t1 8 eyes wide op5 & 8 fi/s cl5*$4 ,if ,i only c\ld1 he 0 say+4 ,if ,i only c\ld4 ,,*apt] ,,iii ,9 ,:i* ,willis ,is ,honor$ ,y're always try+ to get 9 a new fell[1 ,*uck4 ,we nev] w\ld h a new memb] if y didn't d y\r sc\t+ ar\nd4 ,y "k m ab\t ! fell[s 9 ?is t[n ?an any half-doz5 ( ! re/ ( u4 ,h[ d y get next to !m8 ,^! rem>ks came f ,rob]t ,d5nis1 ! spl5did capta9 ( ! ,high ,s*ool ,basket ,ball ,team4 ,he _h met a few ( 8 companions at ! ,"y ,m5's ,*ri/ian ,association t ev5+4 ,! ,association 0 a v h&some1 f\r-/ory brick t /ood "s di/ance back f ! /reet4 ,( all ! places 9 ! community = "y fell[s to hang out ! ,association 0 ! mo/ popul>4 ,at any h\r aft] s*ool1 until clos+ "t 9 ! ev5+1 small gr\ps ( fell[s ( e age might be f\nd 9 ! v>i\s dep>tm5ts1 talk+ a?letics1 plann+ an all-day hike into ! m\nta9s1 discuss+ an amateur !atrical1 a debat+ club1 a ,bible /udy supp]1 or "s o!r ( ! _m activities c>ri$ on by ^! fell[s ) ! ,association z a basis ( op]ations & a p>tn]4 ,x appeal$ to ! be/ fell[s 9 ! s*ool1 & ev5 9 ! entire community1 = x _h v e>ly 9 its hi/ory made itself kn[n z a clean1 broad-m9d$1 sympa!tic1 & con/ructive ag5cy 9 ! lives ( boys & "y m54 ,x appeal$ to ! fell[s because !y c\ld h a h& 9 its op]ations & a voice 9 its gov]nm5t2 because x /ood = clean sport1 clean bodies1 clean m9ds1 heal?y spirits1 & a type ( social life t _h all ! appe>ances ( be+ p[]fully mascul9e1 & yet clean & g5tlemanly4 ,x /ood = a ?ree-sid$ manhood--_s1 m9d1 & body4 ,*uck seat$ himself4 ,no1 ,d5nis1 n always gett+ a new memb]1 b ,i'll tell y "o ?+1 ,i always d h an eye op5 = a fir/-class fell[ = our bun*4 ,y "k z well z ,i d t if we are go+ to keep ?+s "r1 "h 9 our old ,y4,m41 & give ! ',*ief' ! help he ne$s1 we'll h to keep add+ e /rong1 clean1 cong5ial fell[ we c lay our h&s on4 ,y don't ne$ to worry ab\t our gett+ too _m4 ,o4,f4,f4 has be5 do+ /unts = two ye>s n[1 & 9 t "t we h j tak5 9 five new m54 ,we h room = at lea/ ?ree m4 ,i "k sometimes ,i make a mi/ake1 b ,i'll bet my hat on ?is fell[4 ,he's no ord9>y kid1 ,i'll tell y t4 ,i saw him 9 ! swimm+ tank ) 8 uncle1 ,mr4 ,williams1 ye/]day1 & a clean]-cut1 bett]-built fell[ y nev] saw4 ,swim l a fi%1 & dive--:y1 !re's no?+ to x4 ,if he takes a memb]%ip 9 ?is ,dep>tm5t he'll be 9 ! ,lead]s' ,corps 9 less ?an a jiffy1 &1 :at's m1 he'll be a lead] 9 ev]y?+ else1 too1 :5 he gets acqua9t$4 ,well1 ,i'll tell y1 said ,%orty ,wi]1 :o _h ?us f> kept sil5t1 ,let's all look him ov] & get bett] acqua9t$ ) him ,w$nesday night on ! hike4 ,! ',*ief' told me he _h invit$ him to g along ) ! bun*4 ,:at's ! bun* go+ to d on ,w$nesday night8 inquir$ ,sleepy ,smi?1 :o 0 always preoccupi$ :5 any?+ ( real importance 0 go+ on4 ,:y1 y ought to wake up occasionally & y w\ldn't be s f> beh9d ! times1 repli$ ,*uck1 r dryly4 ,! class is go+ to ,sweet ,potato ,gul* = a bus9ess meet+ & wi5]-bake4 ,be sure to be on h&1 e man ( y4 ,o well1 ,i don't l wi5]s1 anyway1 repli$ ,smi?1 & he return$ to 8 own ?\ghts4 99 99 99 99 99 ,w$nesday night 0 p]fect--n a cl\d 9 ! sky1 & a great half-moon to help !m f9d _! way4 ,!re 0 a spr+ breeze 9 ! air1 ! k9d t makes a great wood-fire ( dry logs & p9e ne$les ab\t ! mo/ attractive ?+ on e>? to a cr[d ( "y savages4 ,f> away to ! we/w>d ,pike's ,peak's ho>y head 0 lift$ into ! sky1 dimly light$ by ! yell[ rays ( ! moon4 ,!re 0 a fa9t odor ( spr+ 9 ! air1 :ile ! little m\nta9 /ream _h n z yet giv5 up its icy prattle4 ,little pat*es ( sn[ /ill dott$ ! sides ( ! canyon1 & "h & !re a cry/al icicle sp>kl$ f ! end ( a p9e b\gh4 ,x 0 a night ( wond]s = ,willis4 ,he _h nev] felt ! call ( ! wild s /rongly & irresi/ibly z on t night4 ,e m\nta9 crag seem$ to be call+ him1 & 9 8 fancy he ?\ght ! fir trees rea*$ _! g5tly-wav+ bran*es1 beckon+ him to come into ! d>kness & solitude4 ,9 spite ( himself1 8 ?\ghts w\ld w&] to ! ,mi*igan homel&4 ,he wond]$ if ! ice _h brok5 on ! lake yet1 & if ! blossoms _h begun to come 9 ! old or*>d1 & if 8 gr&mo!r _h fill$ ! incubator4 ,he felt que] ) s _m /rang]s1 yet n at all ill-at-ease1 = he _h liv$ a :olesome life 9 ! out-(-doors1 & ! mean+ ( fe> 0 almo/ unkn[n to him4 ,z ! fire 0 light$ & ! wi5]s set to bake on ! end ( long1 gre5 will[ /icks1 he began to ent] m completely into ! m]rim5t ( ! cr[d4 ,x 0 an exceptional gr\p ( old] fell[s--! clean fun & :olesome *at 0 above ! ord9>y1 yet 0 spontane\s & real4 ,! ,*ief1 ^: "n 0 ,all51 /ood at "o side ( ! fire ) a note-book 9 8 h&1 :ile ! fell[s 7 seat$ ^u a dead log t _h be5 dragg$ close to ! fire4 ,all5 0 a "y man ( m$ium height1 well-built1 & clean-cut4 ,8 hair 0 black & 8 eyes 7 d>k & v bright4 ,a m]ry smile play$ ov] 8 features4 ,e fell[ 9 ! gr\p knew t t smile meant good w t[>d m54 ,8 hik+ tr\s]s bagg$ ab\t ! tops ( 8 high m\nta9 boots1 & 8 sweat] bore ! m>ks ( _m a camp+ trip4 ,he always wore on su* occasions z ?is an old felt hat1 :i* _h ! initials ( _m a /an*1 good1 out-(-door companion pr9t$ on x4 ,!re 0 ! color & vigor ( heal? 9 8 face1 & 8 movem5ts 7 swift & p[]ful4 ,he 0 a spl5did specim5 ( a clean1 unselfi% college man :o lov$ ,god1 ,8 out-(-doors1 & all 8 fell[-m54 ,!re 0 n a man 9 ! community :o _h su* an influ5ce1 or = :om ! boys felt su* pr(\nd respect1 z ,all54 ,he 0 a squ>e deal p]sonifi$4 ,_m 7 ! p]sonal diff]5ces ( ! fell[s t 7 submitt$ to him free-will$ = arbitration4 ,8 ,dep>tm5t 0 8 k+dom1 & ^! fell[s 8 /an* & loyal support]s4 ,:]e he l$ !y foll[$1 always kn[+ x 0 = "s good purpose4 ,meanness1 l a wolf 9 ! night1 slunk away :5 he came ^u x4 ,smut & sl&] knew !y _h no *ance 9 8 pres5ce4 ,to ^! fell[s1 & _m m :o knew him1 he /ood z a confid5tial fri5d & c\nselor1 & 0 z a fa!r to _m a boy 9 ! "t ( tr\ble4 ,_m 7 ! fa!rs :o w\ld h giv5 a good deal to h held ! place 9 _! sons' e/imations t ,mr4 ,all5 did4 ,! trip t night did sev]al ?+s = ,willis4 ,x told him pla9ly t he 0 go+ to be an ard5t lov] ( ! m\nta9s & life 9 !m1 j z he _h dream$ & hop$ he might4 ,sev]al weeks lat]1 :5 ,willis came home "o ev5+1 he f\nd 8 "m wait+ = him at ! door ) an envelope 9 h] h&4 ,willis _h told 8 "m all ab\t 8 trip to ! ,gul*1 & _h confess$ to h] h[ pr\d he w\ld be to become a memb] ( ,o4,f4,f4 ,a w>m fri5d%ip _h sprung up betwe5 ,*uck & himself1 & he 0 le>n+ to be happy 9 ! companion%ip ( t cr[d4 ,he eag]ly rea*$ = ! envelope1 &1 op5+ x1 read al\d3 ,next ,friday ev5+ ',o4,f4,f4' w hold an out+ meet+ 9 ,williams ,canyon4 ,we w fir/ take y ?r\gh ,huccacode ,cave1 !n we w h supp] on ,p9ion ,crag4 ,we w hold our meet+ ab\t ! c\ncil fire1 at :i* "t we w be v pleas$ to ext5d to y ! "r h& ( fell[%ip1 & make y a full-fl$g$ memb] ( ',o4,f4,f4' ,,robt4 ,,d5nis1 ,presid5t4 ,isn't t great1 "m6 ,i'm really to be a memb] ( ! v be/ ,bible gr\p at ! ,association4 ,x's a club1 too1 y "k1 & holds e memb] to a clean /&>d ( life 9 "w & play4 ,e ,saturday night !y meet at ! ,association = supp] & a half-h\r ( ,bible /udy4 ,mr4 ,all5 is tea*]1 b !y all d a lot ( talk+4 ,o1 x's great6 ,i'm tickl$ to dea?6 ,i want y to "k e "o ( ^? fell[s1 "m4 ,sleepy is ! poore/ man--besides me1 ( c\rse4 ,i c't say ,i l him s well4 ,he's a little sneaky1 ,i ?9k4 ,*uck told me !y took him 9 because ,mr4 ,all5 want$ !m to4 ,! ',*ief' says he has a pile ( good 9 him1 if we c j get x out4 ,he has be5 awfully nice to me1 ?\gh4 ,he talks cam]a to me almo/ e "t ,i see him4 ,i %[$ him ! pictures ,i made la/ spr+ ( ! ?ru%'s ne/1 & he 0 crazy ov] !m4 ,i'm go+ to tea* him h[ to photograph fl[]s & birds & nature4 ,i'm glad ,i c d some?+ t's wor? :ile1 or ,i'd feel unhappy 9 t bun*4 ,sleepy has a wireless outfit & kn[s all ab\t electricity4 ,%orty ,wi] works 9 ! ,/rang ,g>age4 ,he is a %>k 9 s*ool & a fi5d at basket ball4 ,he doesn't say mu*1 b he is a d&y4 ,*uck is int]e/$ 9 debates1 & w repres5t ! s*ool 9 ! int]s*ola/ic conte/ next fall4 ,he c talk ab\t any?+1 & has 'pep1' ,i tell y4 ,& ,mr4 ,all5 is a nature /ud5t4 ,gee6 won't we h a circus talk+ bugs & fl[]s & birds4 ,fat draws & does lett]+4 ,o yes1 & ,ham--,i mu/n't leave out ,ham--he is ! ,billik9 ( ! cr[d4 ,:5 y feel d[n 9 ! m\? or blue1 j look at ,ham & x makes y laugh4 ,he likes ev]ybody except ! girls1 & ev]ybody likes him4 ,he kn[s m funny /ories ?an all ! re/ put toge!r4 ,ham's ! "o t always gets ! fire ready to light & passes ! 'eats1' he's-- ,well1 son1 ,i ?9k y are =tunate 9 be+ able to f9d su* companions1 & 9 hav+ su* a place z ! ,association to sp5d y\r leisure "t4 ,i ?9k x is a great ?+4 ,i hope y w make ! mo/ ( ! opportunity4 ,i h ab\t decid$ we _h bett] /ay "h ?r\gh ! w9t]1 = ,i am v sure ,aunt ,lucy c n la/ until spr+4 ,i feel s sorry = ,uncle4 99 99 99 99 99 ,friday came at la/1 & 0 "o ( ^? gr& ,june ev5+s :5 ev]y?+ seem$ to be bur/+ ) ! love ( life4 ,! new gre5 leaves danc$ 9 ! breeze1 z if say+1 ,see1 ,i'm back aga96 ,"h & !re a fragrant fruit tree gave =? its odor f sn[y blossoms1 & innum]able spr+ insects flock$ to ! arc lights at ! corn]s4 ,x 0 a happy1 heal?y cr[d ( boys t bo>d$ ! /reet c> = ,manit\4 ,high-boots1 sweat]s1 sl\* hats1 cam]as1 & a pl5tiful supply ( good food4 ,f ! hip-pockets ( ! tr\s]s tall[ c&les %[$1 & "o fell[ c>ri$ a good supply ( mason's cord1 w\nd ^u a paddle4 ,!n !re 0 ! c(fee-pot1 :i* 0 really an honor>y memb] ( ! club1 & num]\s packages done up 9 pap]4 ,! fell[s lov$ ,williams j at twilight1 = x 0 !n t ! fanta/ic %apes & high p9nacles ( :ite lime/one made _! be/ impression4 ,! long1 irregul> %ad[s t 7 ?r[n across ! canyon by ! sett+ sun1 ! cool p9e-sc5t$ breeze t c>ri$ e s\nd d[n ! n>r[ crevice1 ! e*o+ ( e laugh & halloo add$ mu* to ! enjoym5t & comrade%ip ( ! little gr\p4 ,:o c\ld be unhappy or unfri5dly on su* a night & 9 su* a place8 ,! road l$ on & up1 w9d+ back & =? zigzag fa%ion on ! s\? wall1 until x rea*$ t wond]ful cav]n ( fairyl&1 ! ,gr& ,cav]ns4 ,?\s&s ( t\ri/s annually come to see its wond]s1 b to ! boys !re 7 o!r caves m magic 9 _! spell1 = !y _h n yet become civiliz$1 z ! fell[s said1 by be+ light$ ) electricity & engrav$ by human h&s4 ,z !y pass$ ?r\gh ! ,n>r[s !y began to climb up ! ea/ wall1 at a po9t :]e an imm5se pile ( brok5 /one f ! l$ges above _h collect$4 ,?is is ! doorway to ,huccacode4 ,! entrance to ! cave is a m]e crack 9 a mighty :ite wall t rises a hundr$ feet4 ,bundles & boxes 7 plac$ on a conv5i5t l$ge1 c&les light$1 & all made ready4 ,! end ( ! /r+ 0 fa/5$ to a %oot ( sagebru% j outside ! op5+2 & ! gr\p pass$ 91 ,%orty 9 ! lead ) an electric fla%light1 & ,phil br++ up ! re>1 trail+ ! /r+4 ,f> back 9 ?is wond]ful cave !re is a jo9+ ( passages1 & p>ties ent]+ )\t a /r+ h (t5 become lo/1 & h travel$ sev]al times ar\nd 9 a great circle be=e f9d+ ! lead out4 ,! cave is a s]ies ( *amb]s connect$ by :at appe>s to be an ov]lapp+ ( rooms4 ,! voices ( ! boys s\nd$ holl[ & f> away1 :ile ! c&les ca/ long1 grotesque %ad[s on ! walls4 ,z ! column advanc$1 ! lead] %\t$ back n[ & !n to wat* out to ! left or to be c>eful to ! "r or to m9d y\r foot+4 ,z ! trail l$ (f on ! side ( ! ,bottomless ,pit !y halt$1 & ! usual c]emony 0 gone ?r\gh4 ,!y twi/$ sev]al newspap]s toge!r into a tor* &1 light+ !m1 dropp$ !m into ! pit4 ,!y wat*$ z ! tor* w5t d[n & d[n & d[n1 light+ ! way = a fleet+ in/ant into ! v dep?s ( ! e>?2 pa/ ugly1 jagg$ rocks1 pa/ flat %elves ( lime/one1 pa/ /raight1 smoo? walls ( rock till1 at la/1 x burn$ itself out1 /ill go+ d[n into ! va/1 my/]i\s crevice4 ,x's a /range sight1 to be sure1 rem>k$ ,mr4 ,all54 ,i h se5 x a good _m times n[1 & ,i h no tr\ble 9 believ+ ! old ,indian leg5d ab\t x4 ,i h nev] he>d x1 said ,willis4 ,won't y tell x to u8 ,?is w\ld be su* a good "t4 ,let's put out all ! lights except m9e2 ,i'll /ick x "h on ?is projection & we'll sit 9 ! end ( ?is big room :ile y talk4 ,! cr[d suit$ ! action to ! ^w4 ,mr4 ,all5 pull$ 8 hat f> d[n ov] 8 eyes1 pick$ up sev]al little :ite pebbles f ! gr\nd & put !m into 8 m\? to disguise 8 voice1 !n began3 ,eagle-,foot _h be5 = _m ye>s ! mighty m$ic9e man ( ! great ,ute ,indians1 :o 7 probably ! /ronge/ & mo/ w>like ( all ! m\nta9 tribes4 ,_! home 0 9 ! ,middle ,p>k at ! nor? base ( ,pike's ,peak1 %ut 9 f ! o!r tribes 9 a f]tile & absolutely safe valley1 :i* c\ld be gu>d$ by a few m5 at a c]ta9 po9t4 ,"h 9 ?is m\nta9 valley ! ,utes grew into a /rong ,indian /ate4 ,dur+ ! hunt+ season l>ge p>ties ( !m w\ld ride to ! pla9s to hunt buffalo1 return+ aft] sev]al weeks ) imm5se supplies ( j]k$ meat1 :i* is ! *oice /eaks sun-cur$1 & ) a goodly numb] ( buffalo hides4 ,n[1 ,eagle-,foot 0 a great doctor4 ,he knew all ab\t ! m\nta9 h]bs & ! m$ic9al prop]ties ( c]ta9 m9]al wat]s z well z ( ! anci5t sweat+ ( disease out ( ! body by mud ba?s--a me?od us$ by ! ,indians ( ! ,s\?4 ,he 0 s successful t ! ,indians began to believe him infallible z a doctor & m$ic9e man4 ,well1 "o season1 foll[+ a great buffalo hunt on ! pla9s1 a /range it*+ sk9 disease broke out among ! hunt]s1 caus+ a great numb] ( !m to die4 ,eagle-,foot c\ld n f9d a satisfactory rem$y1 al?\gh he tri$ _m mixtures4 ,at la/ !y held long fa/s1 & pray$ ! ,great ,_s to remove ! curse f !m4 ,b ! next season x 0 worse ?an ev]4 ,! big ,*ief himself lo/ 8 favorite son1 ,megaleep1 & ,eagle-,foot began to lose 8 influ5ce among ! p4 ,"s ?\ght ! ,great ,_s 0 puni%+ !m = /eal+ ! buffalo f _! bro!rs ( ! pla9s2 o!rs said t ! ,evil ,_s _h come back f ! great des]t to haunt !m ) disease & fam9e4 ,eagle-,foot rema9$ sil5t & d[nca/1 sp5d+ mu* "t alone 9 ! m\nta9s fa/+4 ,"o day z ! w>riors return$ f ! bury+ gr\nd !y f\nd ,eagle-,foot await+ !m at ! camp1 deck$ 9 8 full regalia1 8 face pa9t$ z if = a great occasion1 all 8 fea!rs hang+ f 8 belt4 ,he told ! *ief t ! ,great ,_s _h at la/ spok5 to him1 & t he 0 go+ on a long que/ into ! lime/one canyons4 ,!re ! ,great ,_s w\ld reveal to him a cure = ! dread disease4 ,he call$ = ! swifte/ runn] to g ) him4 ,huckwe51 ! ,night ,voice1 volunte]$1 & s !y />t$1 all ! w>riors accompany+ !m to ,s5t9el ,po9t1 *ant+ pray]s to ! ,great ,_s4 ,sev]al days lat] ,huckwe5 return$ to camp1 hagg>d & weak & hungry1 be>+ ! m$ic9e w& ( ,eagle-,foot4 ,he took x /raight to ! ,*ief1 & on b5d$ knee told him ! /range tale4 ,h[ ,eagle-,foot _h left him 9 ! morn+ at ! entrance to a mighty cav]n & told him to foll[ 9 at 'high sun4' ,?is he did1 & :5 he rea*$ ?is spot1 ! ,bottomless ,pit1 he f\nd ,eagle-,foot's sacr$ m$ic9e w& /uck 9 ! mud1 8 belt ( sacr$ fea!rs fa/5$ to ! end ( x1 dangl+ d[n into ! m\? ( ! pit4 ,f ! dep?s he he>d /range s\nds1 b ,eagle-,foot 0 gone4 ,z he lay look+ into ! blackness1 he seem$ to realize sudd5ly t ! w& 0 ! promis$ cure1 & t ,eagle-,foot _h giv5 8 own life 9 ! ,bottomless ,pit t ! sacr$ fea!rs might become a sav+ potion = 8 p4 ,x 0 ! old idea ( a blood sacrifice4 ,e season s9ce t ! great m$ic9e man ( ! ,utes came "h to receive ! my/ic cure1 br++ ) him ,eagle-,foot's /aff & belt4 ,long /rips ( c$> b>k 7 b\nd toge!r into a rope4 ,?is 0 soak$ 9 de]'s grease1 "o end light$1 & dropp$ into ! ,pit1 ! o!r fa/5$ to ! /aff1 :i* 0 /uck into ! gr\nd ne> ! edge4 ,! _s ( ,eagle-,foot ?us return$1 us+ ! flam+ b>k rope z a ladd]1 to bless ! fea!rs ( 8 bro!r1 ! m$ic9e man ( ! ,utes4 ,d y suppose !re are really bodies !re at ! bottom8 ask$ ,sleepy1 z ! c&les 7 relight$ & ! gr\p pass$ on into ! dep?s ( ! cave4 ,i w\ldn't be surpris$1 repli$ ! ,*ief4 ,f9ally ! fir/ flight ( rickety wood5 /eps 0 rea*$1 & ! boys desc5d$1 "o at a "t4 ,!n came ! ,fat man's mis]y1 :]e ! ceil+ ( ! cave almo/ met ! floor1 leav+ only a small op5+4 ,!re 0 mu* laugh+ z ,fat squeez$ 8 body ?r\gh4 ,9 ! ,bridal ,*amb] e fell[ trac$ 8 initials on ! :ite /one ) 8 smok+ c&le4 ,!n came ! ,aug] ,hole1 :i* is a r\nd op5+1 n m ?an tw5ty in*es 9 diamet] & ab\t fifte5 feet long1 ?r\gh a solid wall ( rock4 ,ab\t ! middle ( ! passage !re is a %>p turn1 & ! rema9d] ( ! passage slopes d[n into ! next room4 ,ea* "o /ret*$ himself out at full l5g?1 tak+ hold ( ! leg ( ! man 9 front ( him4 ,9 ?is way !y work$ !mselves ?r\gh1 l a great s]p5t4 ,a v peculi> s5sation came to ,willis1 :o 0 second 9 ! l9e1 z he work$ himself along ! d>k passage4 ,if ! ro( %\ld cave 9 j a little1 :at a dea?6 ,he 0 busy ) su* ?\ghts :5 ,*uck1 :o 0 j ahead ( him1 sudd5ly back$ into him & :isp]$1 ,look6 ,he look$ ahead1 & !re1 some:]e 9 ! d>kness he saw two small1 yell[-gre5 lights4 ,willis clut*$ ,*uck by ! arm & :isp]$ ho>sely1 ,x's an animal6 ,^w 0 pass$ f "o to ! o!r z !y em]g$ f ! ,aug] ,hole t !re 0 a wild-cat 9 ! ,mud ,room4 ,mr4 ,all5 always c>ri$ a gun on ^! trips1 unkn[n to ! fell[s4 ,z he took 9 ! situation he quietly drew ! revolv] f 8 pocket & took a few /eps =w>d4 ,he began to ?9k :at ! possible results ( %oot+ might be4 ,he _h (t5 he>d ( m9es cav+ 9 z ! result ( a l\d report1 & ( ! vibrations f %\ts clos+ ! entrance to caves4 ,x w\ld be unwise to %oot1 b p]haps m unwise to g away & leave ! animal !re4 ,"s un>m$ p>ty might fall ^u x4 ,_m ?+s 7 sugge/$1 _m possibilities talk$ ov]2 b !re seem$ to be "s objection to all4 ,! eyes seem$ to g out n[ & !n1 & occasionally !re 0 a sad1 l[ :9e t made ! cold *ills run up & d[n ea* fell['s back4 ,sleepy _h made sure ( 8 safety by return+ ?r\gh ! ,aug] ,hole4 ,mr4 ,all5 made no reply to _! _m inquiries--he seem$ to h lo/ 8 p[] ( spee*4 ,he /ood ) muscles taut & gun ready4 ,he despis$ indecision1 yet--:at %\ld he d8 ,he ?\ght ( ! m\nta9 lion t _h be5 kill$ on ! c>riage road to ! ,peak ! spr+ be=e4 ,c\ld ?is be its mate8 ,he tri$ to ?9k :at ! *>act]i/ics ( a bob-cat 74 ,he wond]$ if p]haps x _h already attack$ "s "o2 p]haps kill$ him1 & ev5 n[ 0 gu>d+ ! dead body--p]haps n dead yet4 ,8 arm twit*$ n]v\sly4 ,he 0 los+ 8 self-control4 ,!re 0 absolute sil5ce n[ except = ! :9e ( ! bea/4 ,did a lion :9e8 ,he c\ld n ?9k4 ,!y c\ld n h told h[ long !y /ood !re sil5t4 ,pres5tly ,%orty ,wi] pu%$ himself to ! head ( ! gr\p &1 )\t a mom5t's w>n+1 fla%$ 8 electric spotlight & began advanc+ sl[ly t[>d ! animal4 ,all5 caught him by ! sleeve & foll[$1 gun 9 h&4 ,! eyes seem$ to dilate1 & !re 0 a l[ gr[l t seem$ to be a w>n+4 ,9 an in/ant x fla%$ into ,all5's m9d1 ,a mad dog6 ,a bobcat c\ld n gr[l1 & a lion did n s\nd l a dog4 ,%orty turn$ & look$ ,all5 9 ! eye1 ,don't be a fool4 ,put up y\r gun & get out y\r pocket ax1 he said 9 a l[1 /eady voice4 ,!n he began talk+ 9 a coax+ tone4 ,!re1 dog1 !re1 poor fell[1 no "o w hurt y1 nice pup2 :at's ! matt]1 dog4 ,8 light he ca/ /raight at ! eyes4 ,don't /rike till ,i say1 he :isp]$ to ,mr4 ,all54 ,9 a mom5t !y 7 close en\gh to see t x 0 a dog1 a ,collie pup1 wild-ey$ & half-/>v$4 ,%orty /epp$ ne>] & put 8 h& out to pat ! dog's head2 b ! animal only trembl$ & %rank back1 !n :9$ a pitiful :9e4 ,!y c\ld see n[ t ! dog 0 fa/ 9 a /eel trap1 held securely by 8 h9d leg4 ,%orty rea*$ d[n & releas$ ! bruis$ & swoll5 leg f ! trap1 & z ! dog felt himself free he gave a cry ( relief4 ,if ev] a dog express$ 8 gratitude 9 actions x 0 t pup4 ,:5 !y rea*$ ! m\? ( ! cave ! dog coll> 0 c>efully exam9$1 br++ to light ! fact t ! dog belong$ to a ,bev]ly ,h4 ,pembroke4 ,%orty w\ld h ! rew>d4 ,_! lun* boxes & c(fee-pot 7 ga!r$ up1 & ! climb to ! cliff began4 ,! great moon 0 j lift+ h] yell[ head above a rift ( cl\ds 9 ! ea/]n sky4 ,soon ! flat top ( ! crag 0 rea*$1 & 9 a mom5t a ro>+ fire 0 k9dl$4 ,!y _h fill$ ! c(fee-pot ) wat] be=e leav+ ! /ream 9 ! canyon1 & x 0 n[ swung on a cross-pole ov] ! fire4 ,ea* fell[ put 8 %>e ( ! /eak to fry by fa/5+ x to ! =k$ end ( a /ick & hold+ x ov] ! coals4 ,! r$-c$> /icks made an ideal cook+ fire1 & ! odor f ! burn+ wood 0 en\gh to make any "o hungry4 ,! dog lay ^u ,%orty's sweat]1 aga9/ ! side ( ! cliff1 & wat*$ ! broil+ meat ) eag] eyes4 ,x is h>dly necess>y to say t he receiv$ a g5]\s %>e ( ! meal4 ,mr4 ,all5 /ood ) 8 back to ! fire1 look+ (f ov] ! tops ( ! m\nta9s & d[n into ! moonlit spots ( ! canyon bel[1 absorb+ z mu* z he c\ld ( its beauty & inspiration4 ,f> away to ! we/ 0 ! same old peak t he _h se5 f e conceivable angle & he _h le>n$ to love s well4 ,x 0 a sc5e l ?is t he lov$ bett] ?an any?+ else 9 ! _w1 & x 0 at su* times t he almo/ wi%$ t he 0 "o ( ,god's wild ?+s liv+ a c>e-free life1 look+ to ,"m ,e>? & 8 own wits to c>e = all 8 ne$s4 ,willis came ar\nd ! fire & /ood by 8 side1 sil5tly tak+ 9 ! beauties ( ! picture4 ,mr4 ,all5 turn$1 & plac+ 8 arm on ! boy's %\ld]1 said1 ,x's great1 isn't x1 boy8 ,x takes a night l ?is to make a man realize :at ! psalmi/ meant :5 he said1 ',i w lift up m9e eyes unto ! hills :5ce come? my help4' ,d y ev] ?9k ( x :5 y look at ^! old m\nta9s8 ,aft] supp] 0 f9i%$ ! gr\p ga!r$ ab\t ! fire1 & ! bus9ess meet+1 = :i* ! trip _h be5 plann$1 began4 ,m c$> /icks 7 pil$ ^u ! fire1 :ile ! fell[s settl$ !mselves com=tably4 ,! meet+ w please come to ord]4 ,d5nis _h tak5 8 place at ! head ( ! little company4 ,! secret>y w please read ! m9utes ( ! la/ meet+4 ,*uck jump$ to 8 feet & made 8 report4 ,any objections to ^! m9utes8 ,if n1 !y w /& approv$ z read4 ,mr4 ,all51 w y expla9 to ,?ornton :at ',o4,f4,f4' means & give him ! oa? ( memb]%ip8 ,mr4 ,all5 /epp$ to ! side ( ! fire4 ,fell[s1 x is ) an ev]-increas+ satisfaction t ,i meet ) ',o4,f4,f41' & ,i ?9k x w\ld n be out ( place to-night to say j a few words t h be5 9 my m9d ^! la/ few days4 ,i am pr\d to be a memb] ( su* a club4 ,i am pr\d to call e fell[ ga!r$ "h my bro!r4 ,i am pr\d to h a voice 9 s clean & democratic a gov]nm5t4 ,i am pr\d to be able to f9d my social amusem5t & social fell[%ip 9 su* ways z ?is club employs--9 hik+ & tramp+ 9 ! woods & le>n+ ,nature's secrets4 ,we w n always be toge!r 9 ?is mo/ happy & cong5ial gr\p4 ,fate w soon sep>ate u4 ,"s w gr[ old2 "s w die be=e _! "t2 "s w p]haps be ri* 9 ?is _w's goods2 possibly "s w exp]i5ce pov]ty's /+4 ,yet none ( u1 fell[s1 ne$ ev] want = real fri5d%ip2 &1 aft] all1 x's t :i* makes life glad & beautiful = u1 or sad & unhappy if we d n h x4 ,i h (t5 w>n$ my memory nev] to lose ! picture ( a s+le "o ( ^! simple meals1 ab\t ! op5 fire toge!r1 s t 9 days to come ,i may g back & refre% myself at ^! spr+s ( pure cont5tm5t4 ,x's a beautiful ?+ 9 a fell['s life to j be liv+ = ! welf>e ( o!rs1 z we are try+ to d4 ,i'm wi%+ "o ?+ to-night = y all1 & t is1 t !re may nev] come a "t 9 y\r busy lives :5 y w f9d x to y\r lik+ to foll[ any o!r /&>d ?an ! "o we h set = ourselves "h 9 ?is little gr\p4 ,i am hop+ t we w nev] f9d any type ( social fell[%ip any m attractive to u ?an ?is clean1 :olesome1 out-(-door life t we h le>n$ to love s well4 ,! "t w come1 fell[s--did y ev] ?9k ( x8--! "t mu/ come :5 we w n be able to ga!r at ^! fires & *at toge!r ( our mutual int]e/s & common woes4 ,b ,i hope ! "t w nev] come :5 we c =get ! good ?+s = :i* we /&1 day by day1 9 our liv+4 ,willis1 /& up "h by ! fire4 ,i want to say to y1 my boy1 t we are pr\d to h y z a bro!r & t we feel confid5t t y are a real addition to our numb]4 ,we want y to be a real1 live memb]--to ent] into ! _s ( our organization4 ,our lett]s1 ,o4,f4,f41 /& = a v simple slogan1 "o t has meant great ?+s 9 ! lives ( e "o ( u fell[s1 & "o t w mean great ?+s to y if y take x into y\r life & let x "w4 ,x means t f ?is night on y w be m int]e/$ 9 ! welf>e ( o!rs ?an ( y\rself4 ,o4,f4,f4--,o!r ,fell[ ,fir/4 ,give me y\r h&4 ,d y promise t y w live a clean life1 physically1 m5tally1 & morally8 ,d y promise t y w =get y\r own int]e/s 9 help+ o!rs1 t selfi%ness w h no place 9 y\r life8 ,d y promise t y w n give y\r support = any reason to any?+ t to y\r m9d is b5ea? ! honor ( a g5tleman8 ,if s1 say1 ',i d4' ,willis lift$ 8 eyes to ,mr4 ,all5's1 &1 ) a pressure ( 8 h&1 he answ]$ 9 a cle> voice1 ,i d6 ,i take great pleasure1 cont9u$ ,mr4 ,all51 9 welcom+ y z a bro!r4 ,! o!r fell[s arose1 & !re 0 a g5]al h&%ak+1 foll[$ by cries ( ,spee*6 ,spee*6 ,all ,i h to say1 fell[s1 is t ,i1 too1 am pr\d ( e "o ( y & ( ev]y?+ = :i* y /&1 & t ,i'll d my be/ to be a wor?y memb]4 ,?ank y = ! honor y h %[n me by ask+ me to be "o ( y4 ,!y sat a long "t t ev5+1 talk+ & ex*ang+ ideas1 = !re 0 some?+ ne>ly bewit*+ 9 ! fire & ! view & ! fri5d%ip4 ,,*apt] ,,iv ,willis ,becomes ,int]e/$ 9 ,gold ,m9es ,! next f\r weeks pass$ by v sl[ly to ,willis4 ,mr4 ,all5 _h gone to ! annual summ] camp ) a l>ge numb] ( ! ,association boys4 ,x 0 a ,/ate encampm5t1 held 9 t v odd & int]e/+ "p ( ! second range kn[n z ,ca!dral ,p>k4 ,willis _h be5 v anxi\s to g1 = he knew x w\ld be a v new & pr(itable exp]i5ce = him4 ,mr4 ,all5 _h ask$ him to g z a ,lead]1 to h *>ge ( "o t5t ( sev5 boys4 ,he _h nev] be5 to a camp ( any k9d1 to say no?+ ( a m\nta9 camp1 s x 0 a great disappo9tm5t to him :5 8 "m _h told him t he _h bett] n g ?is "t4 ,8 aunt _h gr[n worse z ! hot wea!r came on1 & 8 "m expla9$ t %e c\ld n d )\t him 9 case 8 aunt %\ld pass away4 ,he und]/ood p]fectly & knew t 8 "m's reque/ 0 reasonable1 s _h cont5t$ himself by (f]+ to help out at ! ,association 9 ,mr4 ,all5's abs5ce4 ,he 0 anxi\s to give some?+ 9 return = all ,mr4 ,all5 0 giv+ him4 ,!n1 too1 x gave him an opportunity to wat* ! developm5t ( a good _m ( ! cocoons & *rysalides t ! nature /udy club _h plac$ 9 glasses 9 a w9d[ ( ! read+ room4 ,he _h be5 mak+ sket*es ( ! developm5t ( sev]al butt]flies4 ,?is k9d ( "w he de>ly lov$4 ,he w\ld sp5d h\rs1 sometimes1 wat*+ a delicate insect em]ge f its cocoon & sl[ly dry its da9ty1 crumpl$ w+s until x 0 able to fly4 ,"o day he sat sket*+ an imm5se ,i*neumon fly t _h j em]g$ f a ,tawny ,admiral *rysalis4 ,y c't always tell1 he 0 say+ to ! little gr\p t 7 wat*+ him4 ,nature fools y sometimes4 ,mr4 ,cat]pill>1 :o built t clean1 cozy little h\se1 & he 0 a f9e1 big1 heal?y fell[1 too1 expect$ to be somebody "o ( ^! days--a beautiful butt]fly l ! frontispiece ( t nature book--b he got into bad company & got '/ung4' ,n[1 in/ead ( hat*+ a butt]fly1 out comes ?is robb] fly1 a long1 lean1 sleek-look+ fell[ t has be5 liv+ = weeks on ! body ( t poor cat]pill>1 & we didn't "k x4 ,y want to wat* out :o y run )1 fell[s1 or y're liable to turn out ',i*neumon m5' in/ead ( g5tlem54 ,he laugh$ z he return$ ! glass to ! %elf & clos$ 8 sket* book4 ,:at 9 ! _w6 ,pots & kettles1 fry+ pans1 ,fr5* toa/1 hot cakes1 ,*ef's ! man2 ,we'll wa% our hair & comb our face1 ,camp ,te*--ump--sa1 t's ! place4 ,! cr[d made a break = ! door1 & 9 a mom5t m !y 7 inside1 laugh+ & %\t+4 ,five m9utes lat] !y might all h be5 f\nd spla%+ ar\nd 9 ! swimm+-pool1 mak+ up = ! lo/ swims ( ! pa/ few days1 _! bodies br[n z b]ries1 & z heal?y z free1 camp-life 9 m\nta9 air c\ld make !m4 ,mr4 ,all5 %ook ,willis by ! h&4 ,i nev] _h a bett] "t 9 my life2 & su* a gang ( royal good fell[s6 ,willis1 old man1 ,i always want to be a boy if age takes su* real pleasures away f man4 ,i miss$ y1 boy1 e day1 & ne$$ y s (t54 ,h['s ! aunt1 & h['s ! ,dep>tm5t8 ,say1 ,willis1 :ile ,i take a little swim1 w y 'phone to all ! ,cab9et memb]s & tell !m x's ,bru9 ,inn = supp] on ,saturday night8--a v important meet+6 ,meet "h at five o'clock4 ,& say1 ,i want y to g along ) u4 ,i h decid$ to add an out-(-door committee to ! ,cab9et1 & ,i want y to repres5t t phase ( ! "w1 w y8 ,camp 0 ! favorite topic ( conv]sation on ,saturday night z ! little gr\p ( old] fell[s walk$ up ! canyon road4 ,mr4 ,all5 0 tell+ "o gr\p ab\t "s ( ! funny ?+s fond mo!rs _h s5t to camp ) _! boys1 :ile j beh9d ano!r gr\p 7 li/5+ to an excit+ tale ( h[ ! only night-%irt 9 camp1 toge!r ) ! ,lead]'s razor-/rop1 7 hung on ! topmo/ bran* ( a great spike-topp$ p9e t /ood j 9 ! middle ( ! camp4 ,s ! talk ran on1 f "o ?+ to ano!r4 ,! />s tw9kl$ 9 c\ntless numb]s above1 giv+ j en\gh light s t !y c\ld see ! mighty column ( granite on ei!r side1 & to silh\ette ! g5tly-murmur+ p9es aga9/ ! canyon wall4 ,! air 0 *ill & fa9tly sc5t$ by ! bur/+ wild-*]ry blossoms t grew 9 great pr(usion along ! /ream4 ,"h & !re1 9 a moi/ crevice1 a gl[-worm %$ =? its gre5i%-yell[ gl[1 to let y "k x 0 night "t & summ]4 ,f> away 9 ! di/ance ,phantom ,falls 0 tumbl+ & spla%+ ov] a great pile ( drift logs4 ,z ! little company cross$ ! bridge & r\nd$ a turn 9 ! road1 a campfire1 built 9 a little %elt]$ nook back f ! road1 came into view4 ,x ca/ long beams ( light & grotesque %ad[s 9 e direction1 :ile ! odor ( *]ry blossoms *ang$ to ! aroma ( good c(fee4 ,i hope ,old ,b5 has z good a pot ( c(fee on ! fire at ! ,inn1 said "o4 ,pres5tly ,old ,night ,cap loom$ up aga9/ ! sky4 ,?is is z f> z we c\ld come a ye> or two ago1 said ,mr4 ,all5 to ,willis4 ,be=e ! railroad & ! inn 7 built we us$ to ?9k x 0 a long way ev5 up "h to ! old m9e4 ,did ,i ev] tell y ab\t ! old ,negro t own$ ?is m9e8 ,well1 he came h]e9 ! e>ly days & f\nd a /range yell[ outcropp+ "h4 ,he built himself a funny little %anty on ! hillside1 :i* he ?at*$ ) spruce b\ghs4 ,"h he sp5t a good _m ye>s ( 8 life1 digg+4 ,8 tunnel cav$ 9 soon aft] he left x1 b he did f9d a little gold = 8 "w4 ,:5 8 provisions gave out1 he w\ld take 8 old mule1 :i* 0 8 only companion1 tramp into ! city1 sell 8 little bag ( gold du/1 & buy bacon1 fl\r1 & beans4 ,aft] a little spree he w\ld return to ! m9e1 always sure t he w\ld f9d ! gold 9 l>g] quantities4 ,(t5 ,i've /opp$ to talk ) him z he br\ght a :eelb>r[ load ( dirt out ( ! tunnel to ! edge ( ! little old dump4 ',yep1 ,i'se 'b\t to f9' heaps an' heaps o' gol'1' he'd say z he pull$ at 8 /ubby gray :isk]s4 ',m>se ,spruce-tree1 yondah1 he done tole me to jes' keep a digg9' an' ,i'd %o f9' gol'4 ,:5 ,i 'se jes' 'b\t to gib up1 an' ,i does sometimes1 yes1 sah1 ,i does1 ole ,m>se ,spruce-tree he jes' /an' up yondah on de hillside an' laff an' say1 ,:y1 ,rufus1 yuse is altog$d] wufless4 ,ole ,br] ,rabbit1 he nod he haid an' 'spress heself same way4 ,jes keep a digg9'1 ,unc' ,rufus1 he say1 ,jes' keep a digg9'4 ,!y %o is gol' 9 ?is y]e ole _w if ye jes' keeps a digg9'4' ,he'd s+ all day z he work$1 & nev] seem$ to lose fai?2 b :5 ! canyon road 0 ext5d$1 & ! inn built1 x took away ! quiet & solitude f ! place4 ,! old man j pick$ up 8 belong+s & w5t f>!r back into ! m\nta9s--no "o knew :]e2 b some:]e1 ,i suspect1 he is /ill talk+ al\d to ! trees & mak+ fri5ds ) ! wild ?+s1 /ill giv+ 8 life to digg+ up dreams & liv+ = hopes t w nev] be realiz$4 ,x's a /range disease1 ?is gold fev]4 ,i've nev] _h x1 b ,i've he>d ,old ,b5 at ! ,inn tell h[ x's ne>ly impossible = a man to g back to 8 "w 9 ! city aft] he has once se5 ! gold5 glitt] & dug ! preci\s metal f ! e>?4 ,willis _h rema9$ v quiet all ?r\gh ! /ory4 ,a /range sadness seem$ to h settl$ ^u 8 _s4 ,sev]al times ,mr4 ,all5 address$ him1 b ^u receiv+ no reply turn$ & look$ closely into ! boy's face4 ,8 head 0 ?r[n back1 & he seem$ to be lo/ 9 ! beauty ( ! />ry night4 ,9 a v quiet tone ,mr4 ,all5 said1 ,a p5ny = y\r ?\ghts1 boy4 ,willis laugh$ a dry little laugh1 &1 turn+ to him1 repli$3 ,o1 ,i 0 j ?9k+4 ,i h>dly "k :at1 exactly4 ,i 0 ?9k+ ( h[ t old d>ky's tunnel cav$ 94 ,d all tunnels cave 98 ,i 0 ?9k+ ( my fa!r4 ,he l9k$ 8 arm ?r\gh ! ,*ief's z !y walk$ on up ! canyon4 ,my fa!r 0 a m9]1 y "k4 ,t's h[ he lo/ 8 life4 ,mr4 ,all5 und]/ood ! mood n[4 ,y mu/ tell me m ( him "s "t1 ,willis4 ,0 he l y8 ,n v mu*1 b ,i'm go+ to be l him1 if ,i c1 repli$ ,willis4 ,sometimes1 s9ce ,i've be5 "h 9 ,colorado1 especially "h 9 ! m\nta9s1 ,i've fanci$ t he 0 ne> me aga91 wat*+ & guid+ & keep+ me company4 ,x's h>d = a fell[ l me n to h a fa!r4 ,mr4 ,all51 ,i don't believe ! fell[s :o h !m half appreciate !m1 d y8 ,a long1 l\d %\t came f ahead1 :i* 0 answ]$ by a dog's b>k4 ,o y supp]6 %\t$ ,*uck4 ,b51 rememb] me1 cri$ ano!r4 ,! inn 0 a "o-/ory log build+1 built ( r\gh spruce trees1 j z !y _h be5 cut f ! m\nta94 ,on ! side next to ! /ream 0 a ru/ic por*4 ,on ! d[n-canyon end 0 built an imm5se old1 /one fireplace4 ,f ! *imney top !re 0 a procession ( t9y sp>ks mak+ _! way upw>ds f ! ro>+ wood-fire )94 ,"h & !re on ! wall hung ! hides ( d5iz5s ( ! woods4 ,beh9d ! p9e door /ood an old-fa%ion$1 d\ble-b>rel$ %otgun & a lat] model ,w9*e/] rifle4 ,9 ! opposite corn] /ood two %ort-h&l$ %ovels & a m9]'s pick1 :ile on ! wall j above ! fireplace hung ! head ( a great buck t _h "o "t roam$ ^? v hills4 ,! fireplace1 :i* occupi$ ! c5t] ( ! ea/ wall1 0 l>ge & v attractive4 ,an old h&-made crane _h be5 built into ! firebox1 & f x hung an old iron pot4 ,! &irons 7 long1 n>r[ slabs ( granite1 set on edge1 ^u :i* 7 pil$ logs ( p9e wood1 burn+ m]rily--n because x 0 a cold night1 b because ( its *e]fulness4 ,! he>? at once became ! c5t] ( attraction4 ,x 0 ! my/]i\s fairy t b\nd all he>ts toge!r & weld$ all types ( p]sonality into a sympa!tic fri5d%ip t ga!r$ r\nd x4 ,x 0 ! /]n & fi]y mon>*1 ord]+ all assembl$ to be quiet t x might s+ & moan & :isp] ! messages t x _h ga!r$ f ! w9t] /orms or f ! fall+ leaves4 ,at "o side ( ! old fireplace1 lean+ back 9 8 rickety old arm-*air1 sat ,b51 ,old ,b5 ! innkeep]1 8 long-/emm$ cob pipe held quietly 9 "o h&1 :ile ! o!r re/$ on ! head ( a huge ,russian h\nd t lay on ! floor 9 front ( ! fire4 ,b5's hair 0 long & gray1 & on 8 nose re/$ a pair ( l>ge1 old--fa%ion$1 silv]--rimm$ spectacles4 ,8 head 0 p>tly bald1 & 8 small1 gray eyes 7 set well back "u %aggy eyebr[s4 ,8 face 0 cov]$ ) a g5]\s gr[? ( dirty-gray :isk]s1 /a9$ d>kly ab\t ! m\? f 8 pipe4 ,he 0 a typical old m\nta9 prospector :o _h se5 bett] days4 ,z ! boys ent]$ ,old ,b5 rose1 /ret*$ 8 l>ge1 gaunt frame1 & cri$1 ,h[dy1 fell]s1 mu/ o' />t$ day a=e ye/$y1 didn't ye8 ,took ye t>nal long to git "h1 anyh[4 ,supp]'s b5 ready ^! two h\rs4 ,me'n ! critt] 'n ,tad is mo/ />v$ a wait9'4 ,hello1 ,mr4 ,all51 :]e'd ye git ?is lively bun* o' fell]s1 anyh[8 ,d' !y all b'long to ye8 ,come along1 ,tad1 er ^! dratt$ y\ng/]s 'll eat all y] grub f] ye4 ,?is z ! fell[s seat$ !mselves ab\t ! table4 ,tad1 by ! aid ( a crut*1 hobbl$ f ! lean-to kit*5 & took 8 seat at ! table ne>e/ ! fire4 ,old ,b5 s]v$ ! meal--beef/eak1 bak$ potatoes1 hot corn muff9s1 & gravy1 apple sauce1 pickles1 & c(fee t fairly fill$ ! room ) its fragrance4 ,drat me = a "y squirrel if y fell]s a9't ! hungrie/ bun* o' ye>l9's ,i ev] set eyes on1 mutt]$ ,b5 z he hurri$ back & =? f table to kit*5 supply+ ! urg5t dem&4 ,aft] ! la/ drop ( c(fee _h disappe>$1 ! meet+ 0 call$ to ord] ar\nd ! table & ! bus9ess ( ! ev5+ 0 gott5 "u way4 ,willis1 = ! fir/ "t1 f\nd x difficult to pay att5tion to :at ,all5 _h to say4 ,he 0 wat*+ ,old ,b5 & 8 fri5d z !y sat by ! fire1 *att+ & smok+1 ! v picture ( cont5tm5t4 ,n[ & !n a little ( _! conv]sation w\ld rea* him1 b he c\ld n make head nor tail ( x4 ,at ! supp] table ! man ) ! crut* _h ey$ ,willis _m times4 ,9 8 mann] !re 0 some?+ t seem$ to be s v famili>1 yet 8 face1 :i* 0 cov]$ ) a sev]al weeks' be>d1 0 /range to ,willis4 ,i nev] saw a face s l my old p>d's1 ! /rang] 0 say+ to ,b54 ,& y "k1 ,b51 ,i (t5 wond] if "s day ,i won't he> some?+ f ,bill's family4 ,!re 0 a wee boy1 b :at o!rs1 if any1 ,i don't "k4 ,! day ( ! wreck ,i saw a lad t did a brave de$1 & ev] s9ce ,i've be5 wond]+ if he might be ,bill's boy--he look$ s l him4 ,tad1 :at became ( t t>nal critt]1 ,williams1 t ye told me ab\t8 ,! fell] t jump$ t plac] claim up'n ! gul*--d y ev] see him any m8 ,yes1 ,b51 he is /ill 9 ! city4 ,has a mighty sick wife--tub]culosis1 !y say4 ,he's crook$] ?an a cork-screw1 !y tell me2 b he'll get caught yet1 t k9d always does4 ,y "k 8 wife is a si/] to ,bill's wife4 ,if x hadn't be5 = t relation%ip to ,bill1 ,i'd h _h x out ) him long ago4 ,b :at's ! use1 anyway4 ,! m9e's no good & ! gr\nd's no good1 & ,i hav5't any money to fight him4 ,yep1 b s'pos9' ! tunnel 0 good2 :at !n8 ,i don't "k1 ,b54 ,old ,williams has a good "n1 g5]ally speak+1 9 ! city1 & he has money--,i c\ldn't fight him4 ,dad ,wright us$ to say he 0 a 'snake 9 ! grass1' & ,dad doesn't (t5 misjudge a man4 ,:o holds ! key to t t>nal hole1 anyway1 ,tad8 ,williams 0 ! la/ man 9 ! tunnel1 ,b51 & ,i suppose he holds ! keys4 ,i've nev] be5 inside s9ce ,i c>ri$ out poor ,bill's brok5 body4 ,well1 ,tad1 ,i 0 a pe/]9' ar\nd !re n long ago1 an' ,i se$ :> "s t>nal critt] h$ tri$ to pry ! lock (f4 ,y "k1 ,tad1 ,i b'lieve !y is pay rock 9 t gul*1 if ! likes o' y an' me c\ld ji/ light onto x4 ,ye c pan color any:]e ar\nd ! %anty1 if ye "k h[4 ,i pick$ up "s o' t qu>tz =mation by ! dump1 an' drat x1 ,tad1 x's f9e look9' /uff4 ,yes1 ,b51 ,i (t5 ?9k ,i'll g back & "w a little long] on ! old hole4 ,bill 0 c]ta9 we _h /ruck x--talk$ 9 8 fev] be=e he di$4 ,b ,i hav5't got ! n]ve4 ,b51 ,i'm go+ to tell y some?+4 ,j be=e ,bill met 8 end1 he _h a lett] f ! firm t he in/all$ ma*9]y = conc]n+ ! f9al draw+s ( an ore-roa/] t he _h be5 work+ on = ye>s4 ,i h (t5 wond]$ if he s5t ^? draw+s to ! firm be=e 8 dea?1 or if ,williams got !m & ! lett]s4 ,i've nev] se5 a roa/] l 8 0 to be4 ,"s way1 ,i've ?\ght ,williams sold ^? draw+s4 ,if he did1 ,b51 ,i'd kill him1 ,i believe4 ,t's :at makes me keep a ?9k+ ( ! boy4 ,^? draw+s w\ld h br\ght en\gh !n to h educat$ him1 & p]haps he's poor--poor l y & me1 & c't g to s*ool1 :ile t rascal1 ,williams1 rides ar\nd 9 an automobile4 ,"s way1 ,i feel l ,i'll f9d out1 & !n ,i'll-- ,is t a fact6 ,well1 t t>nal critt]6 ,b5 puff$ m$itatively at 8 pipe & gaz$ into ! fire4 ,i h decid$ to g back1 ,b51 & "w ! o!r claim up 9 ! gul* by ,dad's4 ,if ,i c\ld get en\gh money ahead ,i'd get a detective & put him on ! case4 ,i'm k9d ( a fa!r to t boy1 ,b51 :]ev] he is1 & ,i ought to be f9d+ him4 ,! meet+ at ! table 0 ov]1 & ! fell[s cr[d$ ar\nd ! fire be=e />t+ home1 &1 p]haps1 to he> "o ( ,b5's /ories ( ! e>ly days4 ,! /rang] wat*$ ,willis closely = "s m9utes1 !n he call$ to him4 ,lad1 a9't y ! boy t 0 9 ! wreck ( ! ,rocky ,m\nta9 ,limit$1 e>ly 9 ! spr+8 ,i've be5 wat*+ y1 & y sure rem9d me ( him4 ,willis's face bright5$4 ,9 a fla% he recogniz$ ! fireman4 ,he advanc$ ) ext5d$ h&4 ,:y1 yes1 sir1 ,i am ! boy1 & y are ! fireman4 ,i h be5 look+ at y all ev5+ & wond]+ :]e ,i _h ev] se5 y be=e4 ,x's ! :isk]s t ?rew me (f4 ,h[ is ! brok5 leg8 ,! /rang] held ! boy's h& 9 8 own & look$ into 8 face4 ,we got out lucky1 didn't we1 lad8 ,h y ev] se5 ! little ,engli%man s9ce t day8 ,he 0 a d&y1 wasn't he8 ,*uck _h be5 li/5+ to ! =ego+ conv]sation4 ,:at wreck8 ,:at ,engli%man8 ,:o is y\r fri5d8 he que/ion$4 ,! /rang] spoke4 ,:y1 don't y "k ab\t ! wreck8 ,has he nev] told any ( y8 ,9 answ] to a *orus ( ,no's1 ! /rang] drew 8 *air clos] to ! fire & began to tell ! /ory4 ,s ! lad has nev] told y1 eh8 ,he is a spl5did fell[1 ?is lad4 ,i want to tell y boys !re is no yell[ 9 8 sy/em4 ,he has cool1 true n]ve1 l my old fri5d1 t nev] ?\ght ( himself if !re 0 tr\ble1 always ( ! o!r folks t might suff]4 ,t's ! reason he slid (f ?is mortal globe s soon4 ,! lad "h came ne> do+ ! same ?+4 ,!n he nev] told y ab\t x4 ,well1 well4 ,i'll see y aga91 call$ ! /rang] z ,willis pass$ out into ! night4 ,,*apt] ,v ,a ,plan ,is ,evolv$ ,well1 by ! ,great ,horn ,spoon1 y are ! lazie/ bun* ( fell[s ,i've se5 9 _m a long day4 ,:at's all ?is s*em+ & plann+ ab\t t's go+ on "h8 ,are "o ( y fell[s try+ to get a ,presid5tial nom9ation8 ,ham seat$ himself on a *air fac+ ! fell[s4 ,!y 7 l\ng+ on a big w9d[-seat 9 a corn] ( ! game-room1 talk+ e>ne/ly 9 l[ tones4 ,come1 n[1 let's he> ab\t x4 ,:at's ! game8 ,say1 fell[s1 ,i j he>d a rattl+ good /ory4 ,well1 n[1 ,ham1 let up on y\r /ories = ab\t two %akes & give u y\r att5tion4 ,we h an idea1 a real1 fir/-class s*eme1 if y please1 & we want y to give u y\r exp]t op9ion on x1 said ,%orty ,wi]1 z he w5t & clos$ ! door4 ,all abo>d2 let h] g6 ,:at d y want me to d8 ,:5 are y go+ to d x8 ,hurry1 ,i'm gett+ awfully excit$4 ,well1 cont9u$ ,%orty1 ,fat orig9at$ ?is idea1 or at lea/ he sugge/$ x1 & we h j be5 talk+ x ov]4 ,h[ f9e x w\ld be if we own$ a cab91 a good-siz$ log cab91 big en\gh to take c>e ( at lea/ tw5ty fell[s ov] night4 ,a place f> en\gh f ! city to keep x f be+ cont9ually brok5 into by r[dies1 & /ill )9 a c\ple ( h\rs' walk+ di/ance f ! c>-l9e4 ,) all ( ?is great /r+ ( m\nta9s & canyons1 s well-=e/$ & fill$ ) /reams1 x ought to be an easy matt] to f9d "s su* a place4 ,( c\rse x w\ld be ideal if we c\ld f9d a cab9 already built2 !n all we w\ld h to d w\ld be to rig x up4 ,b we are game sports1 e man ( u1 & if we c't f9d any su* cab9 built1 let's locate an ideal spot & build "o4 ,no?+ real fancy or exp5sive1 b j a typical m\nta9 h\se t's wea!r-tight & w>m4 ,( c\rse we'd want a big fireplace l ! "o at ,bru9 ,inn4 ,x w\ld be a great big job1 b we c\ld take our "t to x4 ,we'd h all w9t]1 & m1 if we ne$$ x4 ,n[1 :at we want is y\r sugge/ion1 und]/&2 we are j talk+ & plann+ ab\t x yet4 ,gee1 x w\ld be an awful pile ( "w1 compla9$ ,sleepy ,smi?1 & he yawn$ & /ret*$ himself4 ,"w6 ( c\rse x w\ld be "w1 y dub2 b :at d y ev] get 9 ?is _w t's wor? :ile )\t real "w1 ,i'd l to "k4 ,"w6 t's ! be/ "p ( x2 no?+ 9 ! _w c\ld b9d u fell[s toge!r s tight z to d a big piece ( real "w toge!r4 ,we w\ld %[ ea* o!r :at we're made (4 ,i always h want$ to build a cab9 9 ! m\nta9s4 ,x w\ld be a great deal bett] to build "o ?an to get an old1 tumbl$-d[n %ack4 ,besides1 we don't want to "w out a /unt t's j go+ to la/ = a ye> or two1 & !n be ab&on$4 ,we want to build a real1 p]man5t m\nta9 camp4 ,see8 add$ ,*uck4 ,:at's ! matt] ) ! old ,y4,m4 cab9 up 9 ,be> ,creek1 ,%orty8 ,o rats1 boys1 we are n talk+ ab\t a pill box n[4 ,we want a cab94 ,i ?9k x w\ld be a great ?+ to d1 fell[s2 b we mu/ g awfully c>eful4 ,we'll h to f9ance ! ?+ "s o!r way ?an f our own pockets1 & we don't "k yet :at ,mr4 ,all5 w say ab\t x4 ,he may ?9k x's a big mi/ake & a wa/e ( "t & en]gy4 ,!n1 too1 :]e w\ld we camp :ile work+ on ! new cab98 said ,willis4 ,!n he slipp$ (f to talk ! plan ov] ) ,mr4 ,all51 & 9 a few mom5ts br\ght ! ,*ief back ) him4 ,willis 0 talk+4 ,n[ we are on ! "r track = sure1 fell[s4 ,mr4 ,all5 has ! prop] sugge/ions ab\t ?is matt]4 ,no tell+ :at fool /unts we fell[s w\ld d if we didn't h ,mr4 ,all5 to keep our feet on ! e>?4 ,li/51 fell[s1 said ,%orty4 ,we h talk$ ?is ?+ all ov] f ,a to ,z1 & we believe ,mr4 ,all5's advice is ! ?+2 only be=e we decide to d any?+ def9ite we ought to h ,mr4 ,dean's op9ion4 ,he has be5 9 ! army1 y "k4 ,mr4 ,dean1 ! physical director1 be5 9 ! army8 ,:y1 ,i didn't "k t1 said ,sleepy4 ,yes1 & he's a mighty practical fell[4 ,fat1 g out to 8 (fice & ask him to come 9 "h a few m9utes1 w y8 ,9 a mom5t !y came 9 toge!r1 ,fat expla9+ _! plans = a cab94 ,:5 e "o 0 seat$1 ,%orty cont9u$3 ,?is is a v s]i\s matt]1 fell[s1 & we don't want to make a mi/ake by be+ 9 too big a hurry4 ,!re are a few ?+s t seem v cle> aft] talk+ ) ,mr4 ,all5-- ,fir/1 we mu/ make our cab9 /unt an ,association ent]prise1 s we c h _! help & back+4 ,let's make x a high s*ool boys' ent]prise4 ,next1 we mu/ f9d an ideal place1 :]e ! "w w h all ! natural advantages possible--n too f> away1 n too close1 ne> good wat] & a good supply ( dead wood4 ,x w\ld be be/ to get some:]e on ! old ,cripple ,creek ,/age ,road4 ,mr4 ,all5 has sugge/$ t we might help f9ance x 9 two ways3 ,organize a cab9 company & sell /ock at s mu* a %>e1 all /ockhold]s be+ privileg$ to use ! %ack1 or we might give a circus 9 ! gymnasium & use ! money ?us e>n$4 ,he ?9ks ! latt] ! bett] plan4 ,! greate/ tr\ble seems to be to f9d ! ideal place4 ,mr4 ,dean1 :at d y ?9k ( ! :ole plan8 ,x's a capital idea1 fell[s2 only x means real bus9ess4 ,if y tackle a job l t1 y want to f9i% x4 ,i'd sure be 9 ) y on any su* a deal4 ,"h's a sugge/ion4 ,:y don't six or sev5 ( y fell[s take a week j be=e s*ool op5s1 pack y\r grub & blankets1 take a gun or two & a good cam]a1 & make a trip on foot1 look+ ov] ! possible locations8 ,= in/ance--/>t up ! old ,/age ,road1 g z f> z ,daddy ,wright's1 !n to ! top ( ,*ey5ne ,m\nta9 ?r\gh t valley4 ,!re is a beautiful p>k !re t might be suitable2 !n d[n ,rock ,creek1 up ar\nd ,black ,m\nta91 back ar\nd ,/4 ,pet]'s ,dome1 !n /udy ! canyons along ! railroad4 ,!y say !re is a good cab9 some:]e ne> ,daniel's ,pass1 & sev]al ar\nd ,fairview4 ,get into all ( ^? canyons t run into ,nor? ,*ey5ne1 because t w\ld be ! h&ie/ location = u to get to4 ,x w\ld be great if we c\ld f9d an old prospector's cab9 t we c\ld remodel & add to4 ,y see1 we'd h a place to camp z we work$ t way4 ,!n1 too1 x w\ld h ?is decid$ advantage--x w\ld be a /ak$ claim & n ! op5 =e/ res]ve4 ,y w\ld h to pay = all lumb] y cut on ! res]ve1 b on a claim y are entitl$ to a c]ta9 am\nt = build+ purposes4 ,y see1 we c\ld probably %[ m9]al any:]e ne> a prospector's cab94 ,i am conv9c$ !re are _m su* cab9s t w\ld be almo/ ideal1 if we c\ld only f9d !m4 ,my fa!r built a cab9 9 ^! m\nta9s ye>s ago1 said ,willis4 ,a m9]'s cab92 b ,i've nev] se5 x4 ,i don't "k :]e x is1 b x's ne> ,cook/ove ,m\nta94 ,"s "o has jump$ ! claim1 ?\gh1 n[1 s "m said4 ,w\ldn't x be funny1 ,willis1 if we %\ld f9d t old cab9 ( y\r fa!r's8 ask$ ,mr4 ,all54 ,ideas came ?ick & fa/4 ,ev5 ,sleepy ,smi? woke up to ! fact t some?+ unusual 0 go+ on1 & r\s$ himself s z n to miss x4 ,aft] an h\r's plann+ & discussion !y decid$ :at to d4 ,a r\te 0 to be laid out & an inve/igation trip made "u ! direction ( ,mr4 ,all54 ,! p>ty 0 to be limit$ to six fell[s3 ,ham1 ,phil1 ,fat1 ,*uck1 & ,willis 7 ! ones *os5 to g4 ,def9ite plans 7 laid out1 & ! foll[+ ,tuesday set z ! day = />t+4 ,z ,willis 0 expla9+ ! plans to 8 "m ! next morn+ 8 ,uncle ,joe came into ! room4 ,he _h se5 an article 9 ! morn+ pap] to ! effect t ! ,y4,m4,c4,a4 boys 7 to build a cab91 includ+ ! names & ! probable r\te to be tak5 by ! inve/igat+ p>ty4 ,:at's all ?is nons5se ab\t a cab9 9 ! m\nta9s1 ,willis8 ,i saw an article 9 ! ,gazette ?is morn+ conc]n+ x4 ,n[ li/5 to me1 boy4 ,i don't want any relation ( m9e gett+ mix$ up 9 any su* a crazy1 wild-goose *ase4 ,d y he>8 ,ab\t ! fir/ ?+ y kids w d is to trespass on "s "o's m9+ claims1 & !n y'll be gett+ y\rselves & "s ( ! re/ ( u into tr\ble4 ,x's a lot ( fooli% nons5se1 su* do+s1 anyway4 ,isn't home good en\gh = y8 ,well1 x seems to me y're k9d ( mad ab\t no?+1 ,uncle4 ,we're n go+ to c>ry (f any "o's gold m9es1 repli$ ,willis4 ,h y a few y are afraid we w /eal8 ,mr4 ,williams flew into a fit ( ang]1 say+ some?+ ab\t1 ,if he 0 m9e1 ,i'll bet ,i'd see if he'd insult 8 sup]iors 9 t way4 ,! next ?+ we "k y w be (f on a m\nta9 picnic on ,sunday1 br++ disgrace on y\r respectable relatives1 snapp$ ,mr4 ,williams4 ,!re are en\gh enemies n[ to a man's good "n1 )\t add+ any m by fooli% kids l y1 ) heads full ( nons5se4 ,mr4 ,williams /alk$ angrily out ( ! room1 slamm+ ! door beh9d him4 ,( all ! /range m5 on e>?1 ,i ?9k he is ! /range/ ( !m all1 rem>k$ ,mrs4 ,?ornton4 ,some?+ has upset him1 & he has an ugly /reak to-day4 ,i he>d him at ! telephone1 /orm+ ab\t "s old prospector t has come back to ! city to make life mis]able = him4 ,he _h se5 him on ! /reet1 talk+ ) a man he said 0 a detective4 ,lucy told me j ! o!r day t ,uncle ,joe took awful *ances on m9+ /ock v (t51 & t %e believ$ he w\ld sell 8 v s\l = a gold m9e4 ,x seems s /range--he has be5 angry at me e "t ,i h let y g into ! m\nta9s4 ,he works h>d1 & ,i suppose he ?9ks y ought to be do+ some?+1 too1 & if we /ay "h ?r\gh ! w9t]1 my boy1 ,i ?9k x w\ld be well = y to look ab\t = some?+ to d aft] s*ool4 ,z ,willis left ! h\se ! next morn+ & />t$ = ! ,association to complete plans = ! trip1 he met two m5 com+ 9 at 8 front gate4 ,!y ask$ = ,mr4 ,williams4 ,willis direct$ !m1 !n hurri$ on1 rejoic+ 9 8 he>t t he 0 to h a real gipsy trip 9 ! m\nta9s ) 8 gang4 ,he sp5t ! day gett+ 8 ?+s toge!r = ! trip4 ,he 0 to c>ry a small individual fry+ pan1 a small granite bucket1 knife1 =k1 & spoon1 eight small cans ( cond5s$ milk1 a little clo? sack ( tea1 "o ( sug>1 "o ( oatmeal1 & "o ( rice1 two boxes ( rais9s1 a loaf ( rye bread1 & butt] pack$ 9 a small t9 c ) a cov]4 ,he 0 to wrap ^! ?+s1 & :atev] else he want$ to take along1 includ+ a fir/-aid packet1 9 8 blanket1 army /yle4 ,8 pack mu/ n exce$ tw5ty p\nds 9 weight1 n c\nt+ gun or cam]a4 ,8 t9cup 0 to be fa/5$ to 8 belt1 & 8 safety ax c>ri$ 9 8 hip-pocket4 ,!y w\ld sleep on spruce b\ghs at night1 & ea* man w\ld cook 8 own meals f 8 own /ore4 ,! m\nta9 raspb]ries 7 j ripe1 & !re 7 great quantities ( !m4 ,!y w\ld h !m ) cream1 & c\nt on kill+ a few squirrels n[ & !n1 or p]haps "s turtle doves = a *ange4 ,mr4 ,all5 took a tr\t l9e & a few flies1 9 case !y _h a *ance to h m\nta9 tr\t to break ! monotony ( ! diet4 ,by ,monday ev5+ all 0 9 read9ess = ! />t4 ,! news ( ! propos$ cab9 s*eme _h spread all ?r\gh ! ,dep>tm5t1 & _m 7 ! sugge/ions (f]$ by int]e/$ fell[s = mak+ ! trip an entire success 9 e way4 ,rememb]1 %elt] & dra9age & wood supply1 along ) good wat] & big trees1 are :at y are look+ =1 boys1 0 ! advice ( ,mr4 ,dean1 z he left !m4 ,i wi% ,i 7 go+ along ) y4 ,"h's hop+ y'll f9d ! v be/ spot1 & t soon4 ,,*apt] ,,vi ,a ,/age ,road ,j\rney ,well1 if y hav5't any m bra9s ?an to be />t+ out on a m\nta9 trip on a wet1 /ormy day l ?is1 :y ,i hav5't any?+ m to say to y2 b rememb]1 ,i'm n "o :it responsible = y1 said ,mr4 ,williams1 z he arose f ! breakfa/ table & pass$ out into ! hall4 ,x _h be5 a /ormy night4 ,! ra9fall _h be5 heavy & ! lightn+ %>p4 ,x _h be5 a typical electric /orm ( ! m\nta9s4 ,old ,sol _h tri$ 9 va9 to =ce 8 way ?r\gh ! heavy ra9-cl\ds e>li] 9 ! morn+1 b by breakfa/ "t he seem$ to h giv5 up entirely1 & to h )drawn f ! conte/4 ,at any rate1 he 0 n[h]e to be se54 ,willis 0 visibly disappo9t$4 ,he pu%$ 8 *air back re/lessly & w5t to ! w9d[4 ,! heavy1 black cl\ds hung l[ on ! ridge1 & ,pike's ,peak 0 entirely hidd5 9 ! mi/s4 ,willis 0 ?9k+ ( ! conv]sation he _h _h ) 8 uncle t morn+ at ! breakfa/ table4 ,"m1 he turn$ to ,mrs4 ,?ornton1 :o 0 /ill seat$ at ! breakfa/ table1 :y is ,uncle ,joe s positive ab\t x be+ a mi/ake = me to take ?is trip8 ,ei!r he j wants to %[ 8 au?ority or he has "s special reason4 ,accord+ to 8 talk1 !re isn't a m dang]\s place on ?is e>? ( ours ?an ar\nd an old prospector's cab94 ,rats6 ,i don't believe a ^w ( x4 ,x's all bo% &1 z f> z cab9s g1 h[ c\ld disease live 9 an old1 op5 m\nta9 %anty8 ,anyh[1 y might g = weeks 9 ! m\nta9s )\t ev5 see+ a cab94 ,he ?9ks ,i'm a *ild & hav5't any judgm5t ( my own4 ,my6 ,i'm glad he isn't my fa!r4 ,he's j a blam$ old hypocrite1 t's :at ,i ?9k ab\t him1 anyway4 ,well1 y won't be go+ if x /ays s /ormy1 w y8 ask$ 8 "m4 ,no1 b x's go+ to cle> up1 "m2 ?is is j a little summ] %[]--we w]5't c\nt+ on />t+ until aft] d9n]1 ?\gh1 anyway1 repli$ ,willis4 ,t[>d noon ! cl\ds broke & melt$ away z if by magic4 ,_! lift+ 0 l ! rais+ ( "s maje/ic curta9 on a wond]ful /age4 ,! moi/ure f ! rec5t /orm /ill gli/5$ on e twig & leaf1 & ! fre%-ba!d air 0 z cle> z cry/al4 ,! summit ( ,pike's ,peak 0 deck$ 9 a new cov]+ ( sn[ :i* sp>kl$ l beautiful gems4 ,! rob9s *irp$ gayly z !y f$ on ! worms t _h come to ! surface dur+ ! night's ra94 ,0 !re ev] su* a happy cr[d ( fell[s' sett+ =? on any exp$ition8 ,high boots1 sl\* hats1 s(t %irts1 a rifle1 a %otgun1 two cam]as1 & a pl5te\s supply ( food4 ,ea* fell[ 0 equipp$ ) a hav]sack1 9 :i* 7 8 eat+ tools & o!r necess>y articles1 su* z ba*elor buttons1 c>tridges1 films1 & o!r ?+s4 ,!y c>ri$ _! fry+-pans1 small buckets1 & t9cups susp5d$ f _! belts4 ,! h&les ( _! safety axes ext5d$ f hip-pockets1 mak+ _! pockets bulge suspici\sly4 ,mr4 ,all5 took ! lead ?r\gh ,/ratton ,p>k1 & head$ = ! %ort cut t jo9$ ! old ,/age ,road j z x sneak$ ar\nd ! base ( ,*ey5ne ,m\nta9 on its way to ! top ( ! ,cont95tal ,divide2 !n d[nw>d ?r\gh m\nta9 passes & cl++ close to canyon walls until x rea*$ t mo/ wond]ful ( all gold camps1 ! ,cripple ,creek ,di/rict4 ,x's j two o'clock1 said ,*uck1 9 answ] to an inquiry z to ! "t4 ,& we w h to d "s rapid walk+ if we are to get on top ( ,*ey5ne ,m\nta9 to-night4 ,we ought to make ?ree miles an h\r f "h to ! old road h\se4 ,we'll h to re/ !re a little & h a dr9k f ,daddy ,wright's spr+4 ,t's ! be/ spr+ 9 ! ,rocky ,m\nta9s1 ,i d believe4 ,hope ,dad's home to-day1 said ,mr4 ,all54 ,i hav5't se5 him s9ce e>ly spr+4 ,i c]ta9ly d enjoy gett+ ! old g5tleman to tell+ "s ( 8 /ories4 ,y "k he is an old1 old tim] 9 ^! p>ts4 ,he came "h ye>s be=e gold 0 fir/ discov]$ 9 ,cripple ,creek1 & he has liv$ up 9 8 little gul* ev] s9ce4 ,9 ! e>ly days1 :5 ! only outside connection ! gold camp _h 0 ?is old wagon road1 !re 7 a great _m int]e/+ happ5+s at ,dad's little inn4 ,x 0 really ! only road h\se on ! ,/age ,road1 & 0 burn$ d[n ye>s ago4 ,hav5't y ev] he>d t /ory8 ,i'll tell x to y "s "t4 ,!y us$ to say t ,dad _h any quantity ( money--,i don't "k h[ true x 04 ,at any rate1 he hasn't mu* n[4 ,aft] ! old inn burn$1 he built himself a log cab9 d[n by ! spr+1 & !re has liv$ ev] s9ce4 ,he c tell "s great old tales1 too4 ,y c't "n a s+le prospector ( ! ,rocky ,m\nta9 region b :at ,dad c tell y all ab\t him4 ,he lives a lonely life up "h all by himself1 %ut 9 all w9t] by heavy sn[s4 ,9 ! summ] he sees a few p pass+ by1 & t helps "s4 ,he's a v fri5dly old man1 & if y treat him "r !re isn't any?+ 9 ! _w he won't tell y or d = y if he c4 ,he loves to talk politics1 & c tell y ab\t e ,presid5tial election back z f> z ! w>4 ,he 0 a ,conf$]ate soldi] 9 8 day1 & if !re is "o ?+ above ano!r t he loves to talk ab\t1 x's ! ',gov'm5t1' z he calls x4 ',uncle ,sammy an' me a9't je/ zackly ! be/ o' p>ds yit1 by crackey1' he says1 ) a tw9kle 9 8 eye4 ,t c]ta9ly is a great view1 expla9$ ,ham4 ,i'm go+ to unload my c>go & re/ "h a bit1 = ,i l ?is spot4 ,"r up yond] 9 t heavy belt ( timb] is :]e we us$ to come s (t5 to /ay all night4 ,!re is a great granite b\ld] up !re 9 ! ',gravey>d1' z we us$ to call x1 t's j z good z a h\se any day4 ,x leans away out on "o side1 & we built a big b$ ( balsam b\ghs "u x4 ,"r beh9d ! great rock1 to ! we/1 we f\nd a t9y spr+1 h>dly big en\gh to be call$ a spr+2 b we dug x out & /on$ up a small res]voir to cat* ! wat]4 ,we us$ to come up 9 ! ev5+1 cook our supp]1 get our b$s ready = ! night1 !n climb on ! big rock & wat* ! lights ( ! city come on4 ,:5 !y 7 all light$ x look$ l a big1 illum9at$ *eck] bo>d out !re on ! pla94 ,we'd get up e>ly 9 ! morn+1 !n1 & climb to ! ,devil's ,horn to see ! sunrise4 ,my6 b x's a gorge\s sight on a cl\dy morn+4 ,! la/ "t we 7 !re we sure did h a mighty que] exp]i5ce-- ,come on1 fell[s1 let's travel along1 or we'll n get any:]e to-night4 ,ham1 y c tell u y\r /ory :ile we are walk+4 ,we've got to rea* ,dad's by f\r o'clock1 or we'll nev] get to ! ,p>k by night1 said ,phil1 z he arose & adju/$ 8 blanket roll prep>atory to />t+4 ,g on1 ,ham1 urg$ ,fat1 :o 0 always ready = a /ory1 especially a m\nta9 /ory4 ,let's h t tale ( y\rs4 ,i expect we'll ne$ a little salt ) x won't we8 ,!re isn't mu* to x1 aft] all1 :5 y tell x1 = x 0 ! night & ! surr\nd+s t made x s impressive4 ,we _h j f9i%$ supp] & 7 all sitt+ up on ! big rock look+ out ov] ! light$ city4 ,z we sat !re1 e n[ & !n we w\ld he> ! /range/ s\nd4 ,x came f ! timb] away up beh9d ! camp4 ,at fir/ x s\nd$ l a human voice--a k9d ( a long1 sad sob4 ,! night 0 z d>k z pit*1 & z we sat li/5+ ! cold %iv]s began to run up & d[n our backs4 ,sometimes ! s\nd seem$ to be answ]$ f f> out 9 ! d>k valley4 ,we speculat$ a good deal z to :at x c\ld be1 = x 0 su* a sad1 wail+ call4 ,!n sudd5ly way d[n ! valley a light appe>$1 n a l>ge "o1 j a t9y1 flick]+1 ev]-mov+ light4 ,x seem$ to me to be 9 ! air j ov] ! c5t] ( ! canyon1 b ! re/ decl>$ x 0 on ! road bel[ u4 ,!n ! sad call came aga9 & aga94 ,x seem$ to be ne>] ?is "t4 ,!n came a f>-away1 dull1 muffl$ s\nd1 su* z a horse w\ld make on /ony road4 ,! light came directly t[>d u1 n[1 up ! canyon4 ,x resembl$ a lant]n be+ swung by "s "o1 z if to give signals4 ,we sat & wat*$ x = a long "t1 ev]ybody talk+ 9 l[ :isp]s2 & _m 7 ! op9ions z to :at x really 04 ,no "o notic$ j :51 b "s "t1 )\t a second's notice1 ! light disappe>$4 ,we he>d ! f>away s\nd ( roll+ /ones1 !n all 0 quiet = a long "t4 ,two ( u sat & li/5$ f> into ! night4 ,sev]al times we he>d t long1 sad wail--a sort ( hoo-oo-oo4 ,a night breeze _h ris51 & y fell[s "k h[ ! w9d moans 9 ^! p9es4 ,x 0 a mighty lonesome night--j sitt+ !re ) y\r e n]ve al]t & z wide-awake z y c\ld ev] get1 j li/5+ & wat*+4 ,z soon z x 0 light en\gh to see1 we />t$ = ! summit ( ,*ey5ne1 up ?r\gh t m\nta9 ( granite b\ld]s & mighty crags4 ,i ?9k we 7 ab\t half-way up1 :5 "s "o notic$ an imm5se black bird1 sw++ 9 great circles1 high 9 ! air4 ,soon we smell$ smoke1 s hurri$ on4 ,! fir/ long rays ( light began to /reak ! sky1 & we knew we w\ld h to hu/le if we rea*$ ! summit by sunrise4 ,! cr[d 0 pretty well /rung out d[n ! side ( ! m\nta94 ,kell] & ,i 7 9 ! lead4 ,! smell ( smoke grew /rong] & /rong]4 ,! air 0 heavy t morn+1 & s =c$ ! smoke d[n to u1 f some:]e on ! summit4 ,at la/ we came to a little plot ( gr\nd surr\nd$ on ?ree sides ) great rocks4 ,f ?is pit-l nook ! smoke 0 sl[ly ris+ into ! morn+ air4 ,we climb$ "o side ( ! great crags1 !n cauti\sly pe]$ ov]4 ,i 0 pretty excit$1 = ,i 0 ?9k+ j !n ( ! awful trag$y t _h occurr$ on ,m\nt ,cutl] ! ye> be=e4 ,:at if we %\ld f9d a dead man8 ,well1 :at d y suppose we did f9d8 ,i 0 dumbf\nd$4 ,!re bel[ u 7 ! dy+ emb]s ( a log-fire4 ,! flames _h long s9ce di$1 & n[ x 0 j smold]+ & smok+4 ,on ei!r side ( ! fire lay a man1 well-wrapp$ 9 8 blanket4 ,a gun t = "s reason look$ v famili> to me 0 lean+ aga9/ ! rock ne> _! heads4 ,we c\ld n see _! faces f :]e we 71 b l a fla% ,i rememb]$ ! gun by ! lea!r-cov]$ /ock4 ,! two m5 7 ,old ,b5 & a "y fell[ :o (t5 w5t ) him into ! m\nta9s4 ,i nev] %all =get h[ !y look$ :5 we wak$ !m by dropp+ small pebbles f above4 ,z soon z !y w\ld /ir a little1 we w\ld drop back out ( sight & li/54 ,at la/ ! "y fell[ mutt]$ some?+ & rea*$ = 8 gun4 ,!n ,old ,b5 awoke1 sat up1 & ask$ :at 0 ! tr\ble4 ',i'd bet a doll> t rock j dropp$ on me f above4' ,!n he turn$ 8 head & look$ up into ! sky4 ',great ,scott1 man1 :at a place to sleep6 ,a /one might h tumbl$ on u any m9ute4' ,!n he scrambl$ to 8 feet & cri$ out1 ',man alive6 take a look at t eagle2 :at an imm5se bird6' ,we boys _h =gott5 ! eagle on f9d+ ! m51 b we1 too1 look$ upw>d1 & !re1 n m ?an a hundr$ feet 9 ! air1 directly ov] u1 0 ! bigge/ bird ,i ev] hope to see4 ,he seem$ to be fix$1 motionless1 9 ! air1 ) w+s out/ret*$4 ,j !n "s ( ! re/ ( ! boys came %\t+ up to :]e we 74 ,b5 he>d !m & %\t$ back4 ,9 a few m9utes we 7 all up on ! rocks wat*+ ! bird4 ,b5 want$ to %oot1 b ! o!r man w\ldn't let him1 = he decl>$ he 0 go+ to f9d ! ne/4 ,x mu/ h be5 ! smoke f ! fire t fir/ attract$ ! bird1 = x seem$ to keep circl+ directly above ! column ( smoke4 ,to ?is day we nev] told :o dropp$ ! /ones--,i suppose !y ?9k ! eagle did x4 ,well1 z we sat !re wat*+ ! eagle1 ! sun came up4 ,!re nev] 0 su* a sunrise be=e1 ,i don't believe4 ,!re 0 a lay] ( fluffy1 fuzzy cl\ds1 /ret*$ out ov] ! city z f> z we c\ld see4 ,!n ! sun came sl[ly up--a great crimson ball ( fire1 ! long1 yell[ rays light+ up t sea ( cl\ds & ! pale-blue sky above1 until ! sc5e look$ l a great1 boil+ pot ( gold4 ,!n1 f> above u1 t imm5se black bird1 w+s /ill out/ret*$1 j w++ itself r\nd & r\nd 9 great1 ev5 circles4 ,i've se5 _m a *oice bit ( m\nta9 sc5]y1 & _m a sunrise & sunset1 b nev] "o j l t4 ,x isn't at all /range to me :y ! savages 7 nature wor%ip]s4 ,h[ c\ld !y help x8 ,z we sat wat*+ ! ev]-*ang+ panorama ( color$ cl\ds1 !re came to our e>s1 fa9tly b surely1 t same sad call ( ! night be=e4 ,! great eagle paus$ a mom5t 9 8 circl+--!n my he>t came into my m\?1 = z we wat*$ he fold$ 8 great w+s1 tipp$ 8 head =w>d1 & began to drop4 ,i held my brea?4 ,d[n1 d[n he came4 ,i ?\ght he mu/ surely be da%$ to pieces on ! rocks bel[4 ,he 0 fall+ directly t[>d ! great dead spruce1 & x seem$ t no?+ c\ld save him f be+ torn to pieces4 ,z sudd5ly z he _h begun to drop he spread 8 mighty black w+s & swoop$ d[n to ! v tree we ?\ght mu/ be 8 dea?4 ,he p]*$ = a second on a dead limb1 !n flew into a ,d\glas spruce1 em]g+ 9 a second ) some?+ 9 8 talons4 ,z he began to rise aga91 9 long1 spiral flights1 we he>d ! cry ( di/ress f ! un=tunate bird 9 8 claws4 ,x 0 ! same cry t we _h he>d 9 ! night4 ,:at 0 ! light 9 ! night8 ,did y ev] f9d out8 v5tur$ ,phil4 ,o yes1 ,i =got to tell y4 ,x 0 ,daddy ,wright on horseback1 sw++ a lant]n4 ,he _h be5 to ! city1 & 0 return+ home4 ,he pass$ ,b5 & 8 fri5d & ne>ly fright5$ !m to dea?4 ,he 0 s++ z he came up ! road1 & 0 keep+ "t to 8 song ) ! light$ lant]n4 ,tw5ty-five m9utes to rea* ,dad's6 ,come1 y fell[s--loos5 up y\r jo9ts4 ,! climb up ! gul* to ! ,p>k is a real "o1 & !re isn't a place 9 ! canyon to camp1 call$ ,mr4 ,all51 z he />t$ =w>d at a m rapid gait4 ,:5 !y rea*$ ! f>!/ po9t ( ! big ,horse%oe ,b5d1 !y /opp$ to re/ a mom5t be=e />t+ up ! la/ long incl9e to ,daddy ,wright's4 ,isn't x really wond]ful :5 y ?9k ( ! ob/acles m5 h ov]come j to accompli% _! desir$ ends8 ask$ ,mr4 ,all5 z he /ood gaz+ out ov] ! m\nta9s4 ,m5 h risk$ _! v lives j = ! privilege ( climb+ into ^! old hills to look = gold4 ,_m 7 ! n>r[ escapes f dea? by />vation or wild bea/s t ^! hills c\ld tell ( if !y c\ld speak4 ,did y ev] /op to ?9k t if x hadn't be5 = ! gold t ,god hid away "h 9 ?is ,cont95tal ,divide1 t p]haps ! m5 9 ! old ,ea/]n colonies w\ld nev] h cross$ ov] & tak5 possession ( ! wond]ful ,we/l&4 ,x 0 ! gold t 0 hidd5 "u ! sn[ & ice ( ,alaska t beckon$ m5 nor?w>d4 ,?is has always be5 true4 ,! prospectors ( ! ,nation h always be5 its be/ explor]s--c]ta9ly !y 7 its real fronti]sm54 ,!y l$ & civilization foll[$4 ,?9k ( ! ?\s&s ( p :o endur$ h>d%ips ( :i* we c n ev5 imag9e j to foll[ we/w>d t trail1 blaz$ by su* /urdy old m5 z ,dad ,wright & o!rs l him4 ,i've he>d ,dad tell _m a "t ( t c>avan ( =ty-n9]s1 all _! e>?ly possessions pack$ 9 "o ( ^? old prairie s*oon]s1 drawn by sl[1 pati5t ox54 ,i've he>d him tell ( ! "t gold 0 discov]$ 9 ,cripple ,creek4 ,cripple ,creek 0 j a "p ( ! great wild]ness1 & 0 only accessible by a s]ies ( unc]ta9 trails4 ,yes1 gold is a preci\s metal1 to be sure2 b x is magical1 too1 = no soon] is x discov]$ ?an a wave ( indu/ry is creat$4 ,^u a bleak & b>r5 spot a city is built 9 a week--a miracle ( human en]gy4 ,! ,midl& ,railroad kept great gangs ( m5 work+ day & night1 9 ord] to connect t great gold field ) ! out] _w4 ,be=e long !re 0 a trem5d\s dem& = a common wagon road 'to civilization1' z !y put x2 & ?is v road t we are walk+ on came into be+--an outlet1 if y please--= "s ( t wond]ful1 teem+1 bubbl+ life & indu/ry creat$ by ! m]e discov]y ( gold4 ,soon ?is v road became ! mo/ important highway 9 ! ,/ate4 ,great wagon loads ( food & tools w5t up1 & bags ( preci\s ore came back4 ,/ores 7 op5$1 s*ools 7 built1 *ur*es erect$1 & homes f\nd$4 ,civilization _h f\nd ano!r desolate m\nta9 wild]ness1 & ) h] magic w& add$ x to h] ev]-wid5+ doma9--all because "s "o _h discov]$ gold4 ,!n came ! fir/ /age-coa*4 ,daddy has (t5 told me all ab\t x4 ,a great1 cumb]some affair1 roll+ & pit*+ on its lea!rs z x came lung+ & bump+ along ! r\gh1 /ony1 m\nta9 road4 ,! driv] 0 seat$ high above ! da%bo>d1 ne>ly buri$ 9 boxes1 bags1 & bundles1 :ile ! baggage till beh9d resembl$ a railroad truck pil$ high ) e k9d & description ( trunks4 ,z x came to a sudd5 /op 9 front ( ! little po/(fice1 its great1 sw++ side-doors op5$ & ! pass5g]s scrambl$ out1 ea* "o h&+ ! jovial & loquaci\s driv] a five-doll> note4 ,soon x took f\r /ages to satisfy ! dem&1 "o go+ ea* way night & morn+4 ,x 0 at ?is /age ( ! game t ,daddy built ! fam\s ,road ,h\se4 ,"h ! horses 7 relay$1 & "h ! pass5g]s /epp$ out to /ret* _! cramp$ limbs or1 p]haps1 to dr9k at ,dad's spr+4 ,sometimes1 on /ormy nights1 bo? /ages1 ! "o go+ up & ! "o com+ d[n1 w\ld be ti$ up = ! night at ,dad's4 ,!n su* times z !re w\ld be 9 t old log h\se6 ,prospectors f e gold camp on e>?1 promot]s & m9+ brok]s1 surveyors & eng9e]s1 old-tim]s & t5d]feet--all br\ght toge!r by "o s+le impulse--! craze = gold4 ,_m 7 ! m9+ claims t pass$ ov] ! pok] table !re2 _m 7 ! conspiracies t 7 talk$ ov] & det]m9$ ^u4 ,_m 7 ! /ories ( ! old ,sante ,fe trail & ( ! ,pony ,express1 or p]haps /range tales ( ,kit ,c>son z he roam$ ! great ,we/l& f ,texas to ,wyom+1 trapp+ = fur & kill+ e trea*]\s ,indian t cross$ 8 trail4 ,y "k ,old ,b5 at ,bru9 ,inn 0 = _m ye>s a /age driv] = ,dad on ?is v road1 & he is *uck full ( /ories4 ,:5 are y go+ to tell u ! /ory ( ! burn+ ( ! ,road ,h\se8 int]rupt$ ,ham4 ,well1 repli$ ,mr4 ,all51 if ,i don't succe$ 9 gett+ ,dad to tell x to y himself1 ,i'll tell x :5 we /op on top ( t hogsback to re/1 po9t+ to a great1 r\nd hill 9 ! canyon4 ,d y ?9k ,dad w really tell u any ( 8 /ories8 qu]i$ ,willis4 ,my fa!r us$ to "k him1 & he has /opp$ at ?is v place4 ,i'm sure he made _m trips to ,cripple ,creek 9 ^? old /ages4 ,turn+ to ,mr4 ,all51 he cont9u$1 ,w\ldn't fa!r ?9k x awfully /range if he knew ,i 0 tramp+ ov] ! v road he us$ to travel s (t58 ,mr4 ,all5 & ,willis dropp$ to ! re> ( ! l9e1 & ,willis w5t on3 ,i've be5 ?9k+ ,i'd ask ,daddy ,wright if he rememb]$ my fa!r1 & he might "k :]e ! m9e is2 & ,o1 ,i'd s l to see x4 ,i nev] want to be a m9]1 b ,i'd j l to "k all ab\t m9es1 s ,i c\ld und]/& fa!r bett]4 ,well1 x all dep5ds on h[ ,dad is feel+1 return$ ,mr4 ,all54 ,if he is well he w be z glad to see u & z loquaci\s z a happy *ild2 b if n1 he w h>dly notice u at all4 ,leave ! talk+ all to me4 ,he & ,i are old fri5ds1 & ,i always h "s little treat 9 my pocket = him4 ,he w be look+ = x if he is home1 b sometimes he is up at ! m9e4 ,o1 he doesn't "w a m9e n[1 does he8 exclaim$ ,willis4 ,no1 he doesn't exactly "w x1 b he owns "o up 9 ! gul* "h beh9d 8 cab91 & sometimes !re is a man up !re at "w4 ,i don't "k :o he is4 ,z !y r\nd$ a great b\ld] t jutt$ out into ! road1 ! little cab9 ( ,daddy ,wright came into view4 ,a dog began to b>k l\dly1 & some:]e up 9 ! canyon t runs at "r angles to ! road !re came ! deep1 muffl$ boom ( a m9e bla/4 ,guess !y mu/ be work+ ! m9e1 aft] all2 /ill1 x might be "o ( ! o!rs4 ,!re are half a doz5 9 ?is canyon1 all ( :i* h be5 work$ m or less4 ,! own]s "w 9 ! city until !y c get en\gh money to buy p[d] & grub /akes1 !n !y "w ! m9e = a season on _! e>n+s1 rem>k$ ,mr4 ,all54 ,he 0 c>efully survey+ ! cab9 & hill beh9d x4 ,! dog _h n[ come out f its %elt] & /ood 9 ! middle ( ! road1 do+ 8 utmo/ to wake ! dead4 ,he evid5tly dislik$ visitors4 ,dad c't be v f> away1 = ,knepp is always at 8 heels4 ,he is ne>ly z old a tim] z ,dad himself1 & z h>mless4 ,hold on !re1 y fell[s up ahead1 call$ ,mr4 ,all54 ,let me d ! introduc+ ( ?is p>ty4 ,! cab9 0 a little log affair1 well-bank$ ar\nd ! base ) dirt & moss to keep out ! cold4 ,to all appe>ances ! only two op5+s 9 x 7 ! front door & a d\ble w9d[4 ,"o ( ! w9d[ panes 0 cov]$ ov] ) ! end ( an old egg crate1 & ano!r1 :i* 0 n s badly %att]$1 0 repair$ by a burlap sack1 wadd$ into ! op5+4 ,a big p9e /ood j outside ! door & ca/ its %ade ov] ! ro(less v]&a4 ,at "o side ( ! h\se /ood an anci5t1 moss-cov]$1 holl[ p9e log1 into :i* a pipe ran f ! spr+1 a few paces back 9 ! gul*4 ,?is 0 ! old /age wat]+-tr\gh1 made by ,dad himself :5 ! big cab9 0 built4 ,directly up ! road a hundr$ paces /ood ! old /one *imney1 a fam\s l&m>k ( ! region4 ,mr4 ,all5 w5t to ! wat]+-tr\gh &1 fill+ 8 cup1 call$ out3 ,"h1 y fell[s1 d y want a dr9k ( ! greate/ ale 9 ! _w8 ,x's ! pure/ ( ,"m ,nature's brews4 ,! old p9e door squeak$ on its ru/y h+es z x sl[ly op5$4 ,well1 sir1 ,i'll be dumm$4 ,h[dy1 "y 'uns6 ,:> d' ye hail frum8 ,hunt9' b>1 er ji/ a r\nd9' up a bun* o' jay-birds8 ,haw1 haw1 haw6 ,y] 'b\t ! fight9'e/ bun* o' "y d&ies ,i've se5 s5ce ! w>4 ,daddy ,wright /ood 9 ! doorway1 tak+ 9 e detail ( ! gr\p4 ,he 0 a little1 %rivel$-up man1 ) small1 wat]y eyes set well back "u %aggy :ite eyebr[s4 ,8 head 0 protect$ by a v disreputable & "t-worn black hat t look$ z if x might h be5 9 active s]vice = at lea/ a half a c5tury4 ,8 clo!s 7 %abby & dirty1 & 8 feet 7 b>e4 ,x 0 "o ( ! peculi>ities ( ! old man t he r>ely ev] wore %oes1 except 9 ! colde/ ( w9t]2 !n he pref]r$ 8 old1 home-made moccas9s4 ,8 /raggly1 gray :isk]s 7 badly /a9$ ) tobacco f 8 con/ant companion--an old1 corncob pipe4 ,he 0 %ort & /\t1 & _h ( late ye>s become v feeble1 be+ j able to hobble ab\t a little ea* day ) ! aid ( a cane4 ,yew fell]s ) all y] fix9's rem9d me a heap o' "s o' ! gangs o' gre5 city fell]s ,i us$ to see :5 ,i 0 freight9' on ! old ,spani% ,trail--all guns an' blankets an' fix9's1 b n mu* real explor9' blood 9 ye4 ,ha9't t 'b\t s8 ,say1 ,hall51 ji/ expla9 to me :at y] ca'clat9' to d ) ^! y]e "y roo/]s4 ,explor9'1 huh--ji/ z ,i ?\ght4 ,kick me f] a /ick o' dynamite if ye ha9't ! beat5e/ bun* o' explor]s ,i've se$ 9 _m a moon4 ,look9' f] gold m9es8 ,su?9' bigg]1 ,i s'pose8 ,i'd give half my grub /akes if ,tad c\ld see ye4 ,explor9'1 eh8 ,yew rem9d me o' ! "t me an' ,old ,b5 w5t explor9' on ,beav] ,creek4 ,we _h 'n\gh truck 'long t' />t a gold camp1 an' we walk$ an' explor$ an' explor$4 ,we mu/ o' walk$ f] well nigh onto ?ree weeks1 an' all we ev] se$ 9 all t "t 0 a pole-cat--an' we wi%$ we hadn't o' se$ him1 f] ,b5 _h t' bury e liv9' la/ /it* o' 8 duds an' walk home 9 8 b>e hide4 ,haw1 haw6 ,i wi%t ,tad 'ud come 'long n[ an' take a squ9t at yew fell]s--he'd bu/ a be9' tickl$6 ,dad1 h[ is y\r good heal? ^! days8 inquir$ ,mr4 ,all51 z he h&$ ! old man a little package he _h tak5 f 8 hav]sack4 ,dad took x1 smell$ x ?r\gh ! pap]2 !n a pleas$ smile spread ov] 8 face4 ,smells l gra9s o' gold1 ,mr4 ,hall54 ,?ank ye4 ,z f] me heal?1 nev] 0 no bett] s5ce ,i be5 "h4 ,a man c't git sick a liv9' out 9 ?is y]e c\ntry all 8 life4 ,i'll be n9ety-five n[1 9 ji/ a few weeks1 an' ,i'm z spry n[ z mo/ any o' yew fell]s4 ,i'll live long]'n "s o' ye yit4 ,yep1 ,i'm feel9' mighty spry ag9 s5ce ,tad's got back4 ,k9d o' seems l ! old days a=e ! %anty 0 burn$4 ,i ca'calate !m !re devils mu/ o' injoy$ t p]=mance4 ,! fell[s all /ood at att5tion4 ,0 ! ,road ,h\se /ory really com+1 & f ,dad's v own lips8 ,x mu/ h be5 a sad sight1 wasn't x1 ,dad1 to see y\r home demoli%$ 9 t fa%ion8 quietly sugge/$ ,mr4 ,all51 by way ( enc\ragem5t4 ',t wan't ne> z sad a sight z "s ,i h se$1 repli$ ! old man4 ',b\t ! sadde/ sight ,i ev] se$ 0 ( an old p>d o' m9e a w&]9' ov] ^! almighty hills a sorr[9' out 8 life aft] he'd lo/ 8 "r d[n be/ fri5d 9 a m9e cave-94 ,poor old boy1 he took x mighty s]i\s4 ,he us$ to be ! happie/ prospector ,i ev] swapp$ lies )1 till t devili% old tunnel cav$ 9 an' cru%$ ! life out o' ! fell]'s p>dn]4 ,he ha9't nev] b5 no 'c\nt s5ce1 till lately4 ,n[ an' !n he'd take a long1 w&]9' trip back into ^! y]e gloomy ol' gul*es1 an' ,i've se$ !m z say !y've he]d him away (f 9 ! hills at night a call9' 8 p>dn]'s "n1 an' a sobb9' an' a c>ry9' on4 ,he's a /rong man--t's :y he gits out into ,god ,almighty's hills to op5 8 tr\bl$ he>t1 '/ead o' tell9' 8 lonesom5ess to m5 z w\ld make fun o' him4 ,t's 'b\t ! sorrie/ sight ,i ev] se$1 an' ,i've se$ 'b\t my %>e on 'em--,indian kill9's1 dynamite explosions1 an' se* l4 ',t a9't _m fell]s ev] has z real a fri5d z t6 ,:at f9ally happ5$ to y\r fri5d1 ,dad--did he get ov] 8 sorr[ aft] a :ile8 ,no1 no1 my boy1 he nev] got ov] x4 ,he got on top ( x4 ,i m9d n[ h[ he 0 gone a long spell 9 ! timb]2 no grub1 no duffel1 no no?9'--only 8 ol' gun4 ,he liv$ (f'n ! b\nty o' ^! y]e wood$ hills1 an' he let ! spell o' ,god ,almighty's woods an' crags an' /reams heal up 8 brok5 he>t4 ,!n he came back4 ,i rememb] "o morn9' he come to my %anty1 & a hungri]1 />v$]1 wild-ey$ fell] ye nev] se$ 9 y] born days ?an him2 b %oot me f] a pole-cat if he didn't come back a smil9'4 ,i 0 ske]$ he'd lo/ 8 m9d4 ,i 0 a pann9' mud 9 ! gul* up back o' ! %anty :5 he come 'long ! trail4 ,i ji/ look$1 !n ,i kn[$ :at _h happ5$4 ,he _h lick$ t awful sorr[4 ,he's b5 (f d[n 9 civilization n[ f] ^! t5 ye>s1 b n[ he's back ag94 ,! sil5t company is call9' him1 he says1 an' he ji/ has to h a free brea? an' a little m pa/ure1 an' ?is is ! only place he c git x4 ,he mu/ h _h an extraord9>y companion1 if he _h le>n$ to c>e = him 9 t way1 rem>k$ ,mr4 ,all54 ,extraord9>y1 yew say1 began ,dad 9 a l[1 measur$ tone4 ,bet ! la/ button on y\r brit*es1 he 0 t an' m4 ,he 0 a y\ngi% fell]1 an' quick z scat4 ,kn[$ m 'b\t ma*9]y 'n all ! o!r fell]s ,i ev] kn[$4 ,seems to me he gr[$ up 9 ,kankakee1 or su?9' l t1 an' he 0 a-- ,:]e did y say he came f1 ,mr4 ,wright8 ask$ ,willis 9 a voice t betray$ 8 excitem5t4 ,willis _h be5 ?9k+ v rapidly z ,dad told 8 /ory4 ,:at 0 !re 9 ?is /range tale t s fasc9at$ him1 & made him want to cry al\d8 ,he _h nev] felt s /range be=e4 ,:y1 ,i don't 'zackly recollect1 repli$ ,dad4 ,x 0 ,kankakee or ,kang>oo1 er "s se* "n4 ,_m's ! night he's /opp$ ) me 9 ! big cab9 an' told me ab\t all k9ds o' ma*9]y4 ,! night ! big cab9 burn$ he 0 "h a %[9' me a lot o' plans ( ma*9]y he _h got up himself4 ,!y 7 'b\t all he sav$ out o' ! fire1 'cept 8 hide1 an' t 0 "s scor*$4 ,i nev] se$ a man 'at w5t s plumb dumb crazy ov] a few gold nuggets z him4 ',t 0 "h at ! old cab9 he met 8 p>d1 an' !y made plans f] a great m99' company4 ,( all ! fell]s !y 0 sett9' up ma*9]y 9 ! m9es a doz5 ye>s ago1 ?is fell] 0 ! be/ o' ! lot4 ,:y1 oncet he rigg$ up a-- ,o1 ,mr4 ,wright1 7 !re lots ( diff]5t m5 in/all+ m9e ma*9]y "h 9 ! e>ly days8 inquir$ ,willis4 ,a note ( anxiety _h crept into 8 voice4 ,m'n "o1 d ye mean1 lad8 ,well1 ,i %\ld snick]4 ,i m9d oncet !y 0 five o' !m at ! cab9 "o night1 an' e fell] c\ld prove t 8 ma*9]y 0 ! be/4 ,se* a jamborees o' arguat9' ,i nev] he]d4 ,i _h to s5d 'em all t' _! bunks t' keep 'em frum fight9'4 ,laws1 yes1 pl5ty o' 'em1 boy2 b ?is "o fell]1 ,i =git 8 "n1 n[--my p>d c\ld say x quick]'n scat--0 wu? all ! re/ o' ! bun* put toge!r4 ,he 0 a reg'l> g5ius ) ma*9]y4 ,dad _h be5 fill+ 8 pipe f ! package ,mr4 ,all5 _h giv5 him4 ,he n[ light$ x & began to smoke4 ,mr4 ,all5 knew t !re w\ld be no m /ories t day1 s1 bidd+ good-bye to ! old man1 he sugge/$ to ! boys t !y make a />t = ! ,p>k4 ,aft] a la/ dr9k f ! cool1 bubbl+ spr+1 !y turn$ up ! gul*1 & 7 soon lo/ f view4 ,well1 ,i hope y'll f9d explor9' a pl5ty1 "y fell]s1 call$ ,dad4 ,keep y] eye peel$ f] pole-cats4 ,!y's p[]ful fri5dly to /rang]s 9 ^! p>ts4 ,,*apt] ,,vii ,a ,wild]ness ,camp ,z ! little p>ty climb$ upw>d on ! gul* trail1 !y 7 discuss+ ,dad & :at !y knew ( 8 life4 ,ea* boy tell+ little /ories & incid5ts t he _h he>d conc]n+ ! old man4 ,willis lagg$ beh9d1 & did n seem to be p>ticul>ly int]e/$ 9 ! conv]sation4 ,well1 old man1 :at are y s glum ab\t8 inquir$ ,ham4 ,"o w\ld ?9k y _h be5 to a fun]al in/ead ( *att+ ) ! mo/ humor\s ( old m\nta9e]s4 ,y ar5't gett+ weak 9 ! knees already1 are y8 ,mr4 ,all5 came to ! rescue4 ,no1 ,ham1 he's j l me--busy ?9k+ ( ! really admirable qualities ( ! old man4 ,y w\ld h to hunt a long1 long "t ^! days be=e y w\ld f9d ano!r su* old tim] z ,dad4 ,he has liv$ a r\gh life all 8 days4 ,he has be5 knock$ ab\t f pill> to po/ = n9ety long ye>s4 ,j ?9k ( ! /ore ( exp]i5ce t is ga!r$ into t "o life--fronti]sman1 cattle man1 freight]1 prospector1 bus9ess man1 soldi]1 & philosoph]4 ,?r\gh all 8 disappo9tm5ts1 h>d%ips1 & disc\ragem5ts he has /ill rema9$ a decid$ optimi/1 always happy & *e]ful1 & is a v]itable sage :5 x comes to good1 common horse-s5se4 ,i'd r take ,dad's op9ion ( a man ?an any "o's ,i "k ( 9 ?is _w4 ,x w\ldn't be 9 poli%$ ,engli%1 b x w\ld be %rewd & j4 ,f up ! valley !re came sev]al long1 heavy ?uds4 ,!y soon rea*$ ! po9t :]e ! valley wid5$ out & ! und]bru% disappe>$ to give place to a spl5did gr[? ( tall1 clean ,d\glas spruce4 ,some:]e back 9 ! timb] a woodsman 0 *opp+4 ,z ! trail w\nd 9 & out among ! great tree trunks1 ! p>ty soon came to a little cle>+ on :i* 0 pit*$ a small t5t4 ,close beside x a little spr+ trickl$ out ( a fissure 9 ! rocks4 ,at ! f> side ( ! t5t1 ) 8 back to ! approa*+ gr\p1 work$ a man4 ,he 0 engag$ 9 *opp+ "y spruce logs into l5g?s = m9e props4 ,fat call$ out 9 8 *e]ie/ voice1 ,hello1 !re2 mu/ be go+ to build a cab96 ,! man turn$ & a broad smile cross$ 8 face4 ,yes1 an und]gr\nd "o1 he said4 ,!n1 9 a surpris$ tone1 he cont9u$1 ,well1 well1 ar5't y ! fell[s ,i saw ov] at ,b5's place ! o!r ev5+8 ,)\t wait+ = a reply1 he w5t on3 ,:y1 yes1 !re is my fri5d ( ! wreck6 ,h[ d y d1 lad8 ,x looks l y fell[s are go+ to make some:at ( a j\rney1 f ! appe>ance ( y\r traps4 ,:]e to1 may ,i inquire8 ,look+ = some?+ def9ite1 or j out1 l myself1 to get a little ( ! wild]ness _s into y\r sy/ems8 ,well1 ,i h>dly expect$ to see y up "h 9 ! m\nta9s1 said ,willis4 ,x seems we h met a good _m times s9ce spr+4 ,:at are y do+ up "h1 anyway8 ,he turn$ & survey$ ! valley4 ,well1 ,i'll tell y1 repli$ ! man1 z he lean$ on 8 ax-h&le4 ,x's l ?is4 ,:5 ,i 0 a "y man1 l y\rself1 ,i develop$ a great love = life 9 ! wild]ness4 ,my fa!r 0 a m\nta9 ran*man 9 ! ,si]ra ,nevadas1 s ,i _h ample opportunity to satisfy my greate/ desire--to roam ! hills & valleys & to le>n fir/-h& ! art ( gett+ along well 9 ! wild]ness by utiliz+ ,nature's /oreh\se4 ,z ,i h gr[n old]1 ,i h f\nd out t x is ! only place :]e ,i am p]man5tly happy4 ,ye>s ago my p>tn] & myself locat$ ?is m9e1 along ) "s o!rs2 b because ( lack ( capital1 ?is "o 0 nev] develop$4 ,he po9t$ 8 f+] to a pile ( loose1 fre%ly-m9$ rock j up ! hill f 8 t5t4 ,i've be5 railroad+ = ! la/ t5 ye>s1 b 0 awfully unlucky2 s aft] ! la/ sma%-up ,i decid$ ,i w\ld come back & see :at ?is old m9e held = me4 ,x's a funny ?+ ab\t m9es1 boys--y c dig & "w1 "w & dig1 & be m or less cont5t$ z long z y f9d no?+ b prospects4 ,b :5 y dig up a little ( ! real gold1 y get t]ribly impati5t until y f9d x 9 pay+ quantities4 ,i've _h ! gold fev] = tw5ty ye>s4 ,d y ?9k !re is any?+ 9 any ( ^! m9es on ,*ey5ne ,m\nta98 inquir$ ,willis4 ,my fa!r own$ a m9e some:]e on ?is m\nta92 b ,i expect t x 0 a good deal l y\r m9e--nev] develop$4 ,i'd love to f9d x1 ?\gh1 j because x 0 84 ,he 0 kill$ 9 a m9e accid5t1 some:]e 9 ^! hills1 :5 ,i 0 a small boy4 ,! m9]'s face w5t sudd5ly :ite4 ,8 eyes p>tially clos$ & 8 h&s %ook1 z he mutt]$ some?+ ab\t1 ,j z ,i ?\ght1 !n cont9u$1 ,well1 ,i-- ,he *ang$ 8 m9d1 &1 turn+ to 8 woodpile1 *opp$ vigor\sly = "s mom5ts4 ,:5 he spoke aga9 ,mr4 ,all5 notic$ t 8 voice 0 husky & t he 0 scrut9iz+ ,willis ) special c>e4 ,i c't tell y to :om all ^! holes belong1 b "s ( !m ,i "k4 ,t "o ov] !re 0 locat$ by ,old ,b5 at ,bru9 ,inn4 ,t "o ) a dump ( black rock1 po9t+ up ! opposite side ( ! canyon1 belongs to a real e/ate firm 9 ,colorado ,spr+s--,williams & somebody4 ,he nev] took 8 eyes f ! boy's face z he spoke4 ,williams1 :y--:y1 my ,uncle1 ,williams1 is a real e/ate man1 b ,i didn't "k t he-- ,! m9]1 /ill eye+ ! boy c>efully1 int]rupt$ him by add+1 ,& ! hole directly to "o side1 & on ! same prop]ty1 belong$ to a "y eng9e]1 & 0 locat$ _m ye>s ago4 ,! ,williams %aft has be5 sunk 9 ! la/ few ye>s4 ,t hole has ! v be/ prospects ( be+ some?+ ( any on ! m\nta94 ,! ,williams outfit re/ak$ ! claim because ! assessm5t "w _h n be5 kept up by ! orig9al own]4 ,:at 0 ! orig9al own]'s "n8 ,d y "k8 ,y say he 0 a "y eng9e]8 ,yes1 8 "n 0 ,?ornton4 ,! man dropp$ 8 head & work$ ! heel ( 8 boot n]v\sly 9 ! dirt4 ,i us$ to "k him q well1 ye>s ago4 ,!n he add$1 9 a sl[1 hesitat+ tone1 ,i hav5't se5 any?+ ( him = ne>ly a doz5 ye>s4 ,! corn]s ( ,willis's m\? twit*$ n]v\sly4 ,he tri$ to speak1 b c\ldn't4 ,he came a c\ple ( paces ne>] to ! m9]1 /opp$1 pick$ up a sl5d] twig1 & began to :ittle x ?\ghtfully4 ,w\ld y m9d tell+ me all ab\t him--all y "k8 ask$ ,willis4 ,! m9] look$ at him curi\sly a m9ute1 !n ask$1 9 a quiet1 well-controll$ voice1 ,did y "k ! man1 lad8 ,n s well z ,i w\ld l to h kn[n him1 sir2 b p]haps ,i may get bett] acqua9t$ ) him n[4 ,he 0 my fa!r1 b ,i h>dly rememb] him1 except = ! /ories & pictures t "m has told me ab\t4 ,i've always want$ to "k m ab\t him4 ,i c't tell y mu*1 my boy1 return$ ! m9] 9 a k9d1 fri5dly voice1 only t he 0 ! be/ man t ev] set a hoi/+ plant 9 ?is region1 & ! f9e/1 cleane/ "y fell[ t ev] came into ^! hills4 ,e man 0 8 fri5d4 ,did y ev] "k a ,mr4 ,kies] :o 0 a fri5d ( my fa!r's8 ask$ ,willis1 aft] a mom5t's ?\ght4 ,seems l ,i did1 repli$ ! m9]1 a great _m ye>s ago1 b he disappe>$ f ?is region long s9ce4 ,did y say ! m9e :i* once belong$ to my fa!r seem$ to be ! be/ 9 ! canyon8 broke 9 ,willis4 ,yes1 x did1 ! la/ ,i knew ( x2 b no?+ ev] came ( x1 except t !re h be5 two m5 !re to-day1 prep>+ to d ?is season's assessm5t "w4 ,y c nev] tell1 y "k1 ab\t a gold m9e1 = mo/ ( !m h j be5 'holes full ( hope1' & ! hope usually leak$ out soon] or lat]4 ,*uck hallo$ f up ! trail to get "u way1 or !y w\ld nev] rea* ! top by d>k4 ,go+ to camp up 9 ! ,p>k to-night1 ,i presume8 ask$ ! m9]4 ,yes1 if we c make x1 repli$ ,mr4 ,all54 ,h y be5 up to ! top lately8 ,yes1 ,i 0 up ye/]day1 & x's a gr& sight at ?is season ( ! ye>4 ,! ,m>aposa lilies are bloom+ 9 great pr(usion1 & ! spr+ is runn+ a f9e little /ream4 ,i _h a v pleasant surprise up !re1 too4 ,ye>s ago !re 0 a l>ge h]d ( de] :i* liv$ 9 t p>k1 b !y 7 suppos$ly all kill$ (f4 ,ye/]day1 ab\t ?is "t1 z ,i sat on a dead log j back f ! spr+1 quietly ?9k+ ov] "s ( ! memories ( old times :5 ,i _h hunt$ on t v gr\nd1 ,i he>d ! dry twigs snap1 &1 turn+1 ,i saw a doe & two t9y1 spott$ fawns cross ! p>k & ent] ! timb] at ! o!r side4 ,if y build a fire to-night y may get a glimpse ( !m4 ,i'm com+ to h a long talk ) y "s ( ^! days1 call$ ,willis z !y />t$ (f4 ,at la/ ! entrance to ! ,p>k 0 rea*$1 & !y came ^u a /ret* ( level gr\nd4 ,! entire c\ntry *ang$4 ,in/ead ( ! /ony tallus ( ! canyon1 !re 0 s(t1 black soil "u foot4 ,in/ead ( ! great spruces & firs sc5t+ ! air1 !re 7 only tall1 /ately asp5s on e side1 _! leafy tops lo/ 9 ! deep5+ %ad[s4 ,in/ead ( ! gr\nd c$> & b]ry bu%es1 wild grass grew 9 rank pr(usion4 ,! air 0 t+$ ) a fa9t fragrance1 & some:]e 9 ! di/ance came ! s\nd ( g5tly-spla%+ wat]s1 ,l a voice half-sobb+ & half-laugh+ "u ! %ad[s4 ,! p>ty halt$ & turn$ to ! "r ( ! trail1 :]e a great1 lone p9e tree /ood on a little rise ( gr\nd1 directly above ! t9y spr+4 ,?is 0 to be ! camp+ spot = ! night4 ,packs 7 quickly remov$ & unfold$1 dry /icks ga!r$ = ! fire1 & sweet-sc5t$ balsam b\ghs 7 cut & br\ght to ! tree4 ,"o g5]\s b$ 0 made1 big en\gh = all1 close 9 front ( ! camp-fire4 ,mr4 ,all5 clean$ & fill$ 8 small acetyl5e lamp--,9 case ( ne$1 he said4 ,! guns 7 /ack$ 9 a h&y place & supp] op]ations gott5 "u way4 ,x sure does smell awfully good up "h1 began ,phil4 ,i wi% we _h gott5 "h be=e d>k--,i'd l to h _h a little look ar\nd be=e ,i w5t to sleep4 ,:o kn[s b we may be sleep+ t5 y>ds f a be>'s d54 ,we are up 9 a real wild]ness1 n[6 ,be>s1 y\r gr&mo!r6 snort$ ,ham1 z he deftly op5$ a c ( bak$ beans ) 8 pocket knife4 ,a lot ( great big b>e spots is ab\t all y c\ld f9d4 ,say1 ,phil1 on ! dead squ>e1 :at w\ld y d1 n[1 if a black be> w\ld sneak d[n "h to-night & crawl into b$ ) y8 ,i'd say1 ',mr4 ,be>1 if y want a real sweet1 t5d] morsel t's easily dige/$1 j help y\rself to t little import$ ,ham ov] !re4' ,a ro> ( laught] w5t up f ! o!rs4 ,*uck 0 philosophiz+ ab\t ! value ( ga!r+ food :ile x 0 yet day1 z he sat /[+ away 8 qu>t ( fre% raspb]ries4 ,y c h all y want ( !m1 retort$ ,mr4 ,all54 ,i'm se$y en\gh n[1 )\t eat+ ^? ?+s4 ,:at's ! matt]1 ,willis8 ,did we walk y too h>d8 inquir$ ,fat4 ,no1 ,i c\ld walk a hundr$ miles yet to-night1 repli$ ,willis1 z he slic$ up 8 bacon prep>atory to fry+ x4 ,b ?is has be5 a v wond]ful day = me4 ,x's all s new1 y "k1 & ,i'm gre51 too4 ,besides1 x all has a v special significance to me1 "s way4 ,i love x4 ,i l x bett] ?an any?+ 9 ! _w4 ,i c\ld live ?is way =ev]4 ,i'm sure ,i c\ld write poetry to-night1 or pa9t a great picture1 or ev5 s+4 ,x's a wond]ful feel+4 ,did y ev] feel t way8 ,x's ! *>m ( ! great out-(-doors4 ,i ?9k we _h bett] picket ,willis to-night1 dryly rem>k$ ,ham4 ,he's liable to be float+ (f 9 8 en?usiasm4 ,b if he happ5s to be =tunate en\gh to lie on a fri5dly p9e knot all night1 he'll feel diff]5tly 9 ! morn+4 ,s ! m]ry talk w5t on4 ,aft] supp] bigg] logs 7 laid on ! fire4 ,a collapsible canvas bucket1 fill$ ) dr9k+ wat]1 0 hung on a l[ limb ( ! tree1 & ! supply ( night wood 0 conv5i5tly plac$ ne> ,mr4 ,all5's end ( ! b$4 ,!n ,ham got a long1 cotton bag1 f :i* he produc$ sev]al h&fuls ( p9ion nuts4 ,!y 7 always ! introduction to ! camp-fire /ories4 ,he seat$ himself1 drew 8 knees up close to 8 body1 lean$ back aga9/ ! great tree trunk1 & %\t$3 ,all abo>d1 let h] flick]4 ,:at's fir/8 ,mr4 ,all51 let's h t promis$ /ory y didn't get out ( ,dad4 ,i believe y j side-track$ him on purpose1 s y c\ld tell x y\rself4 ,come1 n[1 wasn't t x8 ,he began to :i/le 9 a l[ tone z he wait$ = ! /ory4 ,fat /ret*$ himself at full l5g? be=e ! fire1 8 head re/+ on 8 blanket roll4 ,phil _h back$ up on "o side ( ,mr4 ,all5 & ,willis on ! o!r4 ,ev]ybody 0 wait+4 ,well1 once ^u a "t1 long1 long ago1 !re liv$ a little fairy1 began ,mr4 ,all54 ,y don't say s1 int]rupt$ ,ham1 z he toss$ a /ick into ! fire 9 a disgu/$ mann]4 ,0 x fairy long ago8 ,i c recite ,"m ,goose rhymes myself4 ,y'll h to d bett] ?an t4 ,phil nudg$ ,mr4 ,all5 9 ! ribs & *uckl$ to himself4 ,well1 !n1 h['s ?is3 ,n _m ye>s ago1 9 a wond]ful little village1 !re-- ,0 a wood5 w$d+ at :i* two ,poles 7 m>ri$1 int]rupt$ ,ham1 ) a mis*iev\s gr9 on 8 face4 ,y're k9d ( h>d to please1 ,ham1 sugge/$ ,fat1 z he roll$ ov] to w>m 8 o!r side4 ,h['s ?is8 ,! night 0 d>k & /ormy1 />t$ 9 ,mr4 ,all54 ,ham settl$ back cont5t$ly4 ,t's some?+ l x4 ',! night 0 d>k & /ormy1' & :at else8 ,well1 if y mu/ h x4 ,i h he>d a good _m /ories ( h[ ! ,old ,road ,h\se 0 burn$1 b !y are all diff]5t4 ,:i* "o %all ,i tell y8 ,i'll tell y ! "o t ,daddy tells himself1 because x probably comes ne>e/ ! tru?4 ,z a matt] ( fact1 ?\gh1 ,i don't believe any "o kn[s j h[ x burn$ d[n4 ,y "k ,dad sp5t 8 boyhood on a great s\?we/]n cattle ran*1 & knew at fir/ h& a great _m ?+s ab\t ,indians & tramp+ & m9+ & 'explor9'1' z he calls x4 ,j :y he left ?is ran* life he nev] told me exactly1 b ,i "k he _h 8 fir/ case ( real gold fev] 9 =ty-n9e1 & has nev] gott5 ov] x4 ,8 fa!r 0 a ,unit$ ,/ates m>%al1 & 0 in/rum5tal 9 ga!r+ 9 a numb] ( ! mo/ notori\s crim9als ( 8 day4 ,"o ( ,dad's favorite /ories is ( ! capture ( a gang ( ,mississippi ,riv] pirates4 ,x 0 ,dad's fa!r t f9ally clean$ out ?is great nuisance :5 he captur$ ,mason1 _! lead]1 ?r\gh ! trea*]y ( 8 fell[s4 ,:5 ! f9al raid 0 made1 ,dad1 :o 0 !n a "y man1 0 "o ( ! p>ty4 ,x seems t !re 0 a c]ta9 boy 9 ?is pirate gang :o escap$1 aft] hav+ be5 arre/$ ) ! o!rs4 ,sev]al ye>s lat] ,dad _h occasion to rememb] ! ?reats ?is boy _h made to him at ! "t ( ! raid4 ,dad 0 out on a trapp+ trip ) a gr\p ( pr(essional trapp]s1 &1 z 0 ! cu/om1 ea* man _h tak5 ) him two good horses1 "o to c>ry 8 %>e ( ! hides & 8 food supply1 ! o!r to be us$ 9 case ( em]g5cy4 ,!y 7 trapp+ 9 ! ,arkansas valley1 & aft] a few weeks out !y began to suspect t _! camp 0 be+ wat*$ by a l>ge b& ( ho/ile ,indians4 ,!y und]/ood ! situation p]fectly4 ,! ,indians 7 n foll[+ !m = murd] or = a m]e fight1 b = _! horses & furs4 ,!y w\ld n attack1 h[ev]1 until !y 7 reasonably sure ( gett+ away ) ! desir$ booty )\t loss ( life to _! own p>ty4 ,! trapp]s' hunt _h be5 a v successful "o1 & a l>ge am\nt ( money 0 already repres5t$ 9 ! heavy packs ( fur4 ,ea* night ^! packs ( fur 7 c>efully arrang$ 9 a big circle1 =m+ a crude ramp>t = ! p>ty4 ,! furs gave ! m5 reasonable safety z !y slept1 = no arr[1 h[ev] swift1 c\ld p5etrate a roll ( gre5 hides4 ,! horses 7 always securely fa/5$ n f> f ! camp1 & gu>ds po/$ at night4 ,f9ally ! ideal night = attack came4 ,x 0 d>k z pit*1 n ev5 a /> %[+ 9 ! cl\dy sky4 ,z night fell1 x 0 s /ormy t ! usual night gu>d 0 n deem$ necess>y4 ,in/ead1 e man w5t to sleep4 ,sometime 9 ! night ,dad 0 sudd5ly awak5$ by ! p\nd+ ( _m ho(s on ! h>d gravel ( ! valley4 ,9 less ?an a second ! entire camp 0 awake1 & e man gripp$ 8 rifle 9 read9ess4 ,no "o d>$ to leave ! ramp>t4 ,safety lay 9 be+ all toge!r4 ,! p\nd+ ( ho(s grew l\d] & l\d]1 ! picket$ horses :9ni$1 !n !re 0 a wild gallop pa/ ! little camp1 accompani$ by fi5di% yells4 ,n a man d>$ to inve/igate1 = fe> ( ambu%4 ,all t !y c\ld d 0 to pati5tly await ! com+ ( morn+4 ,) ! fir/ rays ( light all look$ anxi\sly t[>d :]e ! horses _h be5 picket$ s c>elessly4 ,!y 7 gone1 e "o ( !m4 ,a ha/y exam9ation told ! tale4 ,"u ! cov] ( ! int5se d>kness1 ! hobbles & ! picket ropes _h be5 cut at ! p9s1 s z n to di/urb ! horses or wak5 ! sleep+ trapp]s4 ,aft] ! ropes 7 cut1 ! ,indians _h ridd5 pell-mell pa/ ! free animals1 & !y1 f9d+ _! fa/5+s gone1 _h jo9$ ! /amp$e4 ,x 0 a clev] game1 & ! trapp]s _h lo/4 ,:at 7 !y to d--fifte5 days' j\rney f any assi/ance1 & n a horse )9 a hundr$ miles8 ,z !y climb$ a hill on ! f> side ( ! riv]1 to take a look at ! surr\nd+ c\ntry1 !y he>d a fa9t :9ny1 & !re1 9 ! bottom ( ! gul*1 lay "o ( _! horses1 /ret*$ at full l5g?4 ,8 feet _h become entangl$ 9 ! long picket rope1 & he _h fall5 at ! edge ( ! wa%\t ) a badly-brok5 leg4 ,! p>ty ga!r$ ab\t ! un=tunate animal1 lam5t+ ! fact t he mu/ be %ot to relieve him ( 8 suff]+4 ,z !y /ood talk+1 ,dad notic$ a movem5t 9 a ne>by clump ( bu%es4 ,0 he mi/ak58 ,he quietly told 8 p>tn] :at he _h se51 &1 ) rifles level$1 ! two cauti\sly approa*$ ! spot4 ,!re 01 h[ev]1 no ne$ ( fe>1 = x turn$ out to be only a "y ,indian boy1 & he badly injur$4 ,he _h probably be5 rid+ ! horse be=e its fall4 ,ev]ybody 0 = in/antly %oot+ ! lad except ,dad1 :o prote/$1 expla9+ t ! boy might be able to give !m valuable in=mation z to ! numb] ( ,indians 9 ! w> p>ty1 & some?+ ( _! future plans4 ,?is seem$ to be reasonably wise1 s ! w\nd$ ,indian 0 tak5 back to ! trapp]s' camp4 ,= _m days he kept sil5ce1 nev] once speak+ to any "o1 gr[+ weak] & weak] e day f 8 injuries4 ,f9ally he 0 tak5 ) an awful fev]1 & e man 9 ! p>ty knew t no?+ c\ld possibly save him4 ,dad nurs$ him & c>$ = him z pati5tly z if he _h be5 "o ( _! own p>ty4 ,:5 ! ,indian le>n$ t he 0 to be treat$ k9dly = ! pres5t1 at lea/1 he call$ = ,dad1 mak+ feeble signs t he want$ to talk to him secretly4 ,aft] a long & pa9ful ef=t he made ,dad und]/& :o 0 ) ! b& ( ,indians1 & :y !y _h wat*$ ! trapp]s s long & s closely4 ,!re 0 a c]ta9 pale face ) !m :o 0 _! lead] & :o _h be5 a 'heap big robb]' on ! big riv]4 ,he _h (f]$ a rew>d = ,dad's life to e ,indian 9 ! p>ty4 ,he _h inv5t$ ! /amp$e1 & :5 ! m5 7 fa9t ) hung] & wat*+1 !y w\ld be back to kill !m all4 ,dad 0 to be hung 9 honor ( ! occasion1 to celebrate ! day ! pirate _h made 8 escape f ,dad's fa!r4 ,9 a few h\rs ! ,indian di$4 ,dad kept 8 secret to himself1 al?\gh he 0 greatly di/urb$ ov] x4 ,he 0 be+ hunt$--hunt$ by a savage worse ?an any r$ man t ev] %ot a b[ or took a scalp4 ,he rememb]$1 n[1 t _m ( 8 comrades ( t memorable raid _h s9ce my/]i\sly disappe>$4 ,! tru? fla%$ ^u him 9 an in/ant4 ,%orty ,?und]1 ! riv] pirate1 0 tak+ 8 rev5ge4 ,sl[ly b surely he 0 h\nd+ d[n e man t _h s\ght 8 life t day4 ,9 a few days ! trapp+ p>ty 0 pick$ up by ano!r hunt+ p>ty4 ,:at's ! matt]1 ,ham8 ,are y gett+ sleepy8 call$ ,mr4 ,all5 z he arose to repl5i% ! fire4 ,ham _h sprawl$ out on ! gr\nd & 0 look+ (f into ! d>k woods1 all al]t4 ,%-h-1 y1 he :isp]$ z he motion$ !m n to move4 ,i saw some?+ move out !re 9 ^? bu%es j n[2 ,i'll bet my hat on x4 ,o sug>1 said ,phil4 ,some?+ mov$1 did x8 ,:at d y suppose x 01 an elephant8 ,j !n ,fat rais$ 8 f+] cauti\sly4 ,quiet1 !re1 a second1 y rubes4 ,use y\r eyes m in/ead ( y\r m\?s1 & y'll see m4 ,c't y see t light spot "r ov] !re8 po9t+ into ! d>kness ) a v crook$ /ick he _h be5 fool+ )4 ,all sat quietly li/5+ & wat*+1 b to no avail4 ,!y c\ld see no?+4 ,g on ) y\r /ory1 ,mr4 ,all51 urg$ ,ham4 ,:at's riv] pirates got to d ) ! de/ruction ( ! ,old ,road ,h\se1 t's :at ,i'd l to "k4 ,! cr[d settl$ !mselves aga9 = ! re/ ( ! /ory4 ,well1 x's l ?is1 ,ham1 cont9u$ ,mr4 ,all54 ,e great /ory has a preface1 & ,i've be5 tell+ y ! preface s f>4 ,ham let out a few long1 extra well-develop$ snores4 ,say1 ,fat1 wake me :5 he gets to ! beg9n+ ( ! fir/ *apt]1 w y8 ,f9ally ,dad came to ,colorado--j :y1 ,i don't "k2 b he prospect$ h]eab\ts a good deal 9 ! e>ly days1 & :5 gold 0 discov]$ 9 ,cripple ,creek he 0 "r on h&4 ,9 #ahgc1 ,i ?9k x 01 ! c\nty built ! ,cripple ,creek ,/age ,road4 ,dad 0 a pretty old man !n1 b n too old to see 8 opportunity4 ,) a little outside capital1 he con/ruct$ t fam\s m\nta9 inn1 ! ,road ,h\se4 ,9 a %ort "t aft] x op5$ = bus9ess x became a v popul> place1 & 0 soon produc+ a nice little rev5ue = ,dad4 ,! night ! h\se 0 burn$1 y rememb]1 ,i said 0 d>k & /ormy4 ,x 0 9 ! summ]1 & a typical m\nta9 /orm 0 9 full bla/4 ,! ?und] & lightn+ 7 t]rific4 ,:5 ! d[n /age pull$ up at ! inn1 j be=e d>k1 !y decid$ to /ay = ! night1 fe>+ a possible cl\dbur/4 ,x happ5$ t ! /age 0 full ( pass5g]s t night4 ,!re 0 a little ,iri%man :o _h j discov]$ a f9e l$ge ( onyx out nor? ( ,cripple ,creek1 & a c\ple ( eng9e]s :o _h be5 survey+ = a m9e ov] 9 ,cook/ove ,gul*4 ,besides ^! !re 0 a h>d-look+ old scalawag1 :o kept 8 bus9ess all to himself4 ,z !y sat at supp]1 ,dad notic$ t ! old-tim] ey$ him v closely1 yet _h no?+ to say2 & z he look$ back on t night1 long aft] ! fire1 he rememb]$ a lot ( little incid5ts t gave evid5ce to 8 own !ory4 ,= in/ance1 sev]al times dur+ ! ev5+ ! old /rang] rose f 8 seat & w5t out into ! night4 ,he seem$ v n]v\s ab\t some?+4 ,he did n m+le ) ! o!r m51 b sat well back 9 ! corn] by himself4 ,:5 x became "t to g to b$1 ! old man insi/$ on sleep+ on a c\* ne> ! fireplace4 ,old ,b51 :o 0 !re at ! "t1 said aft]w>d he rememb]$ "s "o mov+ ab\t ! cab9 9 ! night4 ,! /orm 0 at its wor/4 ,sudd5ly out ( ! rag+ /orm ,dad's dog let out a long1 fi]ce yelp1 foll[$ by sev]al l[ gr[ls4 ,dad %\t$ d[n to him to be quiet1 suppos+ he _h smell$ a coyote or a pole-cat outside4 ,he 0 quiet = a few mom5ts1 !n a second "t he h[l$ & scrat*$ at ! door4 ,!re 0 a l\d curs+1 t 0 ne>ly lo/ 9 a peal ( ?und]1 !n ! cry ( ',fire6' ,! smoke ( ! burn+ logs 0 already /ream+ up ! op5 /airway4 ,! outside door op5$ & %ut1 yet ! dog 0 left inside4 ,almo/ be=e ! sleep+ gue/s c\ld grab _! clo!s1 ! :ole h\se 0 a %eet ( flame4 ,!re 0 a wild scramble = ! back /airway4 ,dad hurri$ d[n ! front way1 /umbl+ ?r\gh ! smoke to ! door4 ,! dog gave a joy\s b>k & sprang t[>d him4 ,z he op5$ ! door1 he /umbl$ ov] a l>ge oil-c t always /ood j "u ! /airway4 ,he didn't ?9k ( x at ! "t because ( 8 excitem5t1 b lat]1 z he puzzl$ ov] ! real cause ( ! fire1 he rememb]$ ) />tl+ di/9ctness 8 /umbl+ ov] ! empty oil-c1 :i* he knew _h be5 full ! day be=e4 ,z mon?s w5t by he put ?is ) o!r little bits ( in=mation1 & he believ$ he und]/ood1 yet he _h no pro(4 ,! old man :o _h slept d[n/airs _h oil$ ! entire fir/ floor1 !n set x afire4 ,b :y8 ,t 0 ! "q4 ,he rememb]$ h[ ! old man _h insi/$ t ! h\se _h be5 /ruck by lightn+4 ,dad nev] saw him aga9 aft] t night1 b a few mon?s aft]w>ds he recogniz$ him 9 a description ( "o ( ! robb]s ( a /age coa*1 held up at ,duffield's4 ,!n1 l a fla%1 x came to ,dad4 ,! old-tim] 0 8 enemy ( ! riv] pirates1 old ,%orty ,?und]4 ,he _h accid5tly /umbl$ onto ,dad "h 9 ^! m\nta9s1 & _h det]m9$ to settle scores once = all4 ,he _h meant by sett+ fire to ! cab9 to burn ,dad alive1 & if x hadn't be5 = ! dog he probably w\ld h succe$$4 ,great old tale1 sigh$ ,phil1 z he arose & /ret*$ himself4 ,let's turn 91 sugge/$ ,fat1 = y "k we h "s walk+ ahead ( u to-morr[4 ,second ! motion1 jo9$ 9 ,ham4 ,me = a good1 big dr9k1 ?\gh1 to wa% t fairy tale d[n4 ,h[ ab\t x8 ,! little p>ty ga!r$ close ab\t ! fire aft] all f9al arrangem5ts _h be5 made = ! night4 ,boots 7 pull$ (f & set away f ! fire4 ,wat*es 7 w\nd & tr\s]s unbuckl$4 ,!y _h all in/9ctively look$ t[>d ! ,*ief4 ,he _h drawn close to ! fire1 & 0 turn+ ov] ! leaves ( a pocket ,te/am5t4 ,:at w y h to-night1 fell[s1 f ! ,great ,_s's ,message be=e we sleep8 ,! "o ab\t ! lilies1 said ,ham ?\ghtfully4 ,!re are sev]al big ones 9 bloom j at ! head ( my b$4 ,! ,*ief began to read 9 l[1 rev]5t tones4 ,& :y take ye ?\ght = raim5t8 ,consid] ! lilies ( ! field1 h[ !y gr[2 !y toil n1 nei!r d !y sp92 & yet ,i say unto y1 t ev5 ,solomon 9 all 8 glory 0 n array$ l "o ( ^!4 ,s he w5t on read+ till he came to ! end ( ! *apt]1 aft] :i* !re 0 a %ort1 rev]5t pray]1 & !y 7 ready = b$4 ,!y talk ab\t cold1 clammy *ur*es be+ ! ,h\se ( ,god1 snort$ ,ham1 z he snuggl$ d[n into 8 blanket1 b !y ar5't 9 x ) a night l ?is sp5t 9 ! op5 9 su* a c\ntry4 ,!re's a good deal ( ! primitive man 9 y yet1 ,ham1 said ,mr4 ,all51 z he spread out 8 blanket be=e ! fire4 ,h[ d y make t out8 ask$ ,ham4 ,well1 y're j l all ! primitive p ( long ago4 ,y love nature & ! out-(-doors4 ,all ^! ?+s appeal to y trem5d\sly2 b y love !m m ?an ! ,great ,p[] ( :i* !y are j an expression4 ,! only diff]5ce betwe5 our religion & t ( ! ,nature wor%ip]s is t !y wor%ip ! manife/ations ( ,nature1 b we g beyond t & wor%ip ! ,great ,_s t is able to create su* a ,nature4 ,too deep = me1 too deep = me2 ,i'm no philosoph]1 grunt$ ,ham1 z he roll$ ov] & settl$ himself = a good night's sleep4 ,tad ,kies] /ood wat*+ ! little gr\p z !y climb$ up ! w9d+ trail1 !n he sl[ly return$ to 8 *opp+4 ,%oot me = a pole-cat1 z ,dad w\ld say1 he rem>k$ half-al\d1 z he spat on 8 h&s & rais$ ! heavy ax ov] 8 head4 ,he's ! v spit'n image ( ,bill1 n[ t's dead sure1 & !re's "o ?+ m t's c]ta94 ,he 0 int]rupt$ 9 8 ?\ghts by ! l\d report ( a gun some:]e up on ! m\nta9 side4 ,turn+ 8 head t[>d ! ,williams claim1 he saw ! two m5 :o _h gone up ! trail to ! m9e late t morn+ %oot+ at a great hawk t 0 circl+ 9 ! sky f> above !m4 ,t m9e belongs to ! boy1 b h['s he go+ to get x8 ,he busi$ himself ab\t 8 camp ! re/ ( ! aft]noon1 !n 9 ! e>ly ev5+ he /roll$ d[n ! trail to *at ) ,dad a little be=e b$-"t4 ,_m an ev5+ he _h sp5t ) ,dad1 sitt+ ) him 9 front ( 8 cab91 talk+ ov] old times & bygone ye>s4 ,z ,tad came d[n ! trail1 ! smell ( ,dad's simple supp] came float+ up to him4 ,he _h =gott5 to eat1 b p]haps ,dad w\ld %>e 8 meal ) him4 ,he pull$ op5 ! old p9e door & ent]$4 ,dad sat at 8 little table eat+1 8 fai?ful dog at 8 feet1 pati5tly wait+ = 8 %>e ( ! meal1 = he _h le>n$ f ye>s ( exp]i5ce t x w\ld be some?+4 ,h[dy1 ,tad1 /rike x ri* to-day8 ,s'pose ye ji/ be5 a %ovel9' out nuggets all day long1 till y] tir$ o' see9' 'em1 ha9't ye8 ,tad1 ,i se$ ! beat5e/ bun* o' "y'uns to-day ye ev] se$ 9 y] life1 all on a explor9' trip o' "s k9d4 ,t s8 repli$ ,tad1 mu/ h be5 ! same p>ty ,i saw4 ,did y see t tall1 sl5d] lad ) ! br[n eyes & d>k hair8 ,yep1 b'lieve ,i did1 come t' ?9k on x1 only ,i didn't pay mu* p]tic'l> 't5tion to none ( 'em4 ,tad help$ himself to an old *air1 &1 lean+ back aga9/ ! wall1 light$ 8 pipe4 ,he 0 quiet = a long "t1 !n he spoke 9 a sl[1 ?\ghtful mann]1 8 pipe held firmly betwe5 8 tee?1 8 eyes fix$ on a spot f> away d[n ! m\nta94 ,dad1 ! boy has come4 ,he's come to me1 & he's j l 8 fa!r--tall & /raight & clean-cut4 ,dad1 he ne$s a fa!r1 & p]haps ,i'll h to act 9 t capacity yet1 :o kn[s1 = t uncle ( 8 is a rascal & w be> a good deal ( wat*+4 ,:at8 ,ye don't mean ! "y fell] ye 0 a tell9' me ab\t ! o!r ev59'8 ,bill's boy really come to ! m\nta9s8 ask$ ,dad1 becom+ int]e/$ at once4 ,yes1 he's "h1 ,dad1 z sure z ,i'm a liv+ man4 ,he w5t up ?is trail ?is aft]noon1 & ,i talk$ ) him4 ,he ask$ ab\t 8 fa!r ! fir/ ?+2 said 8 fa!r own$ a m9e up "h some:]e1 & ask$ me if ,i knew ,tad ,kies]4 ,%oot me f] a pole-cat4 ,well1 ,i'll be dum-swizzl$1 c\rse ye told him ,yep1 ye kn[$ him a little1 didn't ye8 ,no1 ,dad1 ,i didn't1 & t's j :at ,i've come d[n to talk to y ab\t ?is ev5+4 ,y see1 x's l ?is3 ,if ,i _h told him :o ,i 01 t w\ld h be5 ! end ( x1 b if he doesn't really f9d out :o ,i am = a :ile yet1 p]haps ,i c locate a pay+ gold m9e = him4 ,i always h felt t ,i ow$ him at lea/ t mu*4 ,s ye didn't tell him8 pond]$ ,dad4 ,well1 ,tad1 y] head is a sight long]'n m9e is1 an' ,i s'pose ye "k :at's be/2 b1 my boy1 let me give ye a little advice3 ,if ye wait till ye f9d a real gold m9e 9 ^! "h p>ts1 ! boy's likely z n to die o' old age '=e ye f9d x4 ,p]haps s1 ,dad4 ,p]haps y're "r2 b !n1 if ,i don't ev] f9d x1 ,i won't tell him :o ,i am1 because he'd be disappo9t$4 ,he ?9ks 8 fa!r own$ a real m9e 9 ^! m\nta9s some:]e1 & he's look+ = x4 ,d y "k1 ,i've be5 wond]+--no1 x c't be1 ?\gh2 ,i suppose ,i'm fooli%1 b someway1 ,i've always felt t ,i ought to h be5 man en\gh to h work$ ! old tunnel j a little f>!r4 ,bill 0 s c]ta9 t ?+s look$ bett]1 &-- ,tad1 ha9't ye ev] be5 9 ! old hole s5ce t day1 hone/ ,injun8 ,i us$ t' ?9k t's :]e ye w5t :5 ye'd g (f f] a week er t5 days 9 ! hills all by y]self4 ,no1 ,dad1 ,i give y my ^w1 ,i've nev] be5 9 t hole s9ce ! day ,i c>ri$ poor ,bill's brok5 body out4 ,i've nev] be5 ne> s9ce ,i put t great1 heavy lock on ! door1 & !n ,i dropp$ ! only key into ! old %aft4 ,i ?\ght t p]haps "s "t ! temptation to g back 9 might be too /rong1 & ,i'd d x4 ,bo? smok$ sil5tly = a long "t1 !n ,dad spoke3 ,s'pos9' somebody w\ld jump ye ov] yond]1 ,tad4 ,:at's to h9d] 'em a break9' 9 an' />t9' op]ations8 ,i've he]d tell t old ,williams claim$ t prop]ty1 b c\rse x's a d]n lie-- ,he c\ldn't jump x1 ,dad1 because ,i hold ! de$ to x4 ,we prov$ up on t1 y "k1 ! summ] be=e2 b ,i believe ,williams does hold a plac] claim on ! prop]ty4 ,y "k plac]s c run into regul> lode claims4 ,he c\ld claim ! tunnel1 all "r1 too1 ,i suppose1 if ! own] c\ldn't be f\nd4 ,especially s9ce he seems to be ! only relative ,bill _h1 except 8 wife4 ,:at d ye s'pose ev] possess$ t old pole-cat to /ake a plac] claim je/ !re1 '/ead o' some:]e else8 ,! dirt won't pan color1 w x8 ask$ ,dad4 ,t's j :at has bo!r$ me1 ,dad4 ,! only way t ,i c figure x out is t ,williams got "s inkl+ ( ! prospects ( ! tunnel f "s ( ,bill's pap]s or lett]s4 ,x wasn't two weeks aft] ,bill di$ till t old sk9fl9t w5t tramp+ up !re & /ak$ t plac] claim4 ,he's work$ assessm5ts on x e ye> s9ce4 ,"o ye> he repair$ ! cab91 & "o ye> he built a dam2 at o!r times he built a bridge & a trail1 & dug an assessm5t hole or two--mo/ any?+ to get 9 ! requir$ hundr$ doll>s' wor? ( work+4 ,x's t1 m ?an any?+ else1 t has set me to wond]+ j :at 0 9 ! old hole1 aft] all1 t made him s int]e/$4 ,bill 0 consci\s long en\gh to talk a little be=e he di$1 & ,i nev] believ$ t ,williams told me ! tru? ab\t :at he said4 ,x's tak5 me a long "t to ?9k x all out1 b ,i believe !re is some?+ ,i don't "k ab\t ! deal4 ,well1 :o kn[s1 ,tad1 :o kn[s2 maybe we're a sitt9' on a pile o' gold nuggets ?is m9ute2 b we'll nev] see 'em2 m>k my words1 boy1 we'll nev] see 'em4 ,god ,almighty's a sav9' 'em f] some?9'1 if !re is any1 an' if we a9't to h 'em1 we'll nev] git 'em1 t's sure4 ,aft] a few vigor\s puffs1 ,dad laps$ into a long sil5ce1 & soon ,tad arose to g4 ,good-night1 ,dad1 good-night1 he said 9 an abs5t-m9d$ way1 z he />t$ ?r\gh ! old door & up ! trail4 ,"s "t 9 ! night ! cl\ds broke & ! />s came out cle> & %9+4 ,a w>m curr5t ( air came g5tly up f ! valley1 s(tly %ak+ ! ev]-responsive leaves ( ! /ately asp5s4 ,! night 0 absolutely /ill1 & ! fire _h burn$ d[n till all t rema9$ ( x 0 a r\nd$ heap ( brightly-gl[+ emb]s4 ,f>1 f> away a turtle dove 0 call+--call+ s s(tly t x almo/ seem$ to be imag9ation4 ,n[ & !n a katydid w\ld lift its t9y voice = a few seconds4 ,willis rose cauti\sly on "o %\ld]1 & look$ ab\t him4 ,he plac$ 8 h& to 8 e> & gaz$ int5tly out into ! d>kness4 ,:at 0 t8 ,he %ut 8 eyes t he might he> ! bett]4 ,he c\ld n be mi/ak51 he _h he>d a dry twig snap--"o1 two1 ?ree little dry1 rasp+ s\nds4 ,p]haps x 0 j a rabbit or a squirrel4 ,aga9 he rais$ himself cauti\sly on 8 %\ld] & pe]$ out into ! %ad[s4 ,!re6 ano!r snap1 ?is "t ne>] & m di/9ct4 ,! night breeze g5tly fann$ ! dy+ emb]s4 ,sudd5ly !re 0 a s]ies ( g5tle little patt]s on ! dead leaves j outside ! circle ( light4 ,w\ld he awak5 ,mr4 ,all51 or w\ld he wat* by himself4 ,h>dly _h ! ?\ght ent]$ 8 head :51 )\t a s\nd1 & )\t be+ consci\s t ano!r 0 wat*+1 ,mr4 ,all5 sl[ly arose to a sitt+ po/ure & />$ out into ! =e/ 9 ! same direction4 ,:at is x1 ,mr4 ,all58 s(tly :isp]$ ,willis4 ,mr4 ,all5 jump$ a trifle4 ,o1 ,i don't "k2 ,i he>d x a c\ple ( h\rs ago4 ,i'd l to see a wild animal1 w\ldn't y8 ,i ?9k x mu/ be ! fire t attracts x4 ,i'd l to light my d>k lant]n1 b ,i hate to /rike a mat*4 ,he lean$ ov] to ! fire1 pick$ up a dry p9e ne$le1 & light$ x 9 ! fire1 apply+ ! t9y flame to 8 op5$ lant]n4 ,quietly ,mr4 ,all5 op5$ ! %ield1 & a long1 bright gleam swept noiselessly out into ! d>kness1 reveal+ ) almo/ pa9ful di/9ctness ! outl9es ( e /em ( grass & fl[]4 ,!n1 f> at ! end ( ! pa? ( light1 some?+ mov$4 ,!re 7 two small1 lum9\s spots1 !n 9 an in/ant two m1 a little l>g]4 ,sl[ly ! %ift+ lights & %ad[s took %ape1 & !re1 be=e !m1 /ood two de]--a doe & a t9y fawn4 ,o1 ar5't !y beautiful8 :isp]$ ,willis4 ,j !n ! fawn left its "m's side & came fe>lessly d[n ! pa? ( light--"o1 two1 six /eps--/>+ into ! wond]ful1 dazzl+ beam4 ,!re 0 a g5tle call f ! "m1 & 9 an in/ant !y _h disappe>$ into ! %ad[s f :5ce !y _h come4 ,!re 0 a b\nd1 a brok5 twig1 a ru/le ( dead leaves1 & all 0 quiet aga94 ,= a long "t ,willis & ,mr4 ,all5 wait$1 wat*+ = !m to return2 b !y did n come4 ,! fire sl[ly di$ out & turn$ into a pile ( gho/ly a%es1 :ile ! p>ty slept on until morn+4 ,,*apt] ,,viii ,! ,second ,day ,out ,ham 0 ! fir/ to awak5 9 ! morn+4 ,a pair ( saucy jays _h be5 gossip+ ab\t ! little p>ty = ne>ly an h\r4 ,at fir/ !y j ex*ang$ ideas1 mak+ _! obs]vations f a reasonable di/ance4 ,"o p]*$ on ! topmo/ limb ( a dead p9e1 ! o!r bobb+ up & d[n on ! sl5d] twigs ( a neighbor+ asp54 ,^? crazy jabb]]s w\ld dispute ! id5tity ( _! own mates1 exclaim$ ,ham1 z he pull$ on 8 tr\s]s & got into 8 high boots4 ,!y talk ab\t "s folks always hav+ too mu* to say1 b--,o1 %ut up1 y noisy robb]s6 ,he rea*$ = a heavy /ick1 & s5t x fly+ into ! air t[>d ! asp54 ,!re 0 a flapp+ ( w+s1 a h>%1 scold+ ?reat1 & ! jays retreat$ to talk x ov]4 ,v soon ! camp 0 all a/ir1 & !re 0 a g5]al call = a fire4 ,y don't want to =get t we h ! mo/ important c]emony ( ?is entire trip to g ?r\gh ) "h yet ?is morn+ be=e any ( u c eat breakfa/4 ,:at's y\r hurry1 anyway8 ,get busy "h1 ,fat1 & get ano!r armful ( wood l ?is t ,i h4 ,9 ab\t ?ree %akes we'll h an alt> built & we'll h our oracle fire burn+ 9 less ?an a jiffy4 ,be quick1 n[1 b don't di/urb ! ,_s1 cri$ ,ham4 ,oracle fire1 y\r gr&mo!r1 int]rupt$ ,phil4 ,i'm z hungry z a pet lion1 & x's breakfa/ = me1 & t "r soon2 oatmeal1 a boil$ egg1 & "s rye bread s\nds ab\t "r6 ,me1 too1 *im$ 9 ,fat1 rea*+ = 8 hav]sack4 ,hungry's no "n1 & ,i don't believe ,i br\ght en\gh grub1 ei!r4 ,/op6 %\t$ ,ham4 ,n[1 ,mr4 ,philip ,d5nis1 ,jr41 he> y\r humble s]vant1 ! ,spook ,doctor1 = j ab\t a second4 ,long1 long ago1 ev5 be=e our fri5d1 ,zebulon ,pike1 took 8 fir/ peek at ,pike's ,peak1 !re 0 a cu/om common to all ! ,indian tribes ab\t u1 mak+ a ge/ure to include all ! surr\nd+ c\ntry1 & x 0 believ$ absolutely necess>y to ! happ9ess & well-be+ ( _! mighty w>riors to indulge 9 ?is orgy at /at$ seasons4 ,ham 0 mak+ wild ge/ures z he w5t on ) 8 mock oratory4 ,nev] 0 a hunt />t$1 nev] 0 a j\rney und]tak51 nev] a di/ant que/ s\ght aft]1 until ! tribe _h fir/ slept1 !n ga!r$ ar\nd ! my/ic alt> ( ! ,spook ,doctor4 ,ham1 y're a regul> hea!n1 call$ ,mr4 ,all5 f 8 blanket4 ,:at has ! alt> got to d ) x1 anyway8 ,well1 x's j l ?is1 cont9u$ ,ham4 ,aft] ! fir/ night's slumb]s we build an ,indian signal fire j l ?is1 !n 9 b>e feet & empty /oma*s we dance ar\nd ! fire & implore ! ,mighty ,night ,w9d to int]pret ! dreams we h _h dur+ our fir/ night out4 ,!y nev] fail to disclose ! outcome ( ! j\rney1 :e!r x w be a success or a failure4 ,z he b5t ov] & light$ ! fire1 he said1 ,y may be seat$4 ,! *ildi%ness ( x all appeal$ to e "o ( !m1 & !y did z !y 7 comm&$4 ,!n ,ham solemnly & weirdly call$1 ,fat1 y're fir/4 ,hurry1 :ile ! smoke is curl+1 curl+ upw>d4 ,fat arose & made mock obeisance to ! fire4 ,my dream 0 a v que] "o1 b mo/ too %ort to h a real mean+4 ,i dream$ ,i 0 9 a big b>ny>d & all ,i c\ld see 0 pigs--little pigs1 big pigs1 & all k9ds ( pigs--& !y 7 all /&+ ar\nd an empty tr\gh4 ,n[1 ,mr4 ,wise ,man1 tell me :at t has to d ) a que/ = a cab9 site1 w y8 ,phil roll$ ov] & *uckl$ to himself4 ,oho1 ,fat1 y w eat bacon = supp]1 w y8 :ile y\r poor fell[-travel]s sup on a r>e & exp5sive c ( beans4 ,ha-ha-ha6 ,eat pork & y dream ( pigs4 ,ham look$ long into ! fire1 !n1 turn+1 cri$ out3 ,i h x1 ,i h x1 ! ,_s speaks4 ,fat1 y w run out ( provisions long be=e ?is j\rney is ov]4 ,y w eat all y h by to-morr[1 & nev] ?9k ( ! days to foll[4 ,bew>e1 = s ! ,_s tells me4 ,a ro> ( laught] w5t up f ! o!rs4 ,mr4 ,all51 y\r dream next1 call$ ,ham1 my/ically4 ,well1 ,i dream$ ( beautiful autumn days1 sp5t 9 a spl5did grove ( trees1 cutt+ *oice timb]s = a cab92 & !n ,i dream$ ( a cr[d ( old m51 sitt+ be=e an op5 fire-place1 tell+ ab\t h[ !y _h built a cab9 long ye>s be=e1 :5 !y 7 boys4 ,t ne$s no int]pret]4 ,phil1 y\r dream is n[ dem&$4 ,tell x truly1 lie & y w live to suff]4 ,c>eful1 n[1 & d n hurry4 ,well1 ,i dream$ a d&y1 cri$ ,phil4 ,i saw a crazy loon /&+ 9 front ( a fire1 gaz+ into fi]y emb]s1 &-- ,!re 0 a crackl+ 9 ! fire1 a %[] ( sp>ks w5t up1 & "o ( ! alt> /ones turn$ ov]4 ,o1 h[ sad1 groan$ ,ham1 t su* a man %\ld lie s to ! great ,spook ,doctor4 ,9 wra? he te>s d[n ! alt>--hisses =? 8 disapproval 9 cl\ds ( t9y sp>k-?\ghts4 ,willis1 y are next4 ,n[1 d n rile ! mighty ,ma/]4 ,well1 said ,willis1 my dream 0 n s /range4 ,i j dream$ ov] & ov] ! ?\ghts ,i took to b$ ) me4 ,i saw cab9s & m9es & tunnels & m9]s ( all descriptions1 only t !re 0 "o t look$ v famili>1 & x 0 a v h>d "o to f9d & get to4 ,ham _h fail$ to repl5i% ! fire1 & x _h burn$ to a t9y1 smold]+ heap ( a%es4 ,i c n answ] t "o1 said ,ham1 = ! ,great ,_s has n[ left me4 ,let's eat our breakfa/1 & ,i hope x w be m sub/antial ?an ^! dreams4 ,soon breakfa/ 0 "u way4 ,x 0 a simple meal & soon ov] )4 ,cook+ ut5sils 7 wa%$ & packs roll$1 ready = ! day's j\rney4 ,:at "t ( day8 ask$ ,*uck4 ,sev5-t51 promptly repli$ ,willis1 & j ! "t to be />t+ ?r\gh ! ,p>k1 if we want to see x be=e ! dew is gone4 ,at ! spr+ !y /opp$ to dr9k & to exam9e ! de] tracks 9 ! s(t1 black muck4 ,f !re ! trail l$ (f1 zigzag+ d[n ! g5tle slope4 ,on ei!r side ( ! pa? ! wild grasses & f]ns grew 9 rank pr(usion1 :ile scatt]$ "h & !re on ! s(t1 gre5 c>pet 7 great numb]s ( da9ty ,m>aposa lilies4 ,n[ & !n a tall1 gre5 /alk ( ! columb9e c\ld be se51 & occasionally a wooly circle ( bracts on ! /em ( a late anemone4 ,at int]vals tall f]ns b5t ov] ! woodl& pa?way1 z if to hide & protect x = ! private use ( ! _m t9y wild feet t scamp]$ ov] x daily4 ,isn't ?is great1 cri$ ,ham4 ,j take a peek at t grove ( trees4 ,i'll bet t grass is full ( snakes & rabbits4 ,i'd l to take a %ot at a big 'jack' ?is morn+4 ,x's an old swamp1 repli$ ,willis4 ,p]haps !re 0 once a little lake "h4 ,w\ldn't x be a swell place = a %anty8 ,i'll bet x's full ( gr\se4 ,i suppose x 0 once an ,indian camp+ gr\nd1 sugge/$ ,mr4 ,all54 ,j a little flat oasis on ! summit ( a granite m\nta94 ,rememb] :]e we came up la/ night8 ,n[1 look away (f !re1 po9t+ 8 f+]4 ,we are t5 ?\s& feet above ! sea up "h2 up :]e we c see h[ ! _w is made1 & h[ beautiful x is4 ,soon ! little p>k came to an abrupt end1 & great b\ld]s began to loom up on e side4 ,!y came to ! edge ( ! cliff1 & c\ld look f> d[n into ! valley bel[4 ,away to ! we/ /ood ,black ,m\nta91 a r\nd$ bluff1 s d5sely cov]$ ) "y timb] t x seem$ at a di/ance to be a m\nta9 ( black dirt4 ,f> bel[ !m c\ld be se5 ! silv] ?read ( a t9y /ream z x foll[$ ! canyon t[>d ! s&y pla9s4 ,!y _h climb$ out onto a great b\ld]1 n[1 t ov]look$ ! canyon f> bel[ on "o side & ! level pla9s on ! o!r4 ,"h !y sat d[n to re/ & talk4 ,d y see t holl[ spot 9 ! pla9 !re1 j at ! foot ( ! m\nta98 ,mr4 ,all5 0 say+4 ,x is :at has be5 kn[n = _m ye>s z ! ,big ,holl[ ,ran*4 ,x 0 home/ead$ 9 ! e>ly days1 be=e ! w>1 by our fri5d1 ,daddy ,wright4 ,!re is a /ory t tells ( h[1 9 ^? days1 ! ,indians w\ld lie 9 wait & /eal cattle f ! great ,texas r\ndups z !y pass$1 enr\te to ,kansas ,city1 & w\ld drive l>ge numb]s ( ! cattle into t great holl[4 ,aft] ! cattle 7 driv5 inside1 a few m5 c\ld gu>d ! op5+ :ile ! o!r ,indians drove ! cattle (f into lonely rav9es4 ,my6 :at a fire !re mu/ h be5 "h sometime1 exclaim$ ,willis1 not+ ! dead trees4 ,i h always want$ to see a =e/ fire2 x mu/ be a gr& sight4 ,yes1 if y're f> en\gh away to be safe1 jo9$ 9 ,*uck4 ,i saw "o once1 b x 0 sev]al miles away4 ,x look$ f9e f !re4 ,x 0 ! ye> we camp$ at ! old hat*]ies up 9 ! ,middle ,p>k4 ,m\nt ,deception 0 v mu* l ,black ,m\nta91 !n--v heavily timb]$ ) f9e1 l>ge trees4 ,z ! ye>s w5t by a v l>ge slab pile began to accumulate back ( ! mill4 ,"s way1 no "o ev] knew j h[1 ^? slab piles got afire4 ,x 0 on a v w9dy summ] night1 :5 ev]y?+ 0 z dry z *ips & ! hills 7 cov]$ ) heaps ( dry topp+s & p9e sla%4 ,well1 ! fire got into a few piles ( topp+s1 & be=e ! m5 at ! mill realiz$ t !re 0 a fire1 x 0 runn+ ov] ! hills l a wild ?+4 ,! dry p9e ne$les are j l turp5t9e to burn1 s 9 less ?an two h\rs !re 7 sev]al squ>e miles ( timb] l& afire4 ,! mill & hundr$s ( ?\s&s ( feet ( saw$ lumb] 7 burn$1 & an area ( _m squ>e miles /ripp$ ( e /ick ( wood1 s f> z value 0 conc]n$4 ,did y see !m fight x8 ask$ ,phil4 ,no1 ,i didn't see !m1 b ,i've he>d !m tell h[ !y did x4 ,i 0 9 a =e/ fire once1 said ,mr4 ,all54 ,x wasn't su* an awfully big "o1 b !re 0 pl5ty ( excitem5t :ile x did la/1 ,i tell y t4 ,tell u ab\t x1 came 9 a *orus4 ,x's pretty h>d to describe a =e/ fire1 b x 0 a v excit+ exp]i5ce4 ,x 0 up n _m miles f ,m\nt ,deception1 :ile ,i 0 /opp+ ) a fri5d at ,manit\ ,p>k4 ,we 7 eat+ our ,sunday d9n]1 :5 sudd5ly ! door op5$ & 9 ru%$ ! man f ! adjo9+ f>m4 ',fire1 boys1' he call$4 ',i'm sorry to di/urb y1 b we ne$ y1 & y "k ! law4 ,i'll h ! buggy ready 9 a %ake1 & y be ready4' ,z he left1 my fri5d cri$1 ',come quick1 ,all51 into y\r old clo!s4' ',:y1' ,i said1 'we don't h to fight ! =e/ fire1 d we8' ,he laugh$ al\d4 ',well1 y j bet we d6' he cri$4 ',! law says t e able-bodi$ man 9 rea* ( a =e/ fire mu/ give 8 s]vices4 ,if a fire />ts on ,gov]nm5t l& & burns onto private l&1 ,uncle ,sam has to pay = all ! private loss4 ,b if x />ts on private l& & burns onto ,gov]nm5t l&1 ! l& own] is responsible4' ,i jump$ into "s old clo!s1 & 0 ready j z ! buggy drove up to ! door4 ,! man h&$ me a big br[n jug & told me to fill x ) dr9k+ wat]4 ,(f to ! nor? we saw a great cl\d ( gray smoke ris+ f ! =e/1 b no flame4 ,! f>m] h&$ my fri5d ! l9es1 told u to take ! %orte/ r\te1 & n to /op = any?+1 t he w\ld foll[ on horseback 9 a few mom5ts4 ,i nev] %all =get h[ ! little m>e did g t day4 ,we drove nor? on a c\nty road until we got ev5 ) ! smoke1 !n we turn$ 9 directly t[>d x ?r\gh a v l>ge potato field4 ,aft] an h\r's h>d driv+1 we came to ! entrance ( a n>r[ canyon4 ,we ti$ ! horse1 &1 ) z _m %ovels z ,i c\ld c>ry on my %\ld]1 & ) ! jug1 ,i foll[$ my fri5d1 :o _h tak5 a c\ple ( %ovels & two heavy axes4 ,x 0 a sultry midsumm] day1 & h[ ,i did sweat6 ,we hurri$ on1 ! smoke gett+ ?ick] & ?ick]1 & /ill we c\ld see no flames4 ,we w5t up a long1 n>r[ canyon 9 :i* !re 0 a t9y /ream1 & ab\t e hundr$ y>ds we /opp$ to dr9k4 ,by & by we came to ! top ( a l[ ridge1 & ! f>m] met u4 ',hurry1 fell[s1 hurry6' he %\t$4 ',give me a c\ple ( ^? axes4 ,report to ! fir/ man y meet1 & come home 9 ! buggy :5 y c4' ,he swung 8 horse r\nd1 & 9 a mom5t 0 gone4 ,i 0 tir$ out already1 & ! jug ( wat] 0 v heavy to c>ry by s small a h&le4 ,z we got ne> ! top ( ! ridge1 we came to an old prospect hole4 ,an idea /ruck me4 ,i w\ld leave ! jug !re by ! hole1 & x w\ld be easy to f9d :5 ,i want$ x1 & ,i w\ld hurry on ) ! %ovels4 ,z we rea*$ ! top ( ! ridge1 ! fire came into full view4 ,my1 :at a sight6 ,a great sea ( burn+1 crackl+ trees bel[1 & above an ocean ( heavy smoke1 float+ upw>d 9 great bill[s4 ,f> away1 at lea/ x seem$ s to me1 ,i he>d *opp+1 *opp+4 ,i don't "k h[ long ,i /ood !re wond]+ at ! sight1 b pres5tly an old man--he look$ to me l a wild man1 came t[>d me1 eye+ me ) a scornful look4 ',well1 ye go9' to /& !re all day ) !m implem5ts1 son8' ,he mopp$ away ! great beads ( p]spiration f 8 =ehead ) a big blue b&anna h&k]*ief4 ,a l>ge ,russian h\nd /ood1 pant+1 by 8 side4 ,ne>ly a ye> aft]w>ds ,i le>n$ t ! old man 0 no o!r ?an ,old ,b5 himself4 ',:]e's t jug ( wat] t ,jim said ye 0 a br+9'1' he h[l$ z he snat*$ ! be/ %ovel f my h&s4 ,i don't "k :at ,i said1 b ,i "k t he curs$ me r\ndly & ,i />t$ = ! prospect hole to get ! jug4 ,i 0 excit$ to ! limit4 ,i came to ! prospect hole1 & ! jug 0 gone4 ,i 0 />t+ back :5 ,i came to ano!r hole1 !n a ?ird1 !n a f\r?4 ,i rais$ my eyes & survey$ ! hillside4 ,!re 7 at lea/ a hundr$ prospect holes4 ,:i* "o did ,i leave ! jug by8 ,0 x lo/1 t preci\s jug ( wat]8 ,w\ld ,i ev] f9d x8 ,! great cl\ds ( smoke drift$ pa/ me & d>k5$ ! l&scape2 !n ,i began to hunt = ! jug1 "o hole at a "t4 ,b ,i c\ld f9d no jug4 ,:ile ,i 0 se>*+ all ov] ! hill1 up rode ! f>m]4 ,he call$ = me to foll[ him4 ,i tri$ to expla9 to him t ,i 0 look+ = ! wat]1 b ,i c\ldn't make him und]/&4 ,:5 we got back to ! ea/ ( ! fire1 he h&$ me an ax & %[$ me :at to d4 ,!y 7 cutt+ an aisle d[n ! s\? ridge4 ,!re 7 great trees crack+ & cra%+ to ! gr\nd all along ! l9e & all ar\nd me4 ,i c\ld n see m ?an a hundr$ feet ahead1 b ,i work$ l a ,turk4 ,o1 b ,i ?\ght my ax 0 dull & ! tree h>d6 ,x seem$ t ,i c\ld nev] cut x ?r\gh4 ,i /ruck a heavy bl[2 !re 0 a s++ noise 9 ! air1 & ! head ( my ax w5t fly+ some:]e into ! bru%4 ,i he>d ! f>m]1 *opp+ ne> me1 yell some?+ ab\t a fool & a gre5horn4 ',g1 br+ ! wat]1' he yell$4 ,i ask$ :at wat]1 & he yell$ back1 ',! jug1 ! br[n jug4' ,i />t$ aga9 to f9d x4 ,i don't "k h[ long ,i look$1 b by accid5t ,i /umbl$ onto x4 ,i rais$ x to my lips to dr9k1 b ! wat] 0 w>m & insipid4 ,x made me feel fa9t4 ,my head began to get dizzy & ev]y?+ look$ burn$4 ,i /raight5$ up & w5t back t[>d ! fire4 ,:5 ,i rea*$ ! f>m]1 he gave me 8 ax & />t$ (f ) ! jug4 ,i *ose my tree1 & began to "w4 ,i _h cut b "o1 & 0 />t$ on ano!r1 :5 a doz5 rugg$1 sweat+ m5 pass$ me on ! run & %\t$1 ',look out = ! bla/6' ,i dropp$ my ax & foll[$ !m4 ,! e>? %ook "u my feet1 z "o aft] ! o!r ,i saw mighty p9e trees rise into ! air a few feet1 !n cra% headlong d[n ! m\nta9 into ! flames4 ,! fire 0 com+ ne>]4 ,o1 su* a sight6 ,! heat 0 int5se1 b ! color+ 0 beautiful4 ,i foll[$ ! m51 b "o man tripp$ & fell2 ! o!rs hurri$ly pick$ him up1 & we w5t onto a safe place4 ,!n a hurri$ conf]5ce 0 held1 & ord]s giv5 to cut ! und]bru% 9 a great circle ar\nd ! fire4 ,by & by ! w9d *ang$1 & soon ! smoke cle>$ away f :]e we 7 work+4 ,to my surprise1 !re 7 at lea/ fifty /urdy m5--m\nta9 ran*m51 mo/ ( !m--cutt+ ! und]bru% ahead ( me1 & j next to me work$ ,b54 ,we work$ on until d>k4 ,my fri5d f\nd me1 & we />t$ = ! buggy4 ,we got home "s way--he drove4 ,i 0 exhau/$4 ,t 0 my only =e/ fire exp]i5ce1 b ,i don't c>e = ano!r4 ,i 0 /iff & sore = a week4 ,! little p>ty work$ its way into ! gul*1 & !n proce$$ up ! canyon on an old cattle trail 9 ! second range4 ,e n[ & !n !y w\ld pass a prospect hole1 :i* %[$ t !y 7 n1 by any means1 ! fir/ to tramp up ! gul*es & dr9k at ! cry/al /reams4 ,on a great1 flat /one1 close by a t9y spr+1 !y /opp$ to eat _! d9n] & re/4 ,let's get z f> z we c by night1 sugge/$ ,phil1 = we'll nev] f9d a cab9 site "h 9 ?is canyon4 ,x's too f> away4 ,we'll h to get 9 clos]1 ne> ,/4 ,pet]'s ,dome4 ,let's make ! ,little ,f\nta9 by night4 ,x mu/ cross ?is canyon1 & p]haps x w yield u a tr\t = breakfa/4 ,:at d y say8 inquir$ ,mr4 ,all54 ,little ,f\nta91 or bu/1 call$ ,ham4 ,i'm 9 = x4 ,say1 we ought to f9d a few squirrels ?is aft]noon up 9 ?is lonesome canyon4 ,a squirrel w\ld ta/e pretty f9e1 /ew$ 9 a little rice1 = supp]4 ,i'll bet ,i get ! fir/ "o4 ,got "s salt 9 y\r pocket8 ask$ ,willis4 ,salt1 :at d ,i want ) salt8 ,j keep y\r eye on me4 ,i'm dead-%ot at squirrels4 ,hello1 "h1 :at's ?is8 call$ out ,mr4 ,all5 ab\t ! middle ( ! aft]noon4 ,?is looks int]e/+ to me4 ,see "h1 ,i've f\nd a few small pieces ( asp5 t h be5 cut by beav]4 ,he held !m up = inspection4 ,sure en\gh1 on ! ends 7 ! m>ks ( ! t9y *isel tee? ( ! little wat] workm54 ,i'd c]ta9ly l to see a real beav] dam4 ,i've se5 pieces ( dams & old1 wreck$ dams1 b nev] a real good "o4 ,keep y\r eyes op5 = m /icks l ?is1 & = /umps along ! /ream4 ,?is ought to be good beav] c\ntry1 because x's wild & quiet4 ,:at d y suppose kill$ all ^? f9e big trees 9 t valley8 ask$ ,willis4 ,!y turn$ aside to exam9e ! great dead trees4 ,hold on1 !re1 said ,ham 9 a :isp]1 z he held up 8 f+]4 ,!re's my /ew = to-night4 ,great ,caes>'s gho/6 ,i'll bet ^! dead trees are full ( squirrels4 ,/ill1 n[1 a mom5t4 ,! squirrel sat = an in/ant 9 pla9 view on a dead limb ( a spruce2 !n he b>k$ & scamp]$ ar\nd 9 great excitem5t1 8 tail bobb+ up & d[n 9 "t to 8 movem5ts4 ,he w\ld run1 hide beh9d ! great tree trunk1 !n out aga9 to je] & scold & j]k 8 tail4 ,z !y came ne>]1 a second "o1 p]haps 8 mate1 jo9$ him on ! limb & second$ ev]y?+ he _h to say4 ,! b>rel ( ,ham's gun 0 mak+ /range movem5ts 9 ! air4 ,hey1 !re1 sit /ill1 y jump+ jack1 call$ ,ham4 ,! squirrels sat up & li/5$ to 8 voice 9 su* a way t x appe>$ !y p]fectly und]/ood ! ord] to sit /ill4 ,fat laugh$ a he>ty laugh2 ! squirrels took x z a dang] signal & 7 gone4 ,ham l[]$ 8 gun4 ,fat1 y /ole my supp] "r out ( my m\?1 said ,ham1 gloomily4 ,oho1 said ,willis4 ,h[ d y suppose ?is happ5$8 ,all ( ^! big trees are girdl$4 ,see1 ! b>k has be5 cut cle> ar\nd ! trunk ) an ax1 s z to cut (f ! supply ( sap4 ,mr4 ,all51 :at is y\r explanation8 ,well1 ,i'm n j sure ab\t x1 ,willis4 ,"s "o may h kill$ !m = timb] or "s "o may h girdl$ !m s z to be able to />t a big fire4 ,x might h be5 ! "w ( timb] pirates4 ,a man w\ld get a mighty sev]e puni%m5t = t1 if he 7 caught4 ,a little f>!r up ! canyon !y f\nd traces ( an old plac] sluice1 & :at rema9$ ( "s ( ! old1 homemade cradles = pann+ out ! gold4 ,gold1 gold1 gold2 y f9d traces ( x ev]y:]e1 & traces ( ! m5 :o s\ght x4 ,a sight l t always makes me sorry = "s old1 =lorn1 disappo9t$ m9]1 said ,mr4 ,all54 ,( all ! dilapidat$1 blue-produc+ sights t ,i h ev] se51 x's "o ( ^! old1 des]t$ m9+ camps1 = !y come z ne> repres5t+ a =lorn hope z any?+ y c f9d4 ,"o "t ,i 0 ) a cr[d ( boys1 & we made a det\r to look ov] a des]t$ m9+ camp4 ,!y call$ x ,old ,nor? ,cripple ,creek4 ,ye>s be=e1 %rewd individuals _h salt$ prospect holes at t po9t1 !n discov]$ _! own gold4 ,( c\rse !re 0 a gr& ru%1 & a boom t[n result$4 ,crude h\ses 7 built1 /ores & saloons erect$1 & m9+ op]ations begun4 ,a real1 sub/antial log hotel 0 erect$1 & ,i've he>d t _! *>ge 0 upw>ds ( t5 doll>s a night1 payable 9 advance4 ,b ! camp di$ z quickly z x _h be5 born1 & ! p1 mo/ly m51 pu%$ on to o!r fields4 ,x 0 a good _m ye>s aft] ! place 0 des]t$ t ,i 0 !re1 b x made a trem5d\s impression ^u me4 ,i _h ! blues = days aft]w>d4 ,old1 tumbl$-d[n h\ses1 ! w9d[s knock$ out & ! doors hang+ on lea!r h+es4 ,i rememb] "o build+ t _h be5 a saloon4 ,! great mirrors back ( ! b> _h nev] be5 remov$1 & ! ra9s ( _m seasons _h peel$ ! m]cury f ! plate glass & ! gilt frames 7 fad$4 ,we ent]$ ! old hotel1 & 7 surpris$ to f9d "s ( ! fitt+s /ill !re4 ,9 ! attic we f\nd an old *e/ ( lett]s--&1 speak+ ( /range co9cid5ces1 a l>ge numb] ( ^? lett]s 7 writt5 & sign$ by ,daddy ,wright4 ,away up 9 ! back corn] ( ! attic sat an old owl4 ,he look$ d[n on u f 8 p]* 9 a reprov+ mann]1 to ?9k we w\ld di/urb ! haunts ( ! pa/ 9 t crude way4 ,he 0 a weird look+ old fell[ z he sat !re1 bl9k+ 8 big yell[ eyes1 & ,i c\ldn't help ?9k+ t ! owl ( wisdom p]haps a good _m times might be f\nd p]*$ 9 ! d>k attics ( ! pa/1 in/ead ( sp5d+ 8 "t 9 ! sunlight ( ! great & active pres5t4 ,! aft]noon pass$1 & soon ! sun began to settle beh9d ! we/]n peaks4 ,x 0 j six o'clock :5 ! p>ty came to ! ,little ,f\nta9 & *ose _! camp+ spot on a little gre5 knoll ( high gr\nd1 "r by ! wat]'s edge4 ,"s "o sugge/$ a dip1 & s1 9 ! quiet coolness ( a p]fect summ] twilight1 ) a *e]ful fire burn+ on ! bank1 clo!s 7 /ripp$ & a ba? tak54 ,!n came ! ev5+ meal1 ! usual r\nd ( /ories1 ! message f ! lett] ( ! ,great ,_s1 !n to sleep4 ,z ,willis & ,mr4 ,all5 lay wat*+ ! firelight & li/5+ to ! ?\s& s\nds ( ! night1 ! night breeze began to rise & to s+ to !m ?r\gh ! balsam b\ghs ov]head4 ,d y "k :at ,i ?9k ( :5 ,i lie out 9 ! woods on su* a night & li/5 to ! g5tle sigh+ ( ! night w9d8 ask$ ,mr4 ,all54 ,no1 repli$ ,willis4 ,:at d y ?9k (8 ,x is k9d ( fanciful1 ,i suppose1 b ,i l to believe t x is ,god bl[+ ,8 brea? d[n on u j to let u "k t ,he is v ne> & c>es = u4 ,willis did n answ]2 he 0 ?9k+4 ,,*apt] ,,ix ,! ,?ird ,day ,out ,! fir/ gray /reaks ( dawn 7 j creep+ ov] ! ridge ( old ,*ey5ne z ,mr4 ,all5 awoke4 ,up ?r\gh ! gre5 leaves ! blue/ ( blue skies %[$ 9 t9y spots4 ,x 0 an autumn morn+1 = a light fro/ _h settl$ dur+ ! night1 & "h & !re lay ! gho/ ( an asp5 leaf t _h flitt$ d[n4 ,ev]y:]e ! birds 7 *irp+ & hu/l+ ab\t _! morn+ duties4 ,"h & !re indu/ri\s spid]s 7 at "w remov+ ! drops ( silv] dew f _! %9+ cables ( silk1 & ! bees 7 already ga!r+ ! la/ ( ! summ]'s sweets4 ,! squirrels scold$ & *att]$ to ea* o!r f ! big trees4 ,all ! wild life ( ! woodl& seem$ at high tide4 ,! butt]flies 7 already at play 9 ! cool1 dewy nooks1 & all nature 0 rosy 9 ! fre%ness ( a new day4 ,mr4 ,all5 dress$ quietly b quickly1 unbuckl$ 8 fi%+ rod f 8 pack1 glanc$ ?r\gh 8 fly book1 select$ "o "h & !re1 !n prep>$ to slip out ( camp )\t wak+ any "o4 ,! little /ream _h be5 :isp]+ /range tales ( big fi% to him all ! night1 & x 0 tr\t = breakfa/ t he 0 aft]4 ,a saucy squirrel1 obs]v+ him f a limb ov]head1 ask$ _m fooli% que/ions4 ,mr4 ,all5 sat on an old moss-cov]$ /ump jo9+ 8 rod & arrang+ 8 long1 :ite lead]1 to :i* he _h atta*$ a royal coa*man & a gray hackle4 ,he paus$ to li/51 = x seem$ to him t e wild ?+ 9 t va/1 rocky gorge _h sudd5ly rais$ its voice to welcome ! com+ day4 ,willis awoke & saw ,mr4 ,all5 z he sat !re 9 ! sunlight4 ,9 a s(t und]tone he call$1 ,i'm go+1 too1 j to wat*4 ,may ,i8 ,mr4 ,all5 nodd$1 & 9 a few mom5ts ! two 7 quietly sneak+ (f ?r\gh ! bu%es1 head$ up /ream4 ,my1 ,o my6 isn't ?is a p]fectly gorge\s morn+4 ,j look (f !re t[>d ,m\nt ,rosa & ,baldy4 ,x's a p]fect spl5dor ( cl\ds & mi/ & sun2 !n look beh9d y1 !re1 d[n ?r\gh ! big trees4 ,x's j ! morn+ to cat* a f9e big tr\t4 ,i nev] caught a tr\t 9 all my life1 s(tly call$ ,willis1 z he trail$ along beh9d4 ,i don't believe ,i've ev] ev5 se5 "o4 ,_m & _m are ! days ,i've fi%$ 9 ^! old hills = a doz52 b a pr\d] fi%]man nev] ca/ a fly ?an myself1 :5 ,i c\ld come home to camp1 spread out my little cat* ( speckl$ beauties on ! grass1 & tell j h[ ,i caught ea* "o4 ,is x m fun ?an ca/+ = big black bass on a cle>1 w>m1 summ] night8 ,lots ( times ,i've se5 ! big fell[s leap out ( ! wat]1 !n 9 aga9 ) a spla%1 mak+ big r+s ( ripples on ! smoo? wat]4 ,o1 x's great6 ,c y\r tr\t fi%+ beat t8 ,e man aft] 8 own he>t1 repli$ ! ,*ief1 b = me1 give me ! tr\t4 ,y rise e>ly on su* a morn+ z ?is & slip (f into ! canyon4 ,f> away on all sides rise ! m\nta9 peaks1 _! sn[ caps jauntily adju/$ & _! cloaks ( ice drawn close ab\t _! %\ld]s4 ,!n ! balsam-sc5t$ air1 & ! dew-lad5 bu%es along ! *att]+ little /ream z x fl[s ov] a *aos ( brok5 granite or works itself into a boil+ fro?1 only to jump headlong into a quiet gre5 pool4 ,c y beat x8 ,isn't t a good pool j ahead ( u8 que/ion$ ,willis4 ,i'm go+ to try x1 repli$ ,mr4 ,all54 ,n[1 be sure to keep t big b\ld] j ahead betwe5 y & ! wat]1 = if !y see u fir/ !re's no use wa/+ our "t "h1 we'll nev] get a /rike to-day4 ,sl[ly !y crept to ! great1 b>e rock4 ,"h ! l9e & flies 7 adju/$1 & ! fi%+ began4 ,willis wat*$ e motion z = a brief second ! fly 0 all[$ to drift d[n ! /ream1 to be float$ "h & !re by idle little eddies1 to be suck$ d[n1 !n sudd5ly spat out by t9y suction holes2 !n x fell quietly into ! curr5t & float$ out to ! end ( ! l9e1 br++ up %>ply j at ! edge ( a bleak old granite b\ld] 9 mid/ream4 ,aga9 ! flies 7 ca/1 & aga92 !n--bo? he>ts /ood /ill2 !re 0 a spla%1 a little l9e ( bubbles1 a tail1 a silv] /reak t+$ ) r$ & black1 !n ripples1 & no?+ m4 ,he's !re1 anyway1 s(tly :isp]$ ,willis 9 great excitem5t4 ,! l9e 0 drawn 9 & inspect$2 ! hackle 0 remov$ f ! lead]1 & aga9 ! coa*man spatt$ ! wat] j above :]e ! tr\t _h disappe>$4 ,x float$ d[n & d[n until x t\*$ ! swirl at ! edge ( ! jagg$ rock4 ,!re 0 a %ort1 %>p tug2 ! fly disappe>$ into ! wat]2 a plunge1 a da% ( spray1 !n ev]y?+ kept "t to ! s++ ( ! reel4 ,bo? jump$ to _! feet j 9 "t to see ! big tr\t cle> ! wat]1 %ake 8 head vigor\sly1 !n dive into ! deep pool4 ,x 0 to be a fight to ! f9i%1 & ! tr\t _h settl$ to ! cool bottom to lay out 8 campaign4 ,aft] t5 m9utes ( maneuv]+ 9 ! wat]1 up & d[n1 out to ! bank1 !n 9 aga91 knee deep1 wai/ deep1 ! l9e slack$ a little1 !n a little m4 ,!n !re 0 a s]ies ( quick j]ks & a long s++ ( ! reel z x unw\nd1 only to slack5 aga91 & ?is "t = good4 ,!re 0 a silv]y /reak 9 ! wat]1 !n a d>k1 mov+ %ad[1 a g5tle pull ( ! w9d+ l9e1 & ! tr\t slipp$ out ( ! wat] onto ! bank1 exhau/$4 ,!re 0 an exclamation ( joy & wond] f ,willis z ! fi% 0 c>efully unhook$ & plac$ 9 ! cotton bag1 br\ght = ! purpose4 ,j eighte5 in*es1 & a beauty1 cri$ ,mr4 ,all54 ,y'll nev] get me away f ?is /ream ?is morn+ if !re are m fi% l ?is to be _h4 ,we h j "t to cat* ano!r l him1 !n we c all h a ta/e = breakfa/4 ,:at w ^? fell[s ?9k :5 !y wake up & f9d u gone8 ,!y clamb]$ ov] a r\gh crag & d[n to a second gre5 pool4 ,x 0 n a big fi% ?is "t1 b sev]al small ones 9 quick succession1 till !re 0 a ta/e = all 9 camp4 ,i hope ! fell[s w h a fire go+1 s we won't h to wait s long = a b$ ( coals1 don't y8 ask$ ,willis4 ,i c ta/e !m already4 ,is ! meat p9k or :ite8 ,o1 surely ,ham w h a fire2 he's en\gh ( a camp] = t1 & !y are expect+ u to br+ fi%4 ,i'll tell y1 let's leave ! bag 9 ! bu%es & tell !m a sad tale ( woe4 ,i'm /ill wet1 & we'll let on a big "o pull$ me 9 & ,i lo/ all ! o!rs4 ,:at d y say8 ,t's a g4 ,y get up ! /ory & ,i'll swe> to x4 ,make x a big "o4 ,soon ! smell ( smoke came drift+ ?r\gh ! bu%es1 & !y knew t _! return 0 be+ pati5tly await$4 ,fat spi$ !m com+ fir/4 ,well1 old sea-dogs1 :]e's y\r cat*8 he %\t$4 ,h>d luck1 />t$ 9 ,mr4 ,all54 ,j pla9 h>d luck2 caught a few m9n[s1 b sl[ z f> z real fi%+ goes4 ,!re's no?+ 9 x "h4 ,:]e's ,ham8 ,o ,ham6 snort$ ,phil f 8 place by ! fire4 ,crazy1 lunatic ,ham4 ,i'd l to see y get him into any k9d ( a fix he c\ldn't get out (4 ,:5 we woke up & f\nd y gone1 ,ham decl>$ y'd play$ a trick on him1 & he's gone (f to get ev54 ,h[ d y mean1 get ev58 ,he want$ to g ) y ?is morn+1 s he w5t out & f\nd y\r track go+ up /ream4 ,he came back to camp1 got y\r fly book1 cut him a will[ pole1 & />t$ (f d[n /ream to beat y fi%+4 ,he's be5 gone mo/ an h\r & a half n[4 ,well1 he won't h to fi% mu* to beat me1 t's sure2 b he ought to be gett+ back soon1 s we c get />t$4 ,fi%ie1 fi%ie1 9 ! brook1 ,hammie caught him ) a hook1 came drift+ into camp f some:]e on ! trail4 ,soon ,ham came into view1 a cotton fl\r sack ?r[n ov] 8 %\ld] & a broad gr9 on 8 face4 ,he _h left 8 pole 9 ! ?icket4 ,fi%1 fi%1 fi%--little1 big1 & 9 betwe51 he cri$ z he wav$ ! bag 9 front ( him4 ,i've nev] _h su* fi%+4 ,hurrah = ! fi%]man1 call$ ,*uck1 z he came ?r\gh ! trees ) a half-doz5 small pails 9 8 h&s4 ,ham gets ! fi%1 ,i get ! b]ries1 & we all get ! /oma*-a*e1 see8 ,let's look at ! fi% %\t$ e "o4 ,bet !y are only m9nies1 cri$ ,phil4 ,m9nies1 y\r gr&mo!r1 scornfully repli$ ,ham4 ,i h "o !re t's a foot & a half long if x's an in*4 ,! o!rs ar5't s big4 ,he empti$ ! cont5ts ( ! bag on ! gr\nd & /ood pr\dly ov] !m1 a m]ry tw9kle 9 8 eye4 ,willis nudg$ ,mr4 ,all54 ,he's f\nd our bag ( fi%1 b don't tell4 ,mr4 ,all5 arose1 &1 hold+ up ! big fi% by ! tail1 said1 ,ham1 y're ! only orig9al fi%]man4 ,t's ! v fell[ t pull$ me 9 & came ne> dr[n+ me4 ,ham hurri$ (f to ! /ream to clean ! cat* & to laugh ov] 8 clev]ness4 ,breakfa/ 0 a ?or\ghly enjoy$ meal t morn+1 =1 besides ! fi% & ! sweet wild b]ries1 !re 7 j en\gh fi% /ories told to give ! real ?+ ! prop] season+4 ,i'd r sit on ^? big b\ld]s along ,goose ,creek1 j :]e x empties into ! backwat]s ( ,*eeseman ,dam1 & cat* a few big fell[s l t "o ?an to take an ext5d$ trip to ,europe1 solemnly decl>$ ,ham4 ,i'd r fi% 9 ! ,n>r[s ( ,platte ,canyon & pull out a f9e big ra9b[ e n[ & !n ?an ride 9 a ,new ,york subway1 add$ ,*uck4 ,& ,i'd r see ,mr4 ,all5 cat* ano!r big tr\t l t "o y're eat+1 rem>k$ ,willis1 ) a w9k at ,mr4 ,all51 ?an to cat* all ! bass 9 ! ,/ate ( ,mi*igan4 ,by n9e o'clock ! p>ty 0 aga9 on ! trail1 travel+ nor?we/ ar\nd ! base ( ,black ,m\nta94 ,x's go+ to be a scor*]1 exclaim$ ,fat4 ,i'm ab\t melt$ already4 ,i hope !y hav5't %ipp$ t be> away f ,ca!r ,spr+s yet4 ,i'd l to see x4 ,!y caught x 9 a be> trap la/ week4 ,!re is h>dly a season goes by1 any m1 b :at !y get "s k9d ( wild game4 ,la/ ye> x 0 a big m\nta9 lion1 ! ye> be=e x 0 a badly-w\nd$ m\nta9 %eep1 ?is ye> x 0 a be> & two cubs4 ,t lion mu/ h be5 ! "o t foll[$ ,ham up ,pike's ,peak4 ,h[ ab\t x1 ,ham8 said ,mr4 ,all5 teas+ly4 ,ham did n reply4 ,! smile disappe>$ f 8 face1 & he dropp$ to ! back ( ! l9e4 ,ham1 won't y tell u t /ory "s "t8 urg$ ,mr4 ,all54 ,i've nev] he>d ! real /ory1 & ,i'd l to "k ab\t x4 ,i've =gott5 e detail1 ,mr4 ,all51 said ,ham1 & ,i've =gott5 !m = good4 ,x wasn't ne>ly z big a joke z e "o suppos$1 ?\gh1 ,i'll tell y t4 ,i'll nev] come any ne>] to h&+ 9 my heav5ly passport & n d x ?an ,i did t "t4 ,let's =get x4 ,x br+s back unpleasant ?\ghts4 ,at noon !y camp$ 9 ! %ad[ ( a great ov]hang+ rock & re/$4 ,fat f\nd1 ^u op5+ 8 pack1 t he _h left :at rema9$ ( 8 loaf ( bread at ! la/ camp+ place1 along ) two cans ( milk & a box ( rais9s4 ,! oracle is com+ true1 dryly rem>k$ ,ham4 ,x always does1 if x's int]pret$ prop]ly4 ,fat1 ! sw9e ( c>elessness h consum$ y\r liv+4 ,by ?ree o'clock ! p>ty rea*$ ,ca!r ,spr+s1 :i* 0 no?+ b ! home ( an old m\nta9e]--a qua9t little log cab91 a b>n1 & a corral1 9 :i* /ood two v pati5t1 tir$-look+ donkeys & a l>ge1 raw-bon$ m\nta9 horse4 ,a little to "o side ( ! cab9 /ood ! spr+ h\se--a l[1 ru/ic affair1 built ( "y trees4 ,a slab-door /ood slightly aj>1 & ?r\gh ! op5+ !re came ! voice ( a woman1 s(tly s++ to h]self4 ,a ?9 column ( gray smoke 0 curl+ g5tly f ! r\gh /one *imney4 ,at "o side ( ! h\se1 9 ! %ade ( a great p9e tree1 0 ne/l$ a little fl[] g>d5 t gave e sign ( hav+ _h c>eful att5tion ea* day4 ,on ! back /oop 0 /ret*$ out1 at full l5g?1 a husky ,collie dog4 ,he 0 evid5tly asleep1 = he did n /ir z ! boys came d[n ! trail t[>d ! picturesque little cab94 ,great ,caes>'s gho/6 exclaim$ ,ham4 ,take a peep at a few ( ^? jay-birds4 ,i nev] saw s _m 9 my life4 ,i'll bet ! lady fe$s !m4 ,wat* me knock t saucy fell[ (f t dead limb4 ,he rais$ 8 gun & %ot4 ,!re 0 an awful scold+1 jabb]+1 & flapp+ ( w+s1 b no dea?s--=tunately = ,ham4 ,! dog came to life 9 less ?an a second1 & express$ himself freely on ! imprud5ce ( su* an int]ruption to 8 mid-day nap4 ,likewise1 ! spr+-h\se door sudd5ly op5$ & out popp$ a funny1 little old lady4 ,boys1 boys6 %e call$ 9 a high1 quav]+ voice1 don't %oot ! blue jays4 ,x does beat all h[ "r-d[n de/ructive all boys are1 anyway--%oot+ poor1 h>mless little birds = sport4 ,! jays1 on he>+ ! famili> voice ( _! b5efactress1 began to alight 9 twos & ?rees close by1 & approv$ h] e ^w ) z mu* vigor z _! t9y ?roats c\ld comm&4 ,! little old lady came /raight t[>d ,ham4 ,"y man1 %e cri$1 z %e %ook h] long1 bony f+] 9 8 face1 "y man1 :o ev] gave y ! "r to come into ?is beautiful wild]ness to m>aud & murd] & kill su* beauties z !m jays t ,god has put 9 ^! woods to be companions & fri5ds to u lonely m\nta9 folks8 ,:o d y s'pose built ?is "h canyon & t gre5 mead[ & ?is little spr+ & ^! hills1 & all ! little wild folks z lives 9 'em8 ,i %\ld ?9k y w\ld hang y\r head & look l a :ipp$ puppy if ye're little en\gh to %oot jay-birds1 j to see ! blue fea!rs a flutt]9' 9 ! air4 ',pon my s\l1 y hunt]s is beyon' my und]/&9'4 ,s'pose t bird y %ot has a ne/1 :i*1 l z n1 %e has1 an' x's full o' little fuzzy balls o' bird fle% ?is m9ute1 all m\?s an' /oma*s1 a wait9' = _! "m to br+ supp]1 an' !y j keep a wait9' an' a wait9' till !y />ve1 cause y 0 mean en\gh to kill ! "m bird j = fun4 ,ham's hat _h long s9ce come (f1 & he /ood ) d[nca/ eyes1 n kn[+ :at to say4 ,! old lady look$ him up & d[n ) a look ( abject pity & scorn z %e w5t on3 ,didn't y ev] /op to consid] h[ _m ?+s ! ,almighty has put into ^! hills to love1 "y man1 if y a9't too selfi% an' pr\d an' mean to see 'em8 ,i wond] :at ,he ?9ks ( a boy l y1 anyway8 ,y're l a demon sneak9' ?r\gh a wond]ful picture gall]y a cutt9' holes 9 ! pictures j = fun4 ,i "k e jay 9 ?is valley1 "y man1 e s+le "o--& !y "k me4 ,:5 food gets sc>ce1 an' cold nights come1 an' sn[ beg9s to fall1 ,i fe$ 'em4 ,!y und]/& all ,i say to 'em1 an' !y br+ _! "y ones = me to see z quick z !y're big en\gh4 ,!y tell me :5 x's go9' to /orm1 an' :5 a hawk is fly9' ov] my *ick5 p51 an' :5 b]ries is ripe1 an' :5 /rang]s is com9'4 ,!y're my little family2 ,i c>e = 'em e day an'-- ,! flood gates 7 op5$4 ,! little old lady cri$ z if h] he>t w\ld break1 :ile ! jays gossip$ & *att]$ at ! unusual upro>4 ,sudd5ly %e turn$ & w5t into ! h\se1 & ! boys1 )\t a ^w1 quietly pass$ up ! trail & into ! flat1 gre5 mead[ ahead4 ,ham :i/l$ s(tly to himself z he /rode along4 ,beats ! ,dut*1 he said to ,mr4 ,all51 z ! two dropp$ back toge!r1 h[ a fell[ w =get himself n[ & !n4 ,i'd h done j :at %e did1 only ,i w\ld h gott5 mad in/ead ( j feel+ bad4 ,i'm mighty ?ankful ,i didn't kill t bird4 ,:at a great joy ^! simple out-(-doors p get out ( nature1 repli$ ,mr4 ,all54 ,i'd give half my college education to be able to see & he> & und]/& ! ?+s t little old lady does 9 ^! old hills4 ,e "t a bird *irps or a squirrel b>ks %e kn[s :at x says4 ,i ?9k ! ,ma/] mu/ h be5 ?9k+ ( "s su* a pure-he>t$ body z %e :5 ,he told ! p t ! poor 9 _s w\ld inh]it ! e>?4 ,%e doesn't g out 9 society mu*1 nor %e hasn't any p>ty dresses1 nor probably nev] saw a gr& op]a 9 h] life2 b see :at %e has t mo/ p nev] get4 ,9 a few mom5ts m !y _h cross$ ! little mead[1 climb$ up ?r\gh a zigzag trail ?r\gh ! trees1 & came out onto ! railroad track1 j :]e x cross$ ! /age road4 ,directly 9 front ( !m rose ! crag-tipp$ cap ( ,/4 ,pet]'s ,dome4 ,on "o h& 0 ! old wagon road1 t fir/ pa?way ( m\nta9 civilization1 w9d+ d[n ! canyon 9 long1 graceful curves until x 0 lo/ 9 ! di/ant haze1 :ile on ! o!r h& ran ! /eel rails ( m mod]n civilization4 ,z !y /ood re/+ = a few mom5ts !y he>d ! rumble ( heavy :eels1 a :eez+ & puff+1 a %rill :i/le1 a cl\d ( black smoke1 a %[] ( c9d]s1 & ! ev5+ express pass$ upw>d into ! cool1 d>k %ad[s1 c>ry+ its load ( human necessities into ! he>t ( ! ,rockies4 ,x 0 six o'clock :5 ! la/ "o 9 ! p>ty rea*$ ! rickety wood5 /airs t made ! la/ asc5t ( a hundr$ feet to ! ,dome possible4 ,ham & ,willis _h be5 on top = "s m9utes1 & 7 sitt+ on a huge b\ld] j at ! foot ( a lodge-pole t _h be5 erect$ on ! v summit = a flag/aff4 ,c]ta9ly x 0 a sight to be rememb]$ = _m a day--a m>vel\s wond]l&1 /ret*+ out 9 e direction4 ,! detail ( plants1 trees1 & w9d+ trails 0 swall[$ up1 & only ! va/ness ( ! valleys & canyons c\ld be se51 ) "h & !re a silv] ribbon ( a /ream4 ,f> up 9 ! blue vault two great eagles so>$ & circl$4 ,"h & !re ! la/ gold5 rays ( sunlight fell on ! di/ant ridges & light$ up ! tree tops ) a beautiful iridesc5ce4 ,:at a sight6 exclaim$ ,willis4 ,n[1 :]e is ,cook/ove ,m\nta91 = ,i am especially int]e/$ 9 x4 ,o yes1 ,i see x4 ,x's t great granite cliff t is s flat on ! top4 ,w\ldn't x be gr& if we c\ld build a cab9 ne> ,/4 ,pet]'s ,dome1 s sometimes 9 ! ev5+ we c\ld climb up "h to sit & wat* ! />s come out8 ,i want to be 9 ! m\nta9s & camp 9 !m & hike 9 !m4 ,i am beg9n+ to und]/& _! *>m m & m4 ,i "k n[ :at x is t ,old ,b5 has1 & ,daddy ,wright1 & ! little old lady we saw ?is aft]noon1 t ,i h n4 ,x is a big optimism1 a love = ev]y?+ t lives & is a "p ( ! ,great ,creation4 ,i don't "k ( any?+ t w take ! selfi%ness & conceit out ( a fell[ l a few h\rs sp5t on a m\nta9 top1 said ,mr4 ,all54 ,x makes a fell[ "r d[n glad he's alive1 rem>k$ ,ham4 ,i always get m out ( a view l ?is ?an ,i d out ( ! be/ s]mon ,i ev] he>d4 ,i wi% we c\ld camp "r "h1 exclaim$ ,*uck2 b we c't1 & we _h bett] be gett+ d[n be=e d>k4 ,j at ! base ( ! ,dome a little /ream trickl$ ov] ! rocks & d[n into ! canyon4 ,!y foll[$ x back f ! railroad & soon _h a *e]y fire burn+ & a com=table camp made = ! night4 ,x 0 9 a little mead[ j at ! edge ( a grove ( small asp5s1 & at "o side ( ! t9y /ream lay a great r\nd b\ld] t _h evid5tly roll$ d[n f ! summit ( ! ,dome at "s previ\s date4 ,b$s 7 arrang$ 9 a r[ along ! side ( x1 & a pile ( dead /icks plac$ 9 a conv5i5t position = ! night's fire4 ,! ev5+ breezes 7 already beg9n+ to play hide-&-seek 9 ! valley1 & ! leaves on ! trees 7 clapp+ _! innum]able h&s 9 applause at ! brightly-burn+ fire4 ,! sp>ks flew upw>d & ! %ad[s danc$ 9 & out ( ! illum9at$ circle l s _m happy fairies4 ,d y he> x1 fell[s8 ,!re1 n[1 li/56 ,don't y he> x8 ,ham 0 say+ z he sat back f ! fire4 ,!re x is1 call+1 call+6 ,:at is call+8 ask$ ,willis1 /ra9+ 8 e> to cat* ! s\nd4 ,"m ,nature1 answ]$ ,ham1 dryly4 ,"m ,nature's call--! call ( ! wild4 ,see1 ev5 ! leaves are beckon+ u back f>!r into ! deep1 quiet wild]ness4 ,"s day ,i w "p ) my e>?ly possessions & answ] t call1 =1 d y "k1 ,i believe t ! ,indian did come ! ne>e/ to liv+ an ideal life ( any ( u6 ,e "o knew t ,ham 0 9 = a long1 private soliloquy1 & s began supp] op]ations1 =1 al?\gh !y _h all he>d ! call ( ,"m ,nature1 z ,ham put x1 to "s ( !m at lea/ x 0 only an empty /oma* call+ to be f$4 ,mr4 ,all5 & ,willis 7 ! la/ ones to take to _! blankets1 = !y _h _m ?+s to talk ov] betwe5 !mselves4 ,:at c draw out ! inn]mo/ ?\ghts ( a fell['s he>t m quickly ?an a *at ) a sympa!tic fri5d :5 bo? are seat$ be=e a fire 9 su* a place & on su* a night8 ,if y really wi% to "k a fell[ 9 a few days' "t1 y ne$ to camp ) him1 to eat ) him1 & to sit ) him be=e an op5 fire 9 ! wild]ness "u a canopy ( />s ) ! music ( ,nature ab\t y4 ,!n man speaks ) man1 & all ! conv5tionalities ( life are =gott54 ,yes1 ,i h (t5 wond]$ if ,i w ev] f9d my fa!r's p>tn]1 ,willis 0 say+4 ,i w\ld r see him ?an any man on e>?1 sometimes4 ,w\ldn't y be happi] if y didn't ev] f9d him1 ?\gh8 que/ion$ ,mr4 ,all54 ,no1 ,i w\ldn't1 ,mr4 ,all51 because he c\ld expla9 s _m ?+s to me t ,i h wond]$ ab\t4 ,i don't "k t ,i ev] told y1 b x has always seem$ s /range to me t my uncle1 ,mr4 ,williams1 has nev] once m5tion$ my fa!r's "n to me4 ,he 0 ! la/ man t saw him alive1 yet he has nev] spok5 ( him4 ,i h be5 go+ to talk ) him sev]al times1 b he is s gruff & absorb$ ,i c't get up my n]ve4 ,!re is "o ?+ t has bo!r$ me a lot lately1 ?\gh1 & ,i've nev] told y ( x1 b ,i'm go+ to n[4 ,i probably nev] w\ld h ?\ght mu* ab\t x if x hadn't be5 = :at ! old prospector told me ! o!r day ov] on ,*ey5ne4 ,i've be5 wond]+ if !re possibly c\ld be any connection betwe5 8 n want+ me to come on ?is trip & ! fact t he 0 j !n s5d+ m5 to d 8 assessm5t "w on ! claim t once belong$ to my fa!r4 ,!re is ano!r ?+1 too1 ,mr4 ,all54 ,i feel a%am$ ( ev5 ?9k+ ( su* ?+s1 yet ! night we _h our meet+ at ,bru9 ,inn ,i he>d t same prospector discuss+ a ,mr4 ,williams ) ,old ,b54 ,i he>d him say t ,williams 0 a ?ief & a sanctimoni\s old hypocrite4 ,! ?+ t bo!rs me is1 h[ mu* does ,williams "k ( my fa!r's affairs t he has n told my "m4 ,surely he w\ld n d>e to be crook$ 9 su* a ?+ z t4 ,if y c\ld locate ,mr4 ,kies]1 he probably c\ld tell y "s ?+s1 sl[ly add$ ,mr4 ,all54 ,well1 !re is "o ?+ sure3 ',murd] w out1' & ) ! suspicion ,i n[ h1 ,i'll keep quiet1 keep my eyes op51 & see :at ,i c le>n4 ,t ,*ey5ne claim mu/ be wor? hold+1 or he w\ldn't s5d m5 away up !re to d t "w4 ,t co/s money6 ,don't worry ab\t x1 anyway1 boy4 ,i w\ldn't be build+ any air ca/les conc]n+ t gold m9e4 ,x 01 no d\bt1 j l ?\s&s ( o!rs "h 9 ^! m\nta9s-- ,i "k t1 b ,i want to see ! m9e t my fa!r dug4 ,d y suppose ,i ev] w8 ,:o c tell b t y h already se5 x on ?is trip8 ,i don't "k1 b let's g to b$4 ,to-morr[ we mu/ f9d t cab9 site1 or g home empty-h&$4 ,i ?9k we'll get ov] into ^! little canyons on ! nor? & "w ov] to ! railroad4 ,if we don't f9d a place !re1 some:]e1 !n ,i'm afraid !re is none4 ,mo/ all ( ?is l& is ,=e/ ,res]ve1 & we'll h to get a n9ety-n9e ye>s' lease if we locate on ,gov]nm5t l&2 b y "k1 ,i've be5 ?9k+ we c\ld build a d&y cab9 ( ^! l>ge quak+-asp5s1 if we c\ld f9d a place 9 a good grove4 ,build a frame1 !n fit !m 91 /&+ !m on end1 & l9e ) build+ pap]1 & p]haps bo>ds4 ,^! asp5s cut v easily 9 ! w9t] :5 !y are cold4 ,:at w\ld y ?9k ( t idea8 ,willis 0 already nodd+ by ! fire1 & did n answ]4 ,good-night1 said ,mr4 ,all51 z he pull$ 8 blanket up ab\t him4 ,sleep tight1 & no dreams1 m9d y4 ,,*apt] ,x ,a ,glimpse ( ,buffalo ,roo/ ,! little p>ty ga!r$ ab\t ! fire ! next morn+1 cook+ ! la/ breakfa/ ( ! trip4 ,to-morr[ !y w\ld be home aga94 ,w\ld !y take back a gl[+ description ( a cab9 site1 situat$ 9 "s cool =e/ nook1 9 ! %ad[ ( "s mighty crag1 or w\ld !y be =c$ to disappo9t ! anxi\s cr[d ( fell[s :o w\ld be wait+ = _! return8 ,by sev5 o'clock !y 7 jogg+ d[n ! railroad at a lively gait1 keep+ _! eyes op5 = a canyon t w\ld lead 9 back ( ,cook/ove ,m\nta94 ,!y _h come d[n ! track at lea/ two miles )\t f9d+ any enc\rag+ signs :5 !y came ^u a trail t seem$ to lead f ! railroad into an unkn[n canyon4 ,p]haps x 0 "o ( ! _m trails f ! railroad back to ! rema9s ( "s ( ! old con/ruction camps4 ,p]haps x 0 a c[pa? t l$ into a f]tile mead[ :]e cattle lov$ to re/ by cool spr+s4 ,might x n h be5 ! connect+ l9k betwe5 "s old prospector's digg+s & 8 po9t ( supplies8 ,possibly x _h be5 worn by ! ev]-wat*ful =e/ rang] z he rode ov] ! res]ve1 wat*+ = ! fires ( c>eless camp]s1 ! trespass ( cattle1 or1 p]haps1 to make a timb] sale to "s m\nta9 ran*man4 ,p]haps x 0 "o ( ^!1 b m likely x 0 a comb9ation ( !m all4 ,:at /range /ories x c\ld tell if x c\ld b speak6 ,_h x be5 on ! s\!rn slope x might h be5 lo/ 9 ! cool %ad[s ( ! =e/1 or h disappe>$ 9 ! leafy molds & decay+ twigs ( _m autumns4 ,b x 0 on ! nor? slope1 f :i* ! hungry flames ( a giant =e/ fire _h snat*$ e tree & bu%1 leav+ only ! b>r5 hillside4 ,x 0 a v allur+ trail1 = x l$ to no "o knew j :]e4 ,j at ! po9t :]e x slipp$ ov] ! rocky ridge & dropp$ d[n out ( sight into ! canyon beyond !re rose a gr\p ( great1 tall p9es1 :i* seem$ to be gu>d+ ! pa?way4 ,j ahead /ood ,cook/ove1 its rocky cre/ ba!d 9 ! morn+ light1 :ile f> away to ! nor? ! %>p] outl9es 7 lo/ 9 a great army ( ev]gre5s1 :i* seem$ to be troop+ re/lessly up ! hill & desc5d+ aga9 into ! great unkn[n ( ! valley4 ,x l$ /raight away d[n a g5tly-curv+ aisle ( beautiful l>ge trees t _h already begun to c>pet ! floor ) dull p9e ne$les1 pick$ f _! %aggy heads by ! mis*iev\s dryads ( ! valley4 ,away up on ! %\ld] ( ,cook/ove c\ld be se5 a long silv] ribbon ( wat]1 ! l[] end ( :i* 0 lo/ 9 ! treetops ( ! canyon4 ,f some:]e d[n bel[ ! trail !re came ! g5tle murmur ( jubilant little da%es ( m\nta9 spray z !y frolick$ & *as$ ea* o!r 9 ! happy play ( a m\nta9 /ream4 ,on ! inside ( ! trail ! trees dropp$ away rapidly until y c\ld look into _! topmo/ bran*es )\t rais+ y\r eyes1 :ile on ! o!r side !y troop$ noiselessly upw>d1 l "s great1 sil5t army1 %[+ only _! wea!r-beat5 bodies4 ,z ! boys ha/5$ d[n ?is trail1 deep] into ! l& ( en*antm5t1 _! en?usiasm knew no b\nds4 ,i've ab\t *ang$ my m9d ab\t ! location ( ! ,g>d5 ( ,ed51 ,ham sung out4 ,t's ! tw5tie? "t1 ann\nc$ ,*uck4 ,we're j on ! edge ( x yet1 %\t$ ,mr4 ,all54 ,let's hurry & get into x4 ,! trail began imm$iately to desc5d1 & be=e !y knew x ! p>ty f\nd !mselves beside a cry/al /ream t seem$ to be lo/ 9 a n>r[ p>k ( great trees & mighty b\ld]s4 ,! trail cross$ ! /ream by an anci5t corduroy bridge1 !n (f x ran aga9 up ! opposite side ( ! canyon1 p5etrat+ deep] into ! quiet =e/4 ,?is is ! =e/ primeval1 ,! murmur+ p9es & ! hemlocks1 quot$ ,ham4 ,!re 0 a p]fume ( ! =e/ dampness 9 ! air4 ,e tree seem$ to %elt] a bird family or a ho/ ( squirrels1 to say no?+ ( ! t9y creatures t made *orus toge!r f _! hid+ places4 ,s(tly filt]+ ?r\gh ! trees came ! con/ant melody ( a wat]fall1 n[ f> away1 n[ j ahead1 cry+1 laugh+1 sobb+1 9 a /range int]m+l+ ( feel+4 ,! trail made a %>p turn to ! left1 ! trees sudd5ly came to an end1 & 9 _! place 7 l>ge piles ( mossy1 ragg$ b\ld]s4 ,! canyon end$ 9 a p]p5dicul>1 moss-cov]$ wall1 hundr$s ( feet high1 & f ! top ( ?is wr9kl$ old cliff leap$ ! /ream into ! canyon bel[4 ,on an old t9 sign1 fa/5$ to ! /ump ( an imm5se tree1 7 ! words1 ,/4 ,m>ys4 ,directly at ! base ( ! falls1 & at _! extreme edge1 /ood a gr& old spruce tree1 /raight & clean z an arr[1 its sl5d] top rea*+ ne>ly to ! top ( ! falls4 ,!y seem$ to be happy comrades1 = ! tree 0 g5tly vibrat+ ) ! s(t1 half-wild music ( ! cry/al /ream4 ,aft] e nook & cranny _h be5 explor$1 ! gr\p began to retrace _! /eps d[n ! canyon4 ,isn't x a wond]ful little spot8 ask$ ,phil1 z !y sat d[n by ! bridge to re/4 ,:o d y suppose ev] built ?is trail away up "h8 ,see1 x has be5 dug f ! v m\nta9-side 9 _m places1 & ?is bridge wasn't built z a m]e footbridge--x 0 built to support heavy loads ( some?+4 ,p]haps some:]e way up 9 ^? trees !re is an old m9e1 sugge/$ ,fat4 ,i've be5 wond]+ if !re 01 sl[ly que/ion$ ,willis4 ,i'd l to g & look1 = ,i'm n a bit tir$4 ,8 eyes 7 big ) ! wond] ( ! place4 ,x surely is a treat to him1 isn't x8 ask$ ,mr4 ,all54 ,yes1 & to u all1 repli$ ,ham4 ,i j wond] :at "s city p w\ld ?9k ( x4 ,:5 ,i get old1 fell[s1 ,i'm go+ to f9d me "s su* a little canyon z ?is & live out my life 9 x4 ,i don't believe a fell[ c\ld ev] ?9k a mean ?\ght out "h1 c\ld he8 ,he'd be almo/ afraid to4 ,x's an ideal place1 all "r1 return$ ,mr4 ,all54 ,:y1 ,i believe ,i'd be an orator if ,i j _h ?is valley = a class1 w5t on ,ham4 ,x's a good ?+ su* places c't be mov$1 sugge/$ ,phil1 or "s ( ^! weal?y fell[s w\ld be buy+ !m all up & putt+ !m 9 _! art gall]ies4 ,?is view w\ld create q a s5sation 9 ,new ,york ,city1 don't y ?9k8 ,fifty ?\s& doll>s is n mu* = a few feet ( ma/]piece1 b ?is c be _h = a few doll>s an acre4 ,/range1 isn't x8 ,a man pa9ts a little picture on a canvas & worries ov] x until 8 hair gets long & 8 face sad4 ,he is !n a g5ius4 ,p g wild ov] a man t c copy a little sc5e4 ,yet ^? same p decl>e !re is no ,creator4 ,acc\nt = a valley l ?is )\t ,him1 c y8 decl>$ ,fat4 ,! man t c d5y ,him1 /&+ "h 9 ?is little bit ( ,8 h&iwork1 solemnly decl>$ ,ham1 is bl9d1 deaf1 & dumb1 besides hav+ m>k$ t5d5cies t[>d insanity4 ,halloo1 came 9 a cle> %\t f up on ! hillside4 ,by graci\s1 he's f\nd a m9e6 cri$ ,ham1 jump+ up4 ,halloo1 he %\t$ back4 ,:at did y f9d8 ,two m trails1 came ! answ]4 ,come up & look4 ,"o goes d[n ! canyon on ?is side4 ,a wild scramble up ?r\gh ! trees foll[$4 ,soon !y 7 all travel+ d[n "o ( ! newly-discov]$ trails4 ,! o!r "o began at an old log cab91 & ran zigzag up ! m\nta9 till x 0 lo/ 9 ! gravel slopes4 ,i've be5 try+ to make up my m9d :]e ?is canyon leads to1 said ,mr4 ,all54 ,i'm wond]+ if x c be ,buffalo ,p>k4 ,a bridge 0 visible d[n ! /ream1 & !re 0 ! s\nd ( wat] spla%+4 ,an imm5se b\ld] t _h roll$ f ! cliff above ob/ruct$ any fur!r view4 ,ham & ,willis 7 9 ! lead1 ! re/ foll[+ z rapidly z possible4 ,! two ahead disappe>$1 !n came into view beyond ! big b\ld]4 ,a h\se6 ,a cab96 ,e "o broke into a run4 ,j above ! bridge a crude dam ( logs _h be5 built to back up a supply ( wat]1 & x 0 runn+ ov] f ! little pond beh9d 9 a happy1 babbl+ wat]fall4 ,!n x turn$ to ! s\? ar\nd ! base ( a pat* ( high gr\nd4 ,on ?is bit ( high c\ntry1 ov]look+ ! /ream on "o side & ! upp] canyon on ! o!r1 /ood ! l\dly-ann\nc$ cab94 ,x 0 a typical m\nta9 log-h\se1 except = its ro(1 :i* 0 cov]$ ) c$> %+les in/ead ( ! cu/om>y split poles1 ?at*$ ov] ) m>% hay4 ,its e l9e sugge/$ age4 ,9 "s places ! mud *9k+ _h dri$ & dropp$ out1 yet1 /range to say1 ! w9d[s 7 all !re1 & ev5 ! door1 :i* 0 ( city manufacture1 0 n pa/ repair4 ,"o corn] ( ! ro( _h be5 slightly damag$ by ! fall+ ( a mon/r\s p9e log t 0 /ill ly+ :]e x _h fall5 sev]al ye>s be=e4 ,! cab9 _h evid5tly be5 us$ z a summ] home only1 = !re 0 no fireplace or a *imney ( any k9d1 except a dilapidat$ old l5g? ( /ovepipe t /uck ?r\gh ! gable at "o end4 ,x 0 ?is feature t made x look s completely =lorn & ab&on$4 ,besides ! door & two w9d[s t op5$ on ! trail side1 !re 0 a w9d[ on ! up end & a door on ! /ream side :i* l$ out onto a crude back por*1 built entirely ( asp5 poles4 ,! floor 0 ( p9e bo>ds1 & _h once be5 a m>vel ( beauty & conv5i5ce = a m\nta9 cab92 b "t _h play$ /range pranks ) x1 till n[ x 0 unev5 & slop$ (f 9 a j]ky fa%ion t[>d ! back door4 ,on "o wall 0 fa/5$ a rude set ( %elves1 on :i* 0 p]*$ a motley collection ( pickle bottles & t9 cans4 ,/ret*$ along "o wall /ood a crude1 home-made table1 & 9 "o corn] /ood ! rema9s ( a little1 old-fa%ion$ /ove4 ,a wood5 *e/ /ood "u ! %elves1 & _h probably be5 us$ = a grub box4 ,x /ill conta9$ a few p\nds ( yell[ cornmeal1 half a c ( bak+ p[d]1 a badly mold$ loaf ( rye bread1 & a surpris+ly /urdy sample ( butt]4 ,hung on a nail 9 ! corn] above ! *e/ 0 a once-/yli% skillet & ! batt]$ l[] "p ( a d\ble boil]4 ,a ru/y t9cup lay on ! floor beside a p[d] c t _h be5 us$ = a bucket1 :ile j inside ! s\? door /ood a comical homemade %ak$[n4 ,! frame 0 built ( /raight "y asp5 poles1 :ile ! spr+s 7 j a c>efully wov5 lay] ( balsam b\ghs spread ov] a bottom ( limb] "y sapl+s4 ,x _h once be5 a wond] ( com=t & ease1 b its value _h pass$ ) ! dep>ture ( its build]4 ,! trail ran close 9 front ( ! door & !n climb$ ov] ! s&y base ( a great crag1 & disappe>$ ov] ! hill4 ,j z x left ! level ( ! h\se & />t$ upw>d1 !re /ood an imm5se ,d\glas spruce l "s fai?ful gu>d1 8 pr\d gre5 helmet /ret*$ up into ! sky s t he might be ! m able to see any approa*+ dang]4 ,a great smoke-/a9$ rock lay j at ! end ( ! h\se1 be=e :i* 0 built a primitive fireplace4 ,an assortm5t ( t9 cans1 ly+ 9 ! little rav9e1 told ! simple tale ( bygone campfire supp]s & ( hunt]s & explor]s & m9]s4 ,well1 ?is is :at ,i call luck--pure1 unadult]at$ luck1 ) sug> on x1 drawl$ ,ham z he survey$ ! h\se4 ,luck1 y\r gr&mo!r1 said ,phil4 ,d y call some?+ t y h be5 se>*+ = = f\r long days luck8 ,excuse me1 answ]$ ,ham1 9 mock c\rtesy4 ,i =got :5 ,i made t /atem5t t !re is no su* ?+ z luck4 ,x 0 my old fri5d1 ',william ,%akespe>e1' t wrote t fam\s l9e ab\t luck1 ',luck is pluck 9 action1' or some?+ l t1 wasn't x8 ,t's :at x 0 "h1 anyway4 ,well1 at any rate1 said ,mr4 ,all51 z he jo9$ ! gr\p aft] 8 r\nd ( inspection1 ! old %anty is *uck$ full ( possibilities4 ,i'm glad some?+ is full1 int]rupt$ ,fat4 ,we c]ta9ly ar5't 9 ! same class1 t cab9 & ,i4 ,x's be5 s long s9ce ,i've f$ t my float+ ribs h run a%ore4 ,! wor/ ( x is t all ,i h left is a c ( cond5s$ milk1 ab\t a teaspoon ( sug>1 & a little butt] t's a second c\s9 to :at's 9 t grub box yond]4 ,i'm go+ to borr[ a few possibilities f ! cab9 & beg = food4 ,let's h d9n]4 ,"r "h by ?is old rock1 call$ ,willis4 ,p]haps we c roa/ a little in=mation out ( ^! rocks4 ,*uck _h gone d[n /ream into a grove ( l>ge asp5s1 & at ?is mom5t came pant+ up ! trail4 ,bees--pea* ( a tree--honey galore--millions ( !m6 he pant$4 ,t s\nds l some?+ to eat1 cri$ ,fat4 ,come along1 ,*uck1 ,i'm ) y4 ,d y "k h[ to make t 'milk & honey' t ! ,good ,book speaks ab\t8 ,i've got ! milk1 let's get ! honey4 ,ham1 ,*uck1 & ,fat />t$ = ! bee tree1 ,ham s++ 8 favorite1 ,a ,prea*] w5t a ,hunt9'4 ,bett] let up1 ,ham1 %\t$ ,phil4 ,! bees w be aft] ! sweetness 9 t melody ( y\rs4 ,phil /ret*$ out at full l5g? 9 ! sun :ile ,mr4 ,all5 busily made figures & sket*es 9 8 note book4 ,willis rose & />t$ d[n ! trail t[>d ! bee tree4 ,at ! edge ( ! timb] he /opp$1 & a curi\s smile spread ov] 8 face4 ,!n sudd5ly1 z ! real significance ( :at he saw dawn$ ^u him1 he d\bl$ up ) a h[l & laugh$ till 8 sides hurt4 ,! fell[s 7 unable to roll ov] ! great dead tree1 s _h decid$ to smudge ! brutes out1 z ,ham said4 ,accord+ly1 !y built a fire at ! side :]e ! bees _h be5 se5 to ent] ! tree4 ,*uck _h c>ri$ wat] f ! /ream 9 8 hat to make ! fire smoke1 &1 z !y wat*$ ! hole1 ! bees came sw>m+ out at ! end ( ! log beh9d !m1 ) spe>s %>p5$ & ready = action1 z ,ham aft]w>d said4 ,su* lively gymna/ics & hurri$ dep>tures ,willis _h nev] be=e witness$4 ,fat completely =got t he 0 hungry1 & ,ham took occasion to sev]ely *a/ise himself1 us+ 8 old felt hat = a paddle1 :ile ,*uck w5t pl\gh+ ?r\gh ! und]bru% l a "y bull-moose1 murmur+ /range1 in>ticulate s5t5ces4 ,=tunately = !m all1 ! bee tree 0 no?+ b a ne/ ( m>%-wasps1 & !re 7 n[h]e ne> z _m z ,*uck decl>$ !re 74 ,! damage 0 slight to all except ,fat1 & he _h en\gh signs ( battle to w>rant a lea!r m$al = brav]y4 ,! sadde/ ?+ 0 t ! hop$-= milk & honey did n mat]ialize4 ,z ! p>ty sat toge!r eat+ ! la/ ( _! rations1 ,ham fell into "o ( 8 philosophical moods4 ,i l ?is k9d ( life1 he began4 ,out "h y let g y\r hold on man-made ?+s & %ift = y\rself4 ,he look$ cauti\sly ov] at ,fat1 :o 0 try+ to scrat* a p>ticul>ly it*y /+ j out ( rea* 9 ! middle ( 8 back4 ,i l ! un*ang+ condition ( nature1 he cont9u$4 ,! wild]ness is all y\rs1 & y may take f x all ! ess5tials ( primitive liv+--%elt]1 w>m?1 & food4 ,ham1 y're an unmitigat$ prev>icator1 cri$ ,fat z he scrat*$ & made faces4 ,ham paid no att5tion to him4 ,"h 9 ! op5 c\ntry y c get mighty close to ! great wild]ness ) its myriads ( busy lives1 &-- ,fat pick$ up a p9e cone & ?rew x1 b ,ham disappe>$ ar\nd ! end ( ! big rock4 ,ham1 y're j l ! loons we h on ! ,mi*igan lakes1 taunt$ ,willis4 ,y c d & say m crazy ?+s ?an all ! re/ ( u ducks put toge!r2 b :5 any "o takes a %ot at y1 y're out ( sight4 ,by ?is "t ,fat _h manag$ to make two holes 9 8 c ( milk & 0 dr9k+ ! cont5ts4 ,mr4 ,all5 _h return$ to 8 sket*+1 & ,willis _h gone ov] to ! little dam to get a dr9k4 ,sudd5ly !re 0 ! snort ( a horse & ! rapid tramp+ ( ho(s4 ,a dog gave two or ?ree b>ks1 !n horse1 rid]1 & dog appe>$ on ! trail4 ,9 a second ano!r rid]1 ) a pick & %ovel ?r[n ov] 8 %\ld]1 came ov] ! ridge4 ,! fir/ pull$ 9 8 horse &1 turn+ 9 8 saddle1 look$ to see if 8 companion 0 com+4 ,be+ confid5t t he 0 n f> beh9d1 he aga9 urg$ 8 horse =w>d1 app>5tly n notic+ ! gr\p by ! big b\ld]4 ,ham got to 8 feet & spoke to ! dog4 ,! horseman gave a quick exclamation ( surprise1 !n call$ out1 ,h[dy6 ,mr4 ,all5 rose4 ,well1 well6 call$ ! man4 ,seems to me yew fell]s are travel9' "s1 a9't ye8 ,o1 a little1 return$ ,mr4 ,all54 ,y don't happ5 to "k1 d y1 :e!r !re are two cab9s above "h1 d y8 ,we 0 direct$ to ! middle cab94 ,no1 only a v badly decay$ "o--j a pile ( tumbl$-d[n logs1 repli$ ,mr4 ,all54 ,! second rid] _h come up & dism\nt$1 & toge!r !y /udi$ a sket* :i* he _h tak5 f 8 pocket4 ,?is mu/ be ! "o1 t's all1 he drawl$1 z he spat out a great quid ( tobacco1 'cause he said x 0 by ! bridge4 ,we mu/ o' miss$ ! o!r cab9 9 ! trees some:]e bel[ "h4 ,willis 0 eye+ ! newcom]s closely4 ,a /]n1 h>d look cross$ 8 face z he quick5$ 8 pace4 ,he rea*$ ,mr4 ,all5's side1 & ! fir/ rid] nodd$ to him4 ,he drew ne>] & obs]v$ ! sket* v closely1 li/5+ int5tly to all ! /rang]s _h to say4 ,8 he>t 0 beat+ fa/1 b j :y he c\ld n h told4 ,well1 ,jim1 ,i guess we'd bett] unsaddle an' give ! nags a dr9k an' a re/1 said ! /rang] z he c>efully fold$ up ! sket* & put x 9 8 pocket4 ,seems /range z h[ we'd meet twice 9 ^! m\nta9s 9 ne>ly z _m days1 don't x8 rem>k$ ! man1 z he began to loos5 ! saddle gir?s & to untie ! sacks ( grub t 7 fa/5$ on beh9d4 ,h[ is t8 qu]i$ ,mr4 ,all54 ,:y1 wasn't x y t w5t up ! trail to ! top ( ,*ey5ne ! o!r day8 que/ion$ ! man4 ,!n1 )\t wait+ = a reply1 he w5t on3 ,we 0 do9' an assessm5t up !re t day an' se$ y z y /ood talk9' to t cru/y old prospector t works t tunnel4 ,o yes1 said ,mr4 ,all51 s y are ! m5 t 7 up !re by t black dump8 ,yep1 we're ! fell]s1 ,jim an' me4 ,are y go+ to d m assessm5t "w "h 9 ?is canyon8 que/ion$ ,ham4 ,yep1 we've got two assessm5ts to d "h some:]e1 return$ ! /rang]4 ,?is canyon1 or at lea/ "p ( x1 belongs to a real e/ate company 9 ,colorado ,spr+s4 ,i don't believe !re is any gold "h1 b !y are hold9' ! prop]ty z an inve/m5t4 ,seems l !y expect sometime to op5 ?is canyon to t\ri/ trade to see "s swell falls t's up 9 x some:]es4 ,o1 is t s8 return$ ,mr4 ,all54 ,!n y don't ?9k !re is any gold "h at all8 ,nope1 ,i don't1 an' ,i'll tell ye :y4 ,gold1 z x's f\nd 9 ^! p>ts1 runs 9 a /rata ( qu>tz4 ,n[1 !re a9't no qu>tz 9 ?is range1 except on ,*ey5ne4 ,! old-tim] d[n at ! inn says t !re's gold up "h1 an' he kn[s :]e x is1 b y c't take no /ock 9 ^! old fell]s4 ,!y're daft on ! gold "q4 ,mr4 ,all5 look$ at 8 wat*1 !n1 turn+ to ! fell[s1 he sugge/$ t !y _h bett] />t = home4 ,aft] a little m conv]sation ! two p>ties sep>at$1 "o to camp = ! night 9 ! cab91 ! o!r to return to ! city4 ,willis motion$ ,mr4 ,all5 to ! back ( ! l9e z !y work$ _! way d[n ! trail & into ! p>k4 ,! plot ?ick5s1 began ,willis1 ) a que] little smile on 8 face4 ,!n ) a slight *uckle he add$3 ,to be m accurate1 ,i suppose ,i %\ld say ',! plot ?9s4' ,^? are ! two m5 t 7 at my uncle's h\se ! morn+ we />t$ on ?is trip1 & my uncle drew t sket*--,i'm sure ( x4 ,! head+ 0 torn f ! pap]1 b ,i feel x 9 my bones t he 0 ! arti/4 ,^? are ! m5 t 7 do+ ! assessm5t on my fa!r's old claim on ,*ey5ne = my uncle4 ,he nev] dream$ ( my see+ !m "h & kn[+ !y 7 9 8 employ4 ,i und]/& n[ :y he didn't want me to come on ?is trip4 ,a c[>d is always suspici\s4 ,i nev] w\ld h put ! two toge!r 9 ! wide _w if he hadn't made su* a fuss ab\t my com+4 ,"o ?+ is absolutely c]ta9--my ,uncle ,williams is crook$1 & t isn't all1 ei!r4 ,my ,uncle ,williams owns t cab91 & we'll nev] get x = our use 9 ?is wide _w4 ,:at w ! fell[s say :5 !y "k x belongs to my uncle & we c't get x8 ,! cab9 is ideal1 & x c\ld be repair$ ) v little co/4 ,x is isolat$ & 9 a beautiful spot1 & is ! only ?+ we h f\nd4 ,don't tell ! fell[s ab\t x1 please1 until ,i see :at ,i c d4 ,i'll d my v be/4 ,n[1 look "h1 my boy2 don't let t bo!r y1 repli$ ,mr4 ,all54 ,wait4 ,don't tr\ble tr\ble till tr\ble tr\bles y4 ,he hasn't tr\bl$ y yet1 he's j gett+ ready to4 ,let's beat him at 8 own game4 ,!re are m ways ?an "o to sk9 a cat4 ,b h[8 inquir$ ,willis4 ,well1 ! fir/ ?+ to d is to get ! exact location ( ! cab91 !n g to ! c\nty record]'s (fice & see to :om ! prop]ty belongs4 ,if x ev] belong$ to y\r fa!r1 z y are n[ dispos$ to believe-- ,yes1 ,i'd bet my hat1 ,mr4 ,all51 t ?is is ! v cab9 t my fa!r & ,tad ,kies] built4 ,o1 h[ ,i 'd l to h x all = my v own6 ,mr4 ,all5 int]rupt$ him4 ,z ,i 0 say+1 ! records w %[ v pla9ly if x 0 ev] transf]r$ or if x 0 any?+ b a lode claim4 ,if y\r fa!r own$ x1 t settles x4 ,williams has no?+ to say ab\t x4 ,plac] claims c't be tak5 on de$$ prop]ty4 ,h[ev]1 let's n worry ab\t x1 b let's c\nt x ours & "w t[>d t end4 ,o my1 if ,tad 7 only "h1 we'd soon "k a ?+ or two6 exclaim$ ,willis4 ,n[1 boy1 li/56 ,don't g home & spoil all ?is bus9ess4 ,keep /ill ab\t x until to-morr[1 :5 we c get at ! records & f9d out = c]ta9 j :at is :at4 ,w y d t8 que/ion$ ,mr4 ,all54 ,i'll tell my "m1 repli$ ,willis1 & to-morr[ ,i'll g ) y4 ,! trail 0 w9d+ back & =? ?r\gh a great p>k ( asp5s4 ,on e side 7 prospect holes1 rema9s ( old cab9s1 & places :]e ! wild]ness 0 aga9 reclaim+ h] own aft] m5 _h sp5t _! "t1 money1 & en]gy attempt+ to =ce h] to give up h] gold4 ,at ! top ( ! hogsback t ov]-look$ ,bru9 ,inn ! fell[s sat d[n to re/4 ,!y 7 back 9 famili> t]ritory1 n[1 & ! cab9 que/ 0 ne>ly ov]4 ,( c\rse1 ! v fir/ ?+ to d1 ,ham 0 say+1 is to get 9 /one & get our fireplace built be=e ! fro/ comes4 ,x w be a simple matt]--j ?r[ d[n /ones f ! m\nta92 !y are flat slabs & w lay up v easily4 ,we'll use t big1 flat /one at ! end z a f\ndation1 & run ! *imney up outside ! h\se--a real big1 life-siz$ "o1 too4 ,& we want a gr& old-fa%ion$ crane 9 ! grate1 & &irons ( /one1 & a big cem5t he>?4 ,go+ to d all y\r cook+ 9 ! fireplace8 ask$ ,*uck4 ,n on y\r life1 put 9 ,fat4 ,we'll br+ up our old camp /ove1 ! "o we _h on ! trip la/ summ]--x's a d&y4 ,i've got ! only /unt1 ?\gh1 said ,ham4 ,let's build a great big b$ on ! raft]s t run f wall to wall4 ,we'll j cut a lot ( sapl+s & lay !m 9 close & support ! b$ f ! ro(4 ,aft] x has ab\t two feet ( balsam b\ghs on x1 x w be a *oice roo/1 ,i tell y t4 ,i'm go+ to be ar*itect & boss c>p5t] ( t job4 ,yes1 said ,mr4 ,all5 gravely1 b x's n a fireplace1 an a]ial bunk1 or a place to eat t ,i'm ?9k+ (4 ,!re is no use putt+ our "t1 ef=t1 & money into ?is place unless we c take c>e ( at lea/ tw5ty fell[s at a "t1 & h[ c we d x8 ,! eat+ won't be any tr\ble1 advis$ ,fat4 ,!y w get en\gh to eat "s way--,i always d4 ,we'll build an addition1 sugge/$ ,phil1 a bunk h\se addition4 ,t w be easy2 we c build x out :]e t old back por* is1 c't we8 ,& say1 talk ab\t great logs1 :at's ! matt] ) ^? asp5s "r !re ready = u8 ,we c\ld buy t9 di%es1 b :]e is ! money com+ f8 ,t is ! ma9 "q1 said ,mr4 ,all54 ,money1 snort$ ,ham1 t w come if we're 9 e>ne/1 dead e>ne/4 ,h[ ab\t t circus8 ,h[ mu* money d we ne$1 anyway8 ,mr4 ,all5 drew out 8 note-book1 & made "s rapid calculations4 ,well1 ! v lea/ t y c d )1 fell[s1 is two hundr$ & fifty doll>s4 ,good-bye1 fond dreams6 cri$ ,fat tragically4 ,two hundr$ & fifty doll>s6 exclaim$ ,phil & ,ham toge!r4 ,h[ d y get t8 ,well1 cem5t & lime = ! fireplace1 freight to ,fairview on bo>ds1 %+les1 furni%+s1 & s on2 r5t on donkeys to d ! pack+1 di%es1 & pantry boxes1 = ev]y?+ w h to be kept 9 t9 boxes4 ,!n y'll h to hire a mason to put 9 ! fireplace4 ,y'll ne$ axes1 saws1 & tools4 ,i'll wag] x won't co/ a c5t less ?an two hundr$ doll>s1 & great loads ( h>d "w4 ,h>d fun1 y mean1 int]rupt$ ,phil4 ,z ! ev5+ %ad[s began to l5g!n & ! cool breeze to rise f ! sn[-clad peaks ( ! ,middle ,range1 ! little gr\p ( explor]s dropp$ into ! canyon & hurri$ home4 ,all 7 v full ( ideas & sugge/ions except ,willis4 ,he _h li/5$ to _! talk1 b 0 say+ ov] & ov] to himself1 ,if x doesn't come true1 x's my fault1 or my uncle's1 & t's ! same ?+4 ,,*apt] ,,xi ,a ,/range ,turn ( ,fate ,let's take ,mr4 ,dean to ! c\r?\se ) u1 ,willis1 said ,mr4 ,all54 ,he is v %rewd1 & we c dep5d on 8 judgm5t 9 su* matt]s z we h be=e u to-day4 ,willis f\nd ,mr4 ,dean1 & 9 a %ort "t !y 7 on _! way1 ,mr4 ,all5 expla9+ to ,mr4 ,dean ! possible difficulty t _h aris5 9 reg>d to ! own]%ip ( ! cab94 ,^u _! arrival at ! c\r?\se1 ! fir/ ?+ 0 to /udy a ,unit$ ,/ates geological map to f9d ! t[n%ip1 section l9es1 railroads1 & /reams4 ,!n began ! se>* ?r\gh old1 yell[ volumes ( records1 "o aft] ano!r1 ea* "o br++ !m ne>] to ! desir$ in=mation4 ,section five1 we/ ( range sixty-sev51 read ,mr4 ,dean4 ,t's ! place1 boys2 n[ we mu/ locate an exact po9t 9 t section4 ,y say ! cab9 is locat$ on a /ream & a trail4 ,! falls are m>k$ "h2 he po9t$ ) 8 p5cil4 ,n[ d[n/ream a little2 "h we are1 ?ree trails m>k$ in/ead ( "o4 ,y came ov] f ! railroad1 didn't y8 ,yes1 "r "h1 said ,willis1 po9t+4 ,! cab9 is :]e ^! two trails cross ea* o!r4 ,9 ! c5t] ( ! next volume1 = !re _h be5 _m claims locat$ & record$ on ! little /ream1 !y f\nd ! record ( a prop]ty belong+ to ,willis's fa!r & a ,mr4 ,kies]4 ,! record %[$ ! date ( its refil+1 aft] ! c\ntry _h become a "p ( ! ,pike's ,peak ,=e/ ,res]ve4 ,! survey l9es 7 giv51 b ( c\rse !y c\ld n be locat$ on ! map4 ,0 ! cab9 on ! prop]ty !re record$ or n8 ,willis rememb]$ t 8 "m _h said n1 s !y pu%$ fur!r into ! books & came to ! description ( a lode claim1 ! corn] ( :i*1 accord+ to ! record1 0 at ! int]section ( ! two trails1 j :]e ! /ream sw+s s\?4 ,x 0 orig9ally /ak$ & record$ by a man nam$ ,br9ey z a plac] claim4 ,six consecutive assessm5ts 7 record$1 !n two ye>s lat] ! claim 0 relocat$ by a ,joseph ,h4 ,williams4 ,willis fr[n$ z he made notes & took d[n ! dates ( ! assessm5ts4 ,!re y are1 he said despond5tly2 j z ,i ?\ght ye/]day--,mr4 ,joseph ,h4 ,williams1 my uncle1 own]4 ,great *ance ( gett+ t cab91 isn't !re8 ,n[1 hold y\r horses1 int]rupt$ ,mr4 ,dean4 ,let's f9i% ! re/ ( ?is record4 ,well1 t's ! /range/ ?+ ,i ev] he>d (4 ,8 la/ assessm5t is dat$ la/ summ]1 ,augu/ #c1 #ai--4 ,?is ye>'s "w hasn't be5 done yet4 ,:y--well1 anyway1 !re mu/ be some?+ wor? :ile ar\nd t cab94 ',claim jump$ & re-record$ z a lode claim ,augu/ #bb1 #ai--4' ,:y1 t's ! day y />t$ on ! trip to look = a cab96 ,y are "r1 exclaim$ ,mr4 ,all54 ,let's look at ! li/ ( records fil$ on ,augu/ #bb;d la/4 ,! cl]k %[$ !m ! page4 ,x read z foll[s3 ,assessm5t on ,joseph ,h4 ,williams lode claim1 ,*ey5ne ,m\nta94 ,!n foll[$ ! description4 ,directly "u x 0 ! foll[+3 ,lode claim1 ,buffalo ,p>k1 locat$ by ,bev]ly ,h4 ,pembroke1 z describ$ on page #aafb4 ,! cab9 !n belongs1 by "r ( relocation1 to ,bev]ly ,h4 ,pembroke1 rem>k$ ,mr4 ,all51 & we are j exactly f\r days late4 ,too bad we didn't />t at ?is end ( ! trip4 ,:o is ,bev]ly ,h4 ,pembroke8 ask$ ,mr4 ,dean4 ,no "o c\ld tell4 ,well1 ?is mu* is cle>1 he w5t on3 !re 0 "s v good reason = ! relocation ( t claim1 & x c\ldn't h be5 = t old cab94 ,m5 don't locate claims to get possession ( old1 tumbl$-d[n log cab9s n[adays4 ,well1 !re's ?is mu* t isn't cle>1 return$ ,willis3 :y t *ange 0 made ! day we />t$ ov] ?is r\te1 & fur!rmore1 h[ does x come t ! same m5 work$ ! assessm5t on ! two claims if !y belong to diff]5t p>ties8 ,no1 sir1 m51 li/53 my ,uncle didn't want t cab9 9 8 possession at ?is "t = "s reason1 s he transf]r$ ! claim to ?is man1 ,pembroke4 ,anyway1 ,i'm glad x doesn't belong to my uncle n[1 :e!r we get x = our purpose or n4 ,n[1 y li/51 said ,mr4 ,dean3 let's g & see ,mr4 ,pembroke at once & inquire ab\t x4 ,he c't d m ?an ?r[ u out1 & x might be he'd be tickl$ to let u h ! cab94 ,e hundr$ doll>s' wor? ( "w done on t prop]ty1 :e!r x's m9e1 trail1 dam1 or h\sework1 is equal to an assessm5t4 ,if we remodel ! h\se & use x1 he c buy ! prop]ty or1 z !y say1 'prove up' on x4 ,:at d y say8 ,i believe we c make a b>ga94 ,x's a g6 cri$ ,mr4 ,all54 ,i 0 sure we w\ld ne$ y\r bra9s = ?is job1 ,mr4 ,dean4 ,let's g "r n[4 ,!y look$ up ! desir$ g5tleman 9 ! directory1 !n />t$ = 8 (fice4 ,*e] up1 old boy1 cri$ ,mr4 ,all5 z he slapp$ ,willis on ! back4 ,"h's :]e we w91 uncle or no uncle4 ,isn't t "r1 ,mr4 ,dean8 ,y feel too confid5t1 return$ ,willis4 ,i see ! game4 ,y don't4 ,mr4 ,bev]ly ,h4 ,pembroke w politely refuse any (f]4 ,my uncle has coa*$ him on :at to say to any inquiries4 ,see if ,i'm n "r6 ,y hav5't a v good op9ion ( t uncle ( y\rs1 h y8 said ,mr4 ,dean4 ,i don't see :y he %\ld be s vitally int]e/$ 9 keep+ y away f an old cab94 ,i ?9k y imag9e ?+s1 boy4 ,y "k "s ?+s are true t y c't see1 t]sely repli$ ,willis4 ,y c't see a pa9 9 y\r /oma*1 b y c feel x & x tells y some?+ is wrong4 ,x's j ! same 9 ?is case4 ,i c't see x1 b ,i "k some?+ is wrong1 & ! next ?+ = u to d is to get our heads toge!r & f9d out ! causes4 ,we're int]e/$ 9 ! causes4 ,mr4 ,bev]ly ,h4 ,pembroke sat idly 9 8 (fice4 ,8 feet 7 hoi/$ up on ! w9d[ sill1 8 /raw hat tipp$ f> back on 8 head1 :ile a long1 sl5d] cig> 0 held betwe5 8 tee?4 ,he 0 decid$ly an ,engli%man1 & a v n]v\s1 fidgety "o at t4 ,z ! ?ree ent]$ he got to 8 feet & inquir$ conc]n+ _! wants4 ,log cab9--,buffalo ,p>k--,lode claim locat$ ,augu/ #bb;d4 ,he puff$ m$itatively at 8 cig>1 endeavor+ to focus 8 ?\ghts on ! matt] be=e him4 ,a fr[n cl\d$ 8 face1 !n sudd5ly disappe>$4 ,:y-a1 yes1 ba ,jove1 ?is 'ot wea!r 'z ne>ly set me crazy4 ,my bra9s 'ave be5 bemuddl$ all day1 don't y "k4 ,ba ,jove1 ,i mo/ =got t new claim4 ,yes1 yes1 & y want 'ow _m %>es8 ,mr4 ,all5 look$ at ,mr4 ,dean & smil$4 ,y d ! talk+1 he said4 ,well1 x's l ?is1 said ,mr4 ,dean4 ,!n he laid 8 proposition be=e ! ,engli%man1 :o puff$ away on 8 cig> & li/5$ 9 sil5ce4 ,sorry1 v sorry1 g5tlem51 he began1 b ,i 'ave j arrang$ ) a p>ty to 'old t site = a summ] 'otel or a fruit f>m1 or "s su* a ?+1 don't y "k4 ,sorry1 bea/ly sorry1 ?\gh1 because ,i 'ave to refuse y4 ,mr4 ,all5 look$ at ,mr4 ,dean1 a great disappo9tm5t %[+ on 8 face4 ,he turn$ to ,willis1 :o 0 /&+ 9 ! backgr\nd4 ,! boy 0 squ9t+ out betwe5 half-clos$ eyelids & 8 fi/s 7 cl5*$ h>d at 8 sides4 ,he 0 gaz+ /eadfa/ly at ! floor4 ,sudd5ly he look$ up at ,mr4 ,all51 !n %ov$ himself beh9d ! rail+ t sep>at$ !m f ! ,engli%man & spoke 9 cle>cut tones4 ,mr4 ,pembroke-- ,! little ,engli%man batt$ 8 eyes n]v\sly & /raight5$ noticeably4 ,he 0 all att5tion 9 a second4 ,willis look$ him /raight 9 ! eye & cont9u$3 ,i don't suppose y "k :o ,i am1 at lea/ y don't appe> to4 ,i hate to ask favors ( any man1 or take undue advantage ( any "o1 b 9 ?is in/ance ,i feel t ,i h j a little claim ^u y\r att5tion & y\r consid]ation4 ,mr4 ,all5 look$ at ,mr4 ,dean 9 utt] a/oni%m5t4 ,v e>ly ?is spr+ y & ,i 7 fell[ pass5g]s on a ,d4 ,p4,w4 tra9 com+ to ,colorado ,spr+s4 ,d y rememb]8 ,t tra9 0 wreck$ on a /ormy aft]noon by ! spl9t]+ ( ! rails1 :i* caus$ a collision ) a heavy freight4 ,x 0 my pleasure at t "t to save ! life ( y\r little son4 ,ba ,jove1 murmur$ ! ,engli%man1 z he %ift$ 8 weight f "o leg to ! o!r4 ,x 0 a deuc$ly na/y bus9ess4 ,i'm v pleas$ to meet y aga91 ,mr4--a--a-- ,?ornton1 said ,mr4 ,all54 ,mr4 ,?ornton1 &-- ,nev] m9d t1 cont9u$ ,willis4 ,all ,i h to say is t ,i w\ld c\nt x a v great favor1 p]sonally1 if y c\ld see y\r way cle> to let u h ! use ( t cab9 = an ,association camp1 until su* "t z y are ready to build or make o!r improvem5ts !re4 ,:y--a--yes1 ,i'll be pleas$ to d t1 return$ ,mr4 ,pembroke confus$ly4 ,deuc$ly glad to 'ave a *ance to s]ve y1 don't y "k4 ,n[1 j :at is y\r plan aga91 g5tlem58 ,! plan 0 c>efully gone ov]1 ?is "t ) ,willis z spokesman4 ,mr4 ,pembroke li/5$ c>efully till he _h f9i%$1 !n he repli$1 ,ba ,jove1 ,i l ! idea1 x 'z po9ts to x4 ,i'd l to furni% ! necess>y lumb] = ! desir$ addition myself4 ,x w be a deuc$ly com=table 'ome = ! boys4 ,y "k x 0 ! ,association boys t return$ my dog to me4 ,be=e leav+ 8 (fice1 a ?ree ye>s' lease 0 arrang$ = & ev]y?+ look$ lovely4 ,:at 0 m1 ! addition c\ld be />t$ at once4 ,well1 by ! ,great ,horn ,spoon6 ejaculat$ ,mr4 ,dean :5 !y 7 well outside4 ,y are a wond]6 ,t is :at ,i call n]ve4 ,n[ tell me all ab\t x4 ,bah6 repli$ ,willis1 ,i hat$ to d x1 b ,i _h to4 ,i 0 go+ to ask ! old boy :at ,mr4 ,williams w\ld say to him1 b ,i ?\ght bett] ( x4 ,to-night is :5 ,i h my fun4 ,i'll tell my uncle ab\t our deal & wat* him squirm4 ,i wond] if he'll get mad4 ,i c tell by ! way he acts if ?is record+ bus9ess 0 a put-up job4 ,!re /ill rema9s ! "q1 ?\gh--:y does he want to keep me away f t cab98 ,x has some?+ to d ) my fa!r's old m9e1 ,i'm sure ( t mu*2 & ,i'll f9d out1 y see if ,i don't4 ,! ev5+ pap]s gave a gl[+ acc\nt ( ! int]e/ ( ,mr4 ,bev]ly ,h4 ,pembroke 9 ! new ,y4,m4,c4,a4 cab9 project1 & gave ! plan ( "w4 ,a circus 0 already be+ plann$ to raise funds = ! build+1 & a /ock company _h be5 organiz$ among ! boys ( ! ,boys' ,dep>tm5t to furni% funds ) :i* to beg9 "w at once4 ,"w w\ld be />t$ ! next ,saturday4 ,! /ockhold]s & "s o!rs w\ld g to ! cab9 on ,friday ev5+1 camp ar\nd a fire all night1 & be ready to beg9 "w 9 ! morn+4 ,aft] supp] t ev5+ ,willis _h a long *at ) 8 "m1 & talk$ ov] ) h] all ! ?+s t _h be5 di/urb+ him 9 reg>d to 8 uncle's rec5t actions4 ,i ?9k y mu/ surely be mi/ak51 %e said4 ,:at object c\ld he h 9 do+ su* ?+s4 ,y mu/ rememb] t y h a v vivid imag9ation1 & y mu/ wat* x4 ,no1 "m1 x is n imag9ation1 = ?is is h[ ,i "k ?is "t3 ,didn't y see h[ r$ & n]v\s he got :5 ,i told him :at ,mr4 ,pembroke _h agre$ to d4 ,"r aft] supp] he left = d[n t[n )\t a ^w4 ,i don't "k :at x is1 b !re is "s fact relative to fa!r's dea? t he has nev] told u4 ,if we c\ld only f9d ,tad1 ,i'm sure he c\ld help u out4 ,i'm go+ to f9d fa!r's m9e1 ?\gh1 & x's n s v f> f t cab91 ei!r4 ,"m1 isn't x wond]ful t we are go+ to h ! v old h\se t fa!r built s long ago8 ,aft] ,i f9d ! m9e1 ,i'll f9d out ab\t its wor?2 b x c't be wor? s v mu* or ,tad w\ld nev] h left x4 ,if ! tunnel is /ill lock$ up l y said ,tad wrote x 01 :y1 we c't get into x4 ,x belongs to ,tad4 ,p]haps x w nev] be op5$4 ,"m1 "s day :5 y h a *ance1 talk ) ,uncle ,joe & see :at y c f9d out4 ,fa!r might h left keys & in=mation conc]n+ ! m9e ) him4 ,no1 son1 he w\ldn't h keys1 because x 0 ,tad t lock$ up ! tunnel4 ,x is ,tad t has ! keys4 ,b li/51 don't worry ov] x a bit or build any false hopes on x4 ,s*ool w op5 9 a week1 & ,i want y to take advantage ( all x c give y4 ,we'll be "h until ,*ri/mas1 anyway1 ,i ?9k1 unless ,aunt ,lucy %\ld slip away be=e t "t4 ,i wond] :at uncle w\ld say to me if ,i ask$ him ab\t ,tad :5 he comes home tonight4 ,i ?9k t's :at ,i'll d4 ,ab\t n9e o'clock he he>d ! heavy foot/eps ( 8 uncle on ! v]&a1 & 9 ano!r mom5t he>d him 9 ! hall4 ,aft] hang+ up 8 hat & coat1 he came into ! libr>y1 pick$ up ! ,ev5+ ,telegraph1 & began to read1 entirely ignor+ ,willis4 ,aft] !y _h sat ?us sil5tly = "s m9utes1 ,willis spoke3 ,uncle1 did y ev] "k a man nam$ ,tad ,kies]1 :o 0 a great fri5d ( my fa!r's8 ,! man mov$ uneasily 9 8 *air1 b1 )\t look+ up f 8 pap]1 he inquir$ ( ! boy :at he knew ( ,tad ,kies]4 ,n mu*1 to be sure1 return$ ! boy1 half sadly1 only :at "m has told me ab\t him2 b ,i'd l to "k m4 ,i ?9k he mu/ h be5 a v int]e/+ old "*1 wasn't he8 ,an old devil & a cut-?roat1 retort$ ,mr4 ,williams4 ,y c\ldn't c\nt on him to be squ>e ev5 to 8 own "m4 ,a sly old fox always on ! hunt4 ,t's v /range1 repli$ ,willis4 ,he surely 0 n t sort ( a man or my fa!r nev] w\ld h *os5 him = a p>tn]4 ,y surely mu/ be mi/ak54 ,y\r fa!r didn't h en\gh deal+s ) him to f9d him out2 t 0 all4 ,i "k him4 ,tell me ab\t "s ( ! awful de$s he has committ$ if he is su* a fox1 que/ion$ ,willis4 ,i've always ?\ght him absolutely squ>e4 ,i've he>d he 0 ! f9e/ man 9 ^! m\nta9s1 ye>s ago4 ,:o told y any su* rot8 ,i h en\gh circum/antial evid5ce aga9/ him to put him beh9d ! b>s "r n[1 gr[l$ ! uncle4 ,evid5ce along :at l9es1 ,uncle8 p]si/$ ,willis4 ,blackmail6 snort$ ,williams4 ,:at diff]5ce does x make to y1 anyway8 ,he w\ld be a capital fell[ to jo9 9 on su* an absurdly fooli% s*eme z y are j ab\t to pull (f at ! ,y4,m4,c4,a4 n[4 ,go+ into somebody else's prop]ty & absorb+ its b5efits to y\rselves4 ,t's 8 s*eme exactly4 ,he wat*es my m9+ claims l a hawk1 & if my assessm5ts %\ld be a day late he'd jump my claims4 ,he hates me4 ,:at did y ev] d to make him hate y8 innoc5tly inquir$ ,willis4 ,aga9 ,mr4 ,williams ignor$ ! "q & w5t on3 ,he'd j love to "w on t old cab9 aga94 ,i %\ld ?9k t cab9 w\ld int]e/ him1 calmly repli$ ,willis4 ,i only wi% he 0 "h to jo9 u1 = ,i'd r "k him ?an any man ,i c ?9k ( j n[4 ,a man :o builds a h\se ought to "k h[ be/ to build onto x1 hadn't he8 ,p]sonally1 ,i ?9k he mu/ h be5 a v clev] old m9] & z true z /eel4 ,yes1 true to 8 own int]e/s4 ,x takes two to make a fight1 ?\gh1 doesn't x8 ,by ! way1 ,uncle1 :y did y let t saphead$ ,engli%man jump y\r claim la/ week8 ,i %\ld ?9k y'd hate him = su* tricks z y d ,tad8 ,willis ey$ 8 uncle closely1 !n 9 a half und]tone he casually rem>k$1 ,anyway1 ,i ?9k a :ole lot ( ?is m9+ bus9ess is mighty crook$ bus9ess4 ,!n aga9 to 8 uncle1 ,is ,tad /ill ar\nd 9 ! m\nta9s some:]e1 ,uncle8 ,mr4 ,williams smil$ 9 a preoccupi$ way & said1 ,yes & no4 ,i don't und]/&8 que/ion$ ,willis4 ,!re 0 no reply4 ,soon ! man laid d[n 8 pap] & left ! room4 ,well1 ,i'll be jigg]$1 said ,willis half-al\d4 ,:at c he h aga9/ ! man :o 0 my fa!r's p>tn]8 ,i don't "k1 b ,i'll f9d out4 ,he clos$ 8 book ) a slam & w5t (f to b$4 99 99 99 99 99 ,! la/ ,friday night ( ! summ] vacation saw a l>ge gr\p ( husky high s*ool boys bo>d ! c> en r\te to ! cab94 ,all 7 equipp$ ) blanket rolls1 & sev]al c>ri$ picks1 %ovels1 & o!r tools1 = to-morr[ real "w on ! cab9 0 to beg94 ,x seem$ t ! color+ ( ! leaves _h giv5 ev]y?+ _! delicate t9t4 ,! squirrels 7 already ga!r+ /ray acorns t ,"m ,nature _h dropp$ = !m4 ,! little canyon lay 9 p]fect quiet1 except = ! *att]+ ( ! l9e ( boys /ret*$ out along its leafy woodl& trail4 ,! :ole physical body seem$ to respond 9 a my/]i\s way to its e call1 = ,9 ! city we live1 b 9 ! m\nta9s we live m abundantly4 ,by elev5 o'clock ! p>ty sat ar\nd a half-doz5 blaz+ campfires1 mun*+ at a midnight lun* & speculat+ on v>i\s phases ( ! "w4 ,ham 0 keep+ ! fell[s ar\nd "o fire laugh+ ov] 8 rem>ks2 ,fat 0 giv+ expression to 8 views on camp grub & food 9 g5]al4 ,mr4 ,dean ent]ta9$ ano!r gr\p by 8 /ories ( army life1 :ile ,mr4 ,all5 & a numb] ( ! boys' ,cab9et 7 lay+ out a plan ( "w = ! morr[4 ,%orty ,wi] advis$ "w on ! fireplace fir/1 because1 z he po9t$ out1 ! fireplace w\ld be ! cab9's he>t4 ,x might h f9e decorations & new rooms1 a well-/ock$ pantry & new furniture1 yet :at w\ld all ^! be to a dead ?+8 ,! fireplace w\ld be ! spot ar\nd :i* all ! cab9 life w\ld congregate--ar\nd :i* e /range exp]i5ce w\ld be put into words4 ,yes1 ,i'll help cut ! logs & pack 9 ! lumb] & build ! furniture1 b fir/ ( all let me see ! rugg$ /one *imney ) a fire quietly burn+ on a great1 wide1 fri5dly he>? to *e] me z ,i "w4 ,y are "r1 ,%orty1 cri$ ,willis4 ,i'm ) y1 = :5 ! old fireplace is built1 & ! w9d is :i/l+ d[n ! canyon1 br++ messages ( sn[1 we'll =get ev]y?+ outside & j be happy toa/+ be=e a great log fire4 ,& s ! night slipp$ along4 ,aft] a :ile !y began to dr[se1 until "o by "o ! little gr\ps became quiet & fell asleep4 ,only ! gl[+1 flick]+ p9e knots /ay$ awake to wat* ! tir$ sleep]s4 ,! fir/ /reak ( dawn f\nd ! fell[s up & eag] = "w2 besides1 !re 0 s mu* to see & le>n be=e ! day's "w 0 begun4 ,! rema9s ( ! midnight lun*es 7 drawn out ( _! hid+ places & eag]ly dev\r$4 ,! fragrant smell ( broil+ bacon & ! delici\s aroma ( campfire c(fee fill$ ! air4 ,! p9e-sc5t$ smoke f ! campfire hung l[ 9 ! valley1 & e s\nd c>ri$ pla9ly 9 ! morn+ air4 ,! squirrels 7 out 9 great numb]s & at _! morn+ play1 :ile e n[ & !n ! h>%1 rasp+ cry ( a bewild]$ bluejay w\ld float up ! canyon4 ,! /one crew 7 /rung out 9 skirmi% ord] across ! front ( ! high ridge & 7 roll+ d[n e loose /one4 ,"s came ) a m]ry hop1 skip1 & jump2 o!rs ) a %[] ( gravel & a cra% z !y /ruck ! bottom4 ,"o great /one leap$ into ! top ( a spruce tree & /uck fa/4 ,ano!r jump$ ov] ! great b\ld] at ! base ( ! hill & rattl$ into ! op5 door ( ! cab94 ,/ill ano!r da%$ 9 mad fr5zy d[n ! slope1 ?r\gh ! ald]s & into ! /ream1 ?r[+ spray 9 e direction4 ,s ! pile /eadily grew4 ,9 ! aft]noon ! cab9 0 clean$ out & a "p ( ! back por* demoli%$1 ready = ! new addition4 ,x _h be5 decid$ to build a room eight by tw5ty-eight feet1 & 9 x lay "o great balsam-b\gh mattress4 ,"u ,ham's direction ! a]ial bunk 0 begun1 & x v soon %[$ signs ( be+ built by a ma/] build]4 ,x 0 :at might be t]m$ ru/ic1 z ,ham said4 ,logs f ! woodpile 7 sub/itut$ = ! rott+ ones 9 ! floor ( ! bridge4 ,a great pile ( bru%1 twigs1 & tra% 7 set afire & de/roy$4 ,s ! day slipp$ away--all too quickly4 ,f\r o'clock f\nd a gr\p ( royal good fell[s aga9 on ! trail--t trail t 0 soon to become s de> to e "o ( !m4 ,_! muscles 7 tir$ ) unselfi% "w1 & _! m9ds & he>ts 7 full ( ! joy ( liv+4 ,!re 0 already some?+ ( ! great social bond t 0 lat] to tie _! lives toge!r = all "t ) a cord ( pleasant memories4 ,ham _h fa/5$ 8 blanket to a nail away up 9 ! topmo/ raft] ( ! cab91 & "h he left x = ano!r "t4 ,:]e y\r blanket is1 !re w y\r he>t be also1 sometimes1 he quot$ z !y took ! trail t l$ d[n out ( ! wild]ness4 ,,*apt] ,,xii ,! ,discov]y ( ! ,m9e ,two weeks lat] ano!r cr[d 0 organiz$ to d a day's "w on ! cab91 & x seem$ e boy 9 ! ,dep>tm5t want$ to g4 ,unless y feel z husky z a /eam elevator1 y bett] /ay home1 0 ,ham's advice to "o small boy1 = ,ham _h be5 *airman ( ! committee t _h be5 s busy s9ce ! la/ trip1 pur*as+ all mann] ( supplies1 equipm5t1 & build+ mat]ial = ! cab91 all ( :i* w\ld h to be pack$ ov] f ,fairview on donkeys1 & !re 0 ne>ly a c>load ( x4 ,ham 0 "u ! impression t ! donkeys w\ld fall dead :5 !y saw ! pile ( junk1 & t e s+le fell[ 9 ! cr[d w\ld h to wiggle 8 e>s1 bray once or twice1 & get busy1 if ! cab9 ev] became ! possessor ( ! new equipm5t4 ,tw5ty fell[s besides ! ,*ief & ,mr4 ,dean 7 on h& at ! appo9t$ "t4 ,at ! m\? ( ! canyon two v fai?ful old donkeys1 t _h ye>s be=e belong$ to a prospector1 7 r5t$ = ! trip4 ,"u _! =m] ma/] !y _h be5 tra9$ to c>ry heavy loads ( ore f ! little m9e f> back 9 ! m\nta9s out to ! city1 & to return aga9 heavily lad5 ) ! provisions = ano!r w9t] 9 camp4 ,!y _h le>n$ _! lessons well1 s 7 p]fectly tru/wor?y4 ,peanuts 0 ! olde/1 & !re=e came 9 = ! mo/ consid]ation & ! lighte/ load4 ,z he rais$ 8 tir$1 pati5t old head1 8 long gray e>s po9t$ =w>d at ! sight ( ! pack saddles4 ,"o glance & he 0 satisfi$4 ,he p]fectly und]/ood :at 0 com+1 & visions ( ! long1 zigzag pa?s ?r\gh %ad$ valleys all fre% f ! summ] %[]s fla%$ ?r\gh 8 bra94 ,peanuts lov$ ! trail1 ! deep1 long1 grassy trail1 t crept along close to ! little /ream1 !n up & up into ! great ,sil5t ,places4 ,tradition told t ,peanuts _h be5 ! fir/ donkey to c>ry a pack up ,pike's ,peak1 z well z ! fir/ to br+ real high grade out ( ! ,cripple ,creek2 b ( c\rse tradition might h be5 mi/ak54 ,at any rate1 ,peanuts 0 a g5tle1 sl[1 pati5t toil] ( ! trail1 & x 0 l>gely due to 8 good judgm5t t ! cab9 0 ev] equipp$4 ,_m 7 ! trips he made aft] t fir/ j\rney4 ,!re 7 summ] trips 9 ! hot sun ( ,july days2 autumn trips 9 ! cool1 sweet-sc5t$ ev5+s :5 ! m\nta9 twilight l+]s on ! treetops & ! rocky cre/s4 ,!re 7 trips 9 ! w9t] :5 ! trail 0 hidd5 und]nea? heavy blankets ( sn[ or lo/ 9 ! deep :ite drifts4 ,once he _h gone 9 beyond 8 dep? & _h settl$ d[n & d[n into ! fluffy sn[ until j 8 head & big e>s 7 visible above ! sn[bank4 ,8 companion1 ,tub]culosis1 0 a little diff]5t type ( bea/4 ,8 legs 7 long & 8 spirits high4 ,he 0 9 ! prime ( life & 0 n z tru/wor?y z 8 p>tn]4 ,c]ta9ly ,tub]culosis _h 8 idiosyncrasies1 & t fact (t5 spell$ tr\ble = bo? himself & 8 ma/]s4 ,n[1 ,peanuts _h le>n$ t 8 driv] 0 always boss1 & act$ accord+ly2 b n s ) ,tub]culosis4 ,he believ$ t 8 own judgm5t 9 c]ta9 matt]s ( conduct 0 be/4 ,= in/ance1 x 0 absolutely aga9/ 8 pr9ciples to ev] cross a /ream1 no matt] h[ well x 0 bridg$ or h[ insignificant its size4 ,yet1 aft] _m exp]i5ces1 season$ ) a little /r5u\s p]suasion f ! end ( an ald] limb1 he began sl[ly to *ange 8 views4 ,h[ev]1 he positively _h no use = burn$ /umps1 & :5 x came to pass+ a campfire1 ,tub]culosis absolutely decl9$4 ,!re 0 j "o ?+ t bo? donkeys v firmly believ$1 & t 0 t ea* 0 to lead & ! o!r foll[ :5 on ! trail4 ,?is 0 ! only po9t ^u :i* !y really ev] qu>rel$1 & mo/ e "t ,peanuts1 because ( 8 mature judgm5t & /atesman%ip1 won out4 ,:5 ! pack saddles 7 on1 & ! pack bags ( food adju/$ on ei!r side1 ! blanket rolls pil$ high on top1 !y 7 ready to beg9 ! j\rney1 ,donkeys are a good deal l "s m51 obs]v$ ,ham z ! little column came to ! base ( ! hogsback1 !y always h to travel by freight4 ,h[ is t8 que/ion$ ,willis1 :o _h appo9t$ himself gu>dian to ,peanuts & 0 j ahead ( ,ham4 ,:y1 because !y c't express !mselves1 0 ! reply4 ,n v]bally1 p]haps1 sugge/$ ,fat1 b !y d h a signal code1 ( :i* _! h9d legs are ! ma9 features4 ,i've _h !m signal at me m ?an once4 ,& if y ev] receive ! complet$ message1 add$ ,ham1 x usually says1 ',six weeks 9 ! hospital4' ,at ! top ( ! hogsback ! p>ty sep>at$ into two gr\ps4 ,! "o "u ,mr4 ,all5 cont9u$ on up ! trail ) ! two donkeys1 :ile ! o!r1 "u ,mr4 ,dean1 took ! railroad1 walk+ ar\nd by ,fairview1 to see if _! equipm5t _h arriv$4 ,x 0 decid$ ! boys w\ld sleep ar\nd a r\s+ fire r ?an on ! cold floor ( ! cab94 ,! %ak$[n 0 too dry to be com=table1 & ,ham's a]ial bunk _h n yet be5 complet$4 ,!y !re=e *ose a spot = ! night's camp across ! /ream f ! cab9 on a piece ( high level gr\nd cov]$ ) a ?ick br[n c>pet ( p9e ne$les4 ,v soon a bright fire 0 burn+ & ! night's wood ga!r$4 ,f ! bulg+ packsacks a real camp supp] 0 gott5 "u way4 ,e fell[ cook$ 8 own piece ( meat & bak$ 8 potato 9 ! coals1 :ile ,mr4 ,all5 made ! c(fee & op5$ ! cans ( beans4 ,ea* fell[ fa%ion$ himself a spoon f a dry /ick1 & ! new cab9 t9cups 7 initiat$ into s]vice4 ,ham1 :o _h _h "s previ\s exp]i5ce ) donkeys1 w>n$ ev]ybody to be sure to save all ! scraps1 = beans1 rye bread1 or beef/eak 7 all da9ties to ! fai?ful animals4 ,"o ( ! fell[s _h br\ght 8 m\?-organ1 & "u 8 lead]%ip !y sang e song f ,my ,bonnie ,lies ,ov] ! ,ocean to ,ne>]1 ,my ,god1 to ,!e4 ,:5 ! fire _h _h "t to "w its wond]s on ! he>ts & spirits ( ! camp]s1 ,mr4 ,all5 sugge/$ a few /ories4 ,( c\rse1 he j voic$ :at 0 9 ! m9ds ( _m o!rs1 = :o ev] he>d ( a campfire1 a gr& night1 a happy cr[d1 & no /ories8 ,su* a situation 0 inconceivable4 ,e fell[ look$ =w>d to ! campfire because ( ! /ories1 & rememb]$ ! /ories because ( ! campfire4 ,!y 7 insep>able4 ,mr4 ,dean op5$ ! program4 ,"o /ory sugge/$ ano!r1 & t "o ano!r1 until ne>ly e "o 9 ! circle _h told a /ory except ,ham4 ,willis told ,indian leg5ds ( ! great ,kankakee ,swamp & ( ! disappe>ance ( ! ,pottawattomie ,indians4 ,ano!r told ( a wond]ful trip ?r\gh ,yell[/one ,p>k2 ano!r ( a de] hunt 9 ,r\tt ,c\nty2 & /ill ano!r ( a m\nta9 goat exp$ition 9 ! ,canadian ,rockies4 ,all ! :ile ,ham lay flat on 8 back1 %ad+ 8 face f ! fire ) 8 h&s1 & look+ up at ! />s4 ,he 0 revel+ 9 ! _s ( ! fire & ( ! night4 ,:at are y dream+ ab\t1 ,ham8 call$ ,willis f ! o!r side ( ! fire1 to :i* ,ham made no reply4 ,:at's on y\r m9d8 ask$ ,fat1 z he roll$ ov]1 fac+ ,ham1 & pun*$ him 9 ! ribs4 ,no?+ special1 drawl$ ,ham z he rose to a sitt+ position & drew 8 legs up "u him4 ,i've j be5 li/5+4 ,y\r /ories h be5 ! words to ! music t is 9 ! air to-night4 ,i love to lie /ill be=e a fire & li/5 to its music4 ,i nev] realiz$ be=e h[ _m out-(-door noises are lib]at$ :5 a pile ( dry /icks are burn$4 ,t old fire has j be5 s++ all ! imprison$ songs ( ! =e/ wild to-night1 & giv+ out aga9 9 its little flames a hundr$ ?\s& tons ( absorb$ sun%9e4 ,ham1 let's h ! ,pike's ,peak /ory1 urg$ ,mr4 ,dean2 b ,ham only laugh$4 ,yes1 let's d1 begg$ ,willis4 ,:at's ! ,pike's ,peak /ory8 inquir$ ,sleepy f 8 place aga9/ an old /ump4 ,well1 if e "o ( y fell[s w promise to nev] m5tion x aga9 to me1 said ,ham hesitat+ly2 b ,i'm n go+ to tell y all ! details--j ! plot--rememb] t6 ,he settl$ himself com=tably & began3 ,! ?ree ( u _h be5 9 ! habit ( tak+ long ,sunday aft]noon tramps 9 ! m\nta9s1 b because ( ! cold wea!r we _h be5 pretty well %ut 9 all w9t]4 ,! sn[fall = ! season _h be5 heavy & ! cold1 especially 9 ! m\nta9s1 _h be5 int5se4 ,x 0 ! eigh? ( ,m>*1 ,i ?9k1 & ! v fir/ signs ( spr+ _h j put 9 _! appe>ance4 ,we decid$ t we w\ld walk to ! ,half-,way ,h\se on ! ,cog ,road1 or at lea/ z f> z we c\ld4 ,we didn't "k h[ mu* sn[ !re 01 or :]e x began1 b we 7 all feel+ good & anxi\s = ano!r real hike4 ,we 7 all ?ree dress$ 9 our ,sunday clo!s1 & ,i 0 ! pr\d possessor ( a new spr+ suit & a pair ( l[ %oes4 ,x 0 ab\t ?ree o'clock 9 ! aft]noon :5 we />t$ up ! track f ,manit\2 by five o'clock we rea*$ ! ,half-,way ,h\se1 & mu* to our surprise f\nd ! keep] !re4 ,we _h enc\nt]$ v little or no sn[ t f> on ! track1 &1 z ! days 7 gett+ long]1 we knew we _h two good h\rs yet be=e d>k4 ,we inquir$ ( ! inn keep] h[ f> ! track 0 op51 & he in=m$ u t x 0 cle> z f> z ,w9dy ,po9t1 t !re ! great ice %eets began4 ,!re is always m sn[ on ! great s\? %\ld] ( ! ,peak ?an any:]e else4 ,y rememb] ,son-(-a-,gun ,hill8 ,well1 we decid$ t we w\ld pu% on to ! top ( ,son-(-a-,gun1 !n come back4 ,we left ! ,half-,way ,h\se & />t$ up ! track4 ,! walk+ 0 f9e on t flat /ret* j aft] y leave ! inn1 & we cov]$ space v rapidly4 ,at ! bottom ( ! great hill1 9 a grove ( "y asp5s1 we /opp$ & cut u "s walk+ /icks4 ,if x _h be5 summ]1 & ! sn[ & ice gone1 we w\ld probably h notic$ t !re 0 a t]rible /orm ga!r+ 9 ! valley back ( ,cam]on's ,cone2 b ) ! range all :ite & dre>y we did n notice x4 ,y fell[s :o h liv$ "h ne> ! m\nta9 "k t a /orm (t5 rises up !re z if by magic4 ,!y come s quickly y (t5 wond] :]e !y came f4 ,( c\rse1 be+ directly 9 ! %ad[ ( ,pike's ,peak1 ! sun w5t d[n v e>ly1 & our twilight 0 n z long z we anticipat$4 ,i 0 ! fir/ to notice ! cold breeze t _h sprung up1 & ,i rem>k$ ab\t x2 b we 7 walk+ fa/ & 7 really too mu* int]e/$ 9 rea*+ ! edge ( ! sn[ to pay mu* att5tion to any?+4 ,sudd5ly x grew d>k & ! w9d increas$4 ,9 less ?an t5 m9utes we 7 9 ! mid/ ( a h[l+ m\nta9 blizz>d & ! sn[ 0 be+ driv5 be=e ! w9d at a t]rific spe$4 ,john sugge/$ turn+ back1 b ,al & ,i 7 = pu%+ on1 ?9k+ x 0 j a squall1 &1 z x seem$ to be head$ /raight d[n ! canyon1 we ?\ght we w\ld soon get above x4 ,john insi/$ t we 7 crazy1 b we made all mann] ( fun ( him1 s on we w5t4 ',fools ru% 9 :]e angels fe> to tread1' sometimes4 ,t is j :at we did4 ,we walk$ on 9 sil5ce z fa/ z we c\ld = half an h\r4 ,!n we /opp$ & held a p>ley4 ,we sudd5ly awoke f our little dream ( fooli%ness & began to realize t in/ead ( gett+ out ( t /orm1 we _h gott5 into x4 ,up !re on t great m\nta9 side we c\ld n see t5 feet 9 any direction4 ,above u & ar\nd u 0 a rag+ sea ( froz5 pellets4 ,! sn[ 0 drift+ along ! track1 & 9 "s places x 0 already completely hidd54 ,night 0 com+1 & !re 0 no %elt] f ! swirl+ w9ds4 ,9 numb] ( miles we 7 a good deal ne>] ! summit ( ! ,peak ?an we 7 home1 & some:]e ahead ( u 0 ! old pr9t+ /ation4 ,we w\ld make = x & its %elt]--x w\ld be fooli% to expose ourselves to ! /orm by return+ 9 ! op5 valley4 ,!n1 too1 we might lose our way & slip into ! canyon bel[4 ,we f\ght on bravely 9 ! d>k until f9ally ! w9d w5t d[n a little & ! sn[ grew s(t & wet4 ,our %oes 7 wet ?r\gh & our bodies completely *ill$1 yet we c\ld n f9d ! pr9t+ /ation4 ,_h we pass$ x1 or 0 x /ill ahead4 ,we diff]$ 9 our op9ions4 ,f9ally ! sn[ ceas$1 & we c\ld see ab\t u a little by ! reflect$ light4 ,we spi$ a few /raggly trees & made = !m1 = we 7 j at timb] l9e4 ,we f\nd a great tree t _h bl[n ov]1 &1 break+ limbs f its pro/rate trunk1 we built a l>ge fire & sat on ! log to dry our feet4 ,we 7 n[ v ke5ly alive to our situation1 & knew x 0 becom+ s]i\s4 ,we sudd5ly realiz$ t our only safety dep5d$ on ! locat+ ( t old pr9t+ /ation4 ,our %oes 7 s wet & our feet s cold t ! lea!r burn$ be=e we knew x2 b1 z a real matt] ( fact1 we didn't realize h[ badly !y 7 burn$ until an h\r lat]1 :5 ! %oes began to crack away 9 bits & ! upp]s to rip op5 along ! seams4 ,we rea*$ ! great sn[banks4 ,! track & roadb$ 0 buri$ deep4 ,! la/ /raggl+ trees 7 f> beh9d4 ,we /ood on a great :ite wa/e ( sn[1 ?irty feet 9 dep?1 n a l&m>k to be se54 ,if ! /ation 0 ahead1 x 0 buri$2 if x 0 beh9d1 we _h miss$ x4 ,) t realization our spirits fell1 = to turn back n[ meant c]ta9 dea?4 ,!n1 to add to our dang]1 x _h begun to turn fe>fully cold--t k9d ( a cle>1 /eady cold t comes only 9 ! m\nta9s1 :5 ! !rmomet] drops tw5ty-five degrees bel[ z]o & ! air cuts l a knife1 :ile y\r no/rils freeze toge!r :5 y brea!4 ,at ! fire we _h ti$ h&k]*iefs ov] our e>s & ti$ /r+s ar\nd our tr\s] legs to keep ! w9d & sn[ out4 ,e little :ile we sat d[n & p\nd$ our feet ) our walk+ /icks to keep up ! circulation4 ,at la/ we came to ab\t two feet ( a telephone pole /ick+ up ?r\gh ! sn[bank4 ,we knew !n t we 7 (f ! road & 7 high up on ! m\nta94 ,luckily = u1 ! sn[banks 7 s heavily cru/$ t !y held u up )\t break+ ?r\gh4 ,john sugge/$ a plan3 ,we w\ld foll[ ! po/ ends to ! ,summit ,h\se2 9 t way we c\ld n get lo/4 ,two ( u w\ld /op at ! tip ( "o po/1 :ile ! o!r1 usually ,john1 w\ld pu% on to f9d ! next "o4 ,:5 x 0 locat$ he w\ld call & we w\ld g to him4 ,j h[ long we travel$ 9 t mann] ,i d n "k4 ,x seem$ days1 b1 ( c\rse1 x 0 only a brief "t4 ,(t5 ,i 0 positive t ! po/s 7 at lea/ a half a mile ap>t4 ,my %oes 7 s badly crack$ at ! seams t my feet grew v numb ) ! cold1 & be=e long ,i knew ,i 0 freez+4 ,"t & aga9 we ?\ght we he>d some?+ com+ ov] ! sn[ beh9d u4 ,! air 0 cle> z a bell1 &1 z we pu%$ on1 ?is s\nd fright5$ u m & m4 ,our imag9ations began to play /range pranks4 ,i rememb] t ,i 0 too fright5$ to ev5 move1 s sometimes ,i w\ld j /& %iv]+ & li/5+4 ,we h>dly spoke a ^w4 ,by & by ! "t came :5 ,i 0 too cold to leave my po/ = ! next "o4 ,i j put my arms ab\t x & begg$ ! fell[s n to wait = me1 b to g on & save !mselves2 to dig a hole 9 ! sn[ & leave me 9 x4 ,b ,john1 de> old ,john1 refus$ &1 putt+ 8 arm ab\t me1 he dragg$ me on & on4 ,he tri$ to make me angry by /rik+ me1 & w>n$ me n to g to sleep or ,i w\ld freeze4 ,b ,i told him ,i mu/ sleep1 = my feet & legs 7 numb & my arms & %\ld]s a*$ ) %>p pa9s2 !n ,i cri$ l a baby4 ,soon ,al began to play out also1 & ,john plead ) him n to give up4 ,al took me by "o arm & ,john ! o!r1 & toge!r !y fairly dragg$ me ov] ! sn[4 ,:5 we lea/ expect$ x1 we /umbl$ ov] ! /eps t l$ to ! ,summit ,h\se4 ,9 a few mom5ts we 7 at ! door1 b ,i 0 helpless4 ,! summit 0 completely buri$1 except at "o end1 :]e ! w9d _h kept x cle>4 ,john ha/ily exam9$ ! w9d[s1 only to f9d t e op5+ 0 securely cov]$ ) an iron %utt]4 ,we 7 lo/6 ,i he>d ,john mutt]+ to himself2 !n he slipp$ 8 f+]s "u ! bottom ( ! %utt]1 brac$ 8 feet1 & pull$ ) a sup]human /r5g?--! /r5g? ( a la/ hope4 ,) a creak ! %utt] gave at its fa/5+s1 !n b5t 9 ! middle1 & slipp$ out4 ,he !n knock$ out ! d\ble w9d[ ) 8 elb[ & soon _h me inside4 ,we f\nd c&les 9 a j>1 & !re 0 a great wood /ove 9 ! room1 b no fuel4 ,he didn't hesitate1 b w5t to ! c\nt]1 remov$ ! %elves f x1 &1 ) a meat cleav] :i* lay on ! table1 he cut ! %elves1 & we soon _h a fire4 ,we he>d s\nds outside1 & realiz$ t ! some?+ we _h he>d beh9d u on ! sn[ 0 at ! w9d[4 ,we 7 consci\s ( a pres5ce )\t be+ able to see x4 ,john w5t to ! brok5 w9d[ & look$ out1 b he c\ld see no?+4 ,soon we he>d /eal?y /eps back & =? on ! flat ro( above4 ,he b>ricad$ ! w9d[1 br\ght sn[ on ! end ( a bo>d1 & rubb$ my face1 feet1 & legs ) x1 !n wrapp$ me 9 tableclo?s :i* he f\nd 9 ! cupbo>d4 ,sev]al times he br\ght a great armful ( %elves f ! /or]oom & cut !m up = ! /ove4 ,z soon z ! fire 0 />t$1 ,al lay d[n on ! floor & fell into a heavy sleep4 ,we c\ld n wak5 him1 & x fright5$ u badly4 ,john began to cry1 & ,i ?9k if x _h n be5 = ! con/ant pac+ back & =? ( ! /range animal on ! ro( we w\ld all h giv5 up4 ,soon ! fir/ /reaks ( dawn began to %[ !mselves1 & ) ! light ! pac+ on ! ro( /opp$4 ,john climb$ up ! t[] /eps & pe]$ out j 9 "t to see ! animal jump f ! ro( & disappe>4 ,! h\se 0 fairly ov]run ) rats t scamp]$ 9 e direction4 ,i ?\ght ,i _h se5 rats1 m\nta9 rats1 b ,i _h nev] se5 any l ^?4 ,!y 7 s bold we 7 afraid to sleep1 = !y 7 l>ge en\gh to be dang]\s4 ,:5 ,al awoke he 0 v sick & weak4 ,john f\nd a big t9 box 9 ! kit*51 & 9 x 7 c(fee1 grap5uts1 & ! rema9s ( a ham4 ,he melt$ sn[ = wat]1 & got u a little breakfa/4 ,we 7 ?ree pretty s]i\s fell[s1 = we knew only too well h[ ! folks at home w\ld be worry+ ab\t u & h[ ne> we _h come to freez+ to dea? on t great m\nta9 ( sn[ & ice4 ,aft] we _h _h breakfa/1 we made u crude sn[%oes f ! ends ( groc]y boxes1 :i* we fa/5$ to our feet ) /r+s4 ,our %oes became h>d :5 !y dri$1 & x 0 only aft] pa9ful ef=t t we got !m on at all4 ,we took ! piece ( ham1 cook$ ! grease f x1 & ) ?is oil$ our %oes z be/ we c\ld4 ,travel+ 0 v sl[1 = we 7 weak & sick1 s x 0 ne>ly ev5+ be=e we rea*$ ,manit\4 ,!re we met sev]al rescue p>ties j />t+ to f9d u4 ,i c %ut my eyes & see !m n[4 ,"s c>ri$ blankets & "s food4 ,mr4 ,all5 _h a big r$ sweat] on 8 arm & a coil ( heavy rope hung f 8 %\ld]4 ,old ,b5 0 !re1 too1 = !y _h s5t ^w to him at ,bru9 ,inn1 inquir+ if we 7 !re1 & :5 he f\nd out we 7 lo/ he insi/$ on jo9+ ! rescue p>ty4 ,9 fact1 x 0 he t sugge/$ t we _h probably gone up ,pike's ,peak4 ,b5 & ,i h always be5 great fri5ds ev] s9ce4 ,we held out "s way till we rea*$ home1 !n we all ?ree gave up4 ,o1 ! awful sickness t foll[$ & ! pa9 ( froz5 feet6 ,i 0 9 b$ ne>ly a mon?1 & e "t ,i slept ,i dream$ ( t awful night4 ,i came v ne> slipp+ (f ?is e>? !n4 ,( c\rse ! newspap]s made fools ( u & all ! fell[s teas$ u ne>ly beyond endurance4 ,x 0 only a few weeks lat] t an imm5se m\nta9 lion 0 %ot ne> ! cab9 on ! c>riage road4 ,!re y are1 y h my /ory1 n[ let's =get x4 ,n a fell[ mov$4 ,!y all sat look+ int5tly into ! dy+ fire4 ,aft] a few m9utes ,mr4 ,all5 sugge/$ a sleep1 & be=e long ! camp 0 quiet1 ea* camp] wrapp$ 9 8 blanket & /ret*$ full l5g? on ! gr\nd4 99 99 99 99 99 ,v e>ly ! next morn+ ! transportation ( equipm5t 0 begun4 ,! entire p>ty w5t ov] to ,fairview to br+ ! fir/ load ( t9 di%es1 plates1 cups1 knives1 =ks & spoons1 kettles1 pots1 fry+-pans1 sug> cans--& s ! li/ w5t on4 ,! old %elves 7 remov$ f ! bl9d end ( ! cab9 & plac$ ne> ! w9d[ 9 ! o!r end4 ,^! 7 to s]ve z pantry %elves 9 ! kit*5 corn]4 ,aft] breakfa/ 0 ov] "o gr\p return$ to ! c> = ano!r load1 :ile ,ham1 ) a help]1 pu%$ =w>d ! con/ruction ( ! a]ial bunk4 ,! que] old %ak$[n 0 torn to pieces & ! poles us$ = ,ham's b$1 ! re/ ( x 0 %ov$ out ( ! back door & set afire4 ,on ?is load ! /ove came1 two fell[s support+ x on ! pack-saddle ( old ,peanuts4 ,x 0 set up ne> ! w9d[ & a "w table built at ! end ( x4 ,ano!r set ( %elves 0 made = ! pantry1 & soon all 0 9 read9ess at t end ( ! h\se4 ,! old grub box 0 conv]t$ into a bread box1 & ! little old /ove 0 set back 9 an out-(-!-way corn]4 ,x 01 inde$1 ! pass+ ( ! old to give place to ! new4 ,tub]culosis seem$ to ent] completely into ! _s ( ! new1 = he _h walk$ calmly back & =? ov] ! %aky old bridge :i* cross$ ! /ream ) load aft] load ( %+les & sacks ( cem5t & a ?\s& o!r ?+s t 7 to h a place 9 ! cab94 ,!re 7 w9d[s & a heavy p9e door = ! new room4 ,!re 7 axes & saws & hamm]s4 ,!re 7 buckets & lant]ns & iron b>s to put ov] ! w9d[s1 & /ove-pipe = ! kit*5 /ove4 ,!n1 too1 !re 0 a gr& old crane = ! fireplace & ! frame = a wire scre5 to keep ! fly+ br&s on ! he>?4 ,n a ?+ t w\ld be ne$$ _h be5 =gott54 ,x 0 a we>y cr[d ( fell[s t came sl[ly along ! trail at noon ) ! la/ load ( bo>ds1 hung on ! sides ( ,peanuts' saddle1 ! nails & h>dw>e1 pack$ 9 heavy canvas bags1 load$ on ,tub]culosis4 ,! a]ial bunk 0 all complet$ be=e d9n] "t1 except ?at*+ x ) balsam b\ghs1 & all h&s w\ld help at t aft] ! noon meal4 ,mr4 ,all5 prep>$ ! meal1 & x 0 a real camp d9n]4 ,c\ld fell[s ev] h be5 s hungry be=e8 ,9 ! aft]noon ! re/ ( ! old back v]&a 0 demoli%$ & cle>$ away4 ,a l>ge numb] ( great1 tall asp5s1 ! *oice ( ! grove1 7 cut1 trimm$1 & dragg$ 91 9 read9ess = ! new /ructure4 ,x seem$ t all ! jays = miles ar\nd & all ! squirrels 9 ! valley came to inve/igate :5 !y he>d ! cra%+ ( ! big trees & ! m]ry s\nd ( ! axes4 ,great piles ( balsam b\ghs 7 dragg$ d[n f ! m\nta9 side opposite ! cab94 ,^! 7 c>efully trimm$ be=e !y 7 h&$ up to ,ham1 :o 0 9 ! bunk do+ ! ?at*+4 ,! e>ly aft]noon saw ! completion ( ! f9e1 big b$--big en\gh = five p2 & z ! fell[s became too tir$ to "w1 ! bunk became m & m popul>4 ,e "o 0 anxi\s to try x4 ,a heavy hasp 0 spik$ to its place1 & ! cab9 0 put "u lock & key = ! fir/ "t4 ,!y _h really tak5 possession ( x--x 0 !irs4 ,x beats ! ,dut* h[ mu* t y>d ( /ovepipe /ick+ out !re adds to h] looks1 obs]v$ ,mr4 ,dean :5 ! /ove _h be5 set up4 ,x isn't ! /ovepipe s mu*1 repli$ ,*uck1 z x is ! smoke com+ out ( x4 ,:at pipe are y talk+ ab\t8 inquir$ ,sleepy z he dropp$ d[n out ( ! new bunk to inspect ! "w ! o!rs _h be5 do+ s9ce noon4 ,:o's smok+ a pipe8 he p]si/$1 n und]/&+ ! conv]sation4 ,! cab91 t]sely rem>k$ ,*uck4 ,b x has to get w>m be=e x c smoke1 & x has to "w be=e x c get w>m4 ,! cab9 might tea* y a lesson4 ,lat] 9 ! aft]noon !re 0 a great commotion a little di/ance up ! trail1 & ,mr4 ,all5 ha/5$ to inve/igate ! %\t+ & s\nds ( *opp+4 ,to 8 great disgu/ he f\nd ,sleepy deal+ heavy bl[s to an old p9e tree ) an ax :ile ! p]spiration 0 runn+ d[n 8 face4 ,he 0 pranc+ ab\t 9 great excitem5t4 ,:at on e>?8 que/ion$ ,mr4 ,all54 ,i'm try+ to get a squirrel4 ,i saw him up 9 ?is tree j a mom5t ago1 cri$ ,sleepy4 ,is t all y c f9d to d to use up y\r en]gy8 ask$ ,mr4 ,all5 dryly4 ,sleepy look$ at him %eepi%ly1 !n hung 8 head & sl[ly return$ to ! cab91 br\ght a pail ( wat] f ! /ream1 !n crawl$ up into ! bunk1 out ( sight4 ,by ! "t ?+s 7 /raight5$ ar\nd 9 ! cab9 s t ! mason c\ld build ! fireplace x 0 "t to be />t+ home1 b e "o 0 too tir$ f ! day's "w4 ,!y decid$ !y w\ld re/ 9 ! cool %ade = an h\r be=e beg9n+ ! tramp d[n4 ,x w\ld !n be twilight4 ,willis took ?is occasion to d a little explor+ on 8 own acc\nt4 ,he _h work$ fai?fully all day & 0 v tir$1 b he did s want to f9d 8 fa!r's m9e be=e he w5t home ?is "t4 ,he slipp$ away unobs]v$ & took ! l[] trail1 :i* foll[$ up to ! rema9s ( ! second bridge1 !n climb$ to ! tumbl$-d[n cab9 !y _h f\nd ! fir/ day4 ,"h he took ! trail t l$ f> up into ! timb]4 ,f9ally he saw f> up above him :at appe>$ to be an old m9e dump4 ,quickly he clamb]$ up ov] rocks & rott+ logs t[>d x1 & 9 a few mom5ts he /ood on ! dump itself1 :i* 0 ( h>d black /one1 ) ! exception ( j a little qu>tz4 ,he 0 sure x 0 ! same k9d ( /one he _h se5 on ! old mantle at 8 gr&fa!r's4 ,! qu>tz 0 app>5tly ! la/ /one dump$4 ,at "o side /ood an old m9e %aft1 p]haps fifty feet deep1 ) an anci5t h&-made w9dlass /ill at ! top4 ,!n j to "o side & ent]+ ! m\nta9 0 a great log door1 put toge!r ) bolts4 ,! lock 0 a /rong p[d]-h\se lock1 made ( heavy brass4 ,! place gave no appe>ance ( hav+ se5 a man 9 _m ye>s4 ,! h+es & hasp on ! great door 7 heavily corrod$1 & an old metal :eelb>r[ lay on ! dump1 ru/$ r$4 ,a t9 sign fa/5$ to a tree at ! side ( ! tunnel _h become a t>get = exp]t gunn]s4 ,willis tri$ ! door1 b c\ld n =ce x a p>ticle4 ,turn+1 he /ood look+ (f into ! canyon t[>d ,*ey5ne4 ,s ?is is ! spot1 he mus$2 & x has nev] be5 t\*$ 9 ^! t5 ye>s4 ,poor old daddy1 poor old daddy6 ,he lean$ heavily aga9/ ! log door1 & 8 ?\ghts came ?ick & fa/1 only to conclude1 z !y always did1 )1 ,:]e is ,tad ,kies] & :y does my uncle try to keep me away f ?is spot8 ,he 0 /&+ :]e 8 fa!r _h /ood _m times1 & ! boy seem$ to be v consci\s ( 8 pres5ce j !n4 ,he wond]$ if1 p]haps1 !re _h n be5 some?+ ( j love = ! place itself1 z well z = ! gold1 :i* _h drawn 8 fa!r !re s irresi/ibly4 ,su* a spot = a long1 quiet visit ) "o's self6 ,bel[ him ! /ream & ! little cab92 to "o side1 & a little f>!r up1 ! beautiful falls1 ) ,cook/ove 9 ! backgr\nd2 to ! o!r side ! p>k1 all respl5d5t 9 yell[ leaves1 ) "h & !re a tall p9e /&+ l a gre5 isl& 9 a sea ( g5tly-mov+ gold4 ,f> away ov] ! ridge 0 ! blue outl9e ( ,*ey5ne ) its /age road creep+ r\nd ! base4 ,he sat d[n to re/ & to ?9k4 ,he 0 sudd5ly awak5$ f 8 dream by see+ ,mr4 ,all5 clos+ & lock+ ! cab9 door bel[ him4 ,he rose & ha/5$ d[n ! trail4 ,9 a few mom5ts he _h jo9$ ! p>ty1 b he kept sil5t ab\t :]e he _h be5 & :at he _h se54 ,y'll h to let me 9 ! cab9 a mom5t1 ,mr4 ,all51 he call$2 ,i left my coat up 9 ! bunk--,i =got x4 ,! door 0 unlock$ & ,willis ent]$1 ha/ily climb+ ! little ladd] up ! side ( ! wall to ! bunk4 ,x 0 d>k 9 ! cab91 = ! sun _h set4 ,z he /epp$ into ! bunk he t\*$ some?+1 !n jump$ back ) an exclamation4 ,sleepy rais$ up on 8 elb[ & look$ ab\t him4 ,9 a t]ror-/rick5 voice he call$ out1 ,:o are y8 ,willis laugh$ s he>tily t ! fell[s came hurry+ into ! cab9 to see :at occasion$ x4 ,!n foll[$ a great deal ( fun at ,sleepy's exp5se4 ,sleepy only hung 8 head & tri$ to act z if 8 feel+s _h be5 badly hurt4 ,dirty trick1 aft] a fell['s work$ h>d all day1 to g & lock him 9 & />t = home )\t him4 ,i'd h />v$ 9 !re1 ,i suppose1 he said gloomily1 & no "o w\ld h c>$4 ,i suppose y w\ld1 laugh$ ,ham1 = y w\ld be too lazy to cook y a meal aft] y f\nd ! food4 ,we'll h to keep gu>d all ! way home on ,sleepy1 fell[s1 or he'll fall into "s rav9e & g to sleep4 ,he work$ s h>d to-day1 poor boy4 ,i nev] did believe 9 ?is *ild labor bus9ess1 anyway4 ,! fell[s took turn ab\t rid+ ! donkeys home1 & a unique exp]i5ce x 01 = pack saddles are n ! mo/ com=table seats 9 ! _w1 especially = a tir$ boy4 ,ham gave practical demon/ration until ! o!rs caught on1 !n he walk$4 ,!y 7 all too tir$ to *at mu*1 s j jogg$ along homew>d1 happy t ano!r day's "w 0 done on ! cab94 ,a few m l ?is trip & we w be ready to ent]ta91 call$ ,mr4 ,dean4 ,,*apt] ,,xiii ,sleepy ,smi? has an ,exp]i5ce ,two weeks lat] ano!r trip 0 made to ! n[-belov$ cab91 b ! p>ty 0 small &1 because ( ! lack ( lead]%ip1 ! am\nt ( con/ructive "w done 0 n great4 ,en\gh logs 7 cut & dragg$ 9 to complete ! addition1 a new lay] ( fragrant b\ghs add$ to ! a]ial bunk1 & ! dam improv$ & /r5g!n$4 ,! re/ ( ! day 0 sp5t 9 hunt+ squirrels & *ipmunks & 9 inve/igat+ ! imm5se valley above ,/4 ,m>y's ,falls4 ,s*ool 0 keep+ ! fell[s v busy1 & because ! fall social life _h begun ! "y m5 f\nd sp>e "t v sc>ce4 ,! autumn activities 9 ! ,boys' ,dep>tm5t 7 also 9 full sw+1 dem&+ _! %>e ( "t & att5tion4 ,! /&+ committee = ! com+ circus 7 already appo9t$1 & 7 scrat*+ _! heads = new & novel /unts4 ,! ,o4,f4,f4 7 to pres5t ! aft]conc]t1 & ,fat 0 busy on ! program4 ,! fall gymnasium 0 be+ ent]$ into ) great ze/1 & already !re _h be5 a call = basket ball4 ,! ,bible /udy gr\ps 7 gett+ toge!r = ! w9t]1 ! new ,cab9et _h be5 elect$1 s t1 someway1 !re 0 n a great deal ( "t left = ! cab94 ,mr4 ,all5 & a few pick$ fell[s _h made a trip ! week be=e1 prim>ily to take up a supply ( food = ! mason & 8 help]1 & _h gott5 ! entire frame ( ! addition up1 ready to ro( & %+le4 ,! next week ano!r small gr\p w5t up to ro( ! addition & close x 9 s z to keep out ! sn[1 if1 p]*ance1 x might come be=e !y 7 able to f9i% ! improvem5ts4 ,!y f\nd ! fireplace complet$1 crude b arti/ic1 ( jagg$ b\ld]s ) an imm5se cem5t he>?4 ,! iron crane _h be5 built 91 & n[ hung lazily 9 ! big fire-box4 ,next came ! cutt+ ( ! asp5 poles = ! floor ( ! addition4 ,!y _h hop$ to get at lea/ "o lay] ( b\ghs on ! great b$ s t ! next "t a l>g] cr[d c\ld be accommodat$1 b ! long autumn %ad[s w>n$ !m t twilight 0 approa*+ long be=e !y />t$ x1 s consequ5tly !y _h to g back )\t see+ t task accompli%$4 ,! curta9s _h be5 put on ! w9d[s1 :ite oilclo? _h be5 tack$ on ! bo>d tables1 & a mirror1 if y please1 0 hung ov] ! t9 wa% bas9 j inside ! door4 ,hooks made ( crook$ bran*es 7 fa/5$ ^u ! logs on :i* to hang coats & hav]sacks4 ,! place _h really und]gone a g5u9e trans=mation4 ,well1 said ,ham1 z he took a long dr9k f ! bucket ( fre% wat] t /ood on ! kit*5 table1 t's ! be/ wat] t ev] fl[$ d[n a m\nta9 side4 ,!re's life & heal? 9 e %9+ drop ( x4 ,to tell y ! real tru?1 fell[s1 ,i'm beg9n+ to feel mightily at home "h 9 ?is little %ack4 ,%ack6 t doesn't s\nd "r1 ?\gh1 does x8 ,:at are we go+ to call ?is place1 anyway1 ,mr4 ,all58 ,y4,m4,c4,a4 ,cab9 is no good4 ,x s\nds too civiliz$4 ,n[1 does t old fireplace look civiliz$8 ,& t iron crane1 & ^? twi/$ ru/ic seats 9 ! corn]1 & t b$ out !re big en\gh to accommodate tw5ty fell[s8 ,x rem9ds me ( a home ! old ,vik+s mu/ h _h long ago1 way up 9 ! great p9e woods ( ,nor!rn ,europe4 ,someway1 x has a look ( heal? & /r5g? ab\t x t ,i l4 ,don't y see ! smile on t old fire-box8 ,c't y he> ! happy peasant *ildr5 ga!r$ !re on t he>? s++ _! woodl& songs & dr9k+ _! mugs ( w>m s\p8 ,!n1 ov] yond]1 all /ret*$ out1 8 head to ! fire1 lies a great1 gaunt dog1 tir$ f ! *ase4 ,!n ! tap1 tap on ! wood5 floor ( ! old woman's cane z %e hobbles ab\t ! cab94 ,c't y smell ! be> haun* t's roa/+ !re on t long spit be=e ! fire8 ,don't y he> ! m]ry music ( ! ax1 j outside ! door1 z brawny arms sw+ x1 cutt+ ! great backlog = ! long night8 ,civiliz$8 ,yes1 9 a way1 b n 9 our way1 is x8 ,b :at are we go+ to call ?is cab98 ,willis _h slipp$ out a few m9utes be=e & _h w&]$ up ! canyon to ! la/ po9t f :i* ! cab9 c\ld be se54 ,!re he /opp$ & turn$ to survey ! valley4 ,! air 0 cle> & cool & 0 completely fill$ ) ! fragrant murmur+ ( ! p9es4 ,f> d[n 9 a vi/a ( %ift+ lights & %ad[s /ood ! cab94 ,! next week br\ght ! fir/ signs ( ! approa*+ w9t]4 ,! w>m fall ra9s gave way to cold %[]s4 ,! leaves fell 9 c\ntless millions1 & ! voices ( ! fea!r$ folk seem$ to h bl[n away ) ! autumn leaves4 ,heavy :ite mi/s hung ov] ! m\nta9s1 lift+ occasionally to %[ curi\s eyes t ! l(ty summits 7 already be+ pa9t$ :ite4 ,! grass lo/ its fre%1 gre5 color1 & ! wild purple a/]s dropp$ _! lovely heads & slept4 ,! fir/ real sn[ came 9 ! night4 ,! desire to g to ! cab9 on ! "p ( a l>ge numb] ( heal?y1 /alw>t boys 0 mat*$ aga9/ a foot ( fluffy sn[4 ,! fact t !y _h n se5 ! new1 complet$ bunk-h\se1 nor ! fireplace1 add$ greatly to _! int5se desire to g4 ,add$ to ?is 0 ! natural boyi% love = possible adv5ture1 s1 ( c\rse1 x 0 decid$ to g1 sn[ or no sn[4 ,tw5ty /rong1 !y 7 on h& at ! appo9t$ h\r4 ,s(t %irts _h giv5 way to sweat]s1 out+ %oes to high boots or legg+s4 ,/ill ! boys 7 j ! same--happy1 heal?y1 & free1 ready = any?+ ! trip might br+4 ,old ,peanuts rais$ sad eyes z he 0 l$ =? & saddl$4 ,to ?9k t su* z he %\ld tramp ?r\gh all t sn[ on su* a night4 ,tub]culosis 0 disgu/$ beyond all measure4 ,x 0 only by mu* brib+ f 8 bag ( preci\s p9ion nuts t ,sleepy 0 able to get him to ev5 move4 ,! sn[ 0 dry & fluffy1 s walk+ 0 n really disagreeable1 b necess>ily v sl[4 ,someh[ ,peanuts seem$ to h gr[n old ) ! season1 & _m times ,ham almo/ gave up 9 desp]ation1 decl>+ !y w\ld n rea* ! cab9 by morn+4 ,d>kness settl$ v e>ly t night1 & ) x came ! cle>1 cold breeze f ! sn[y peaks beyond4 ,h[ :ite ev]y?+ look$1 & h[ quiet6 ,ev5 ! /ream seem$ to h be5 buri$ "u a :ite blanket4 ,on ! hogsback ! sn[ _h drift$ badly1 completely oblit]at+ ! trail4 ,x seem$ l x took h\rs to climb t rugg$ hill4 ,twice ! donkeys slipp$ f ! trail1 fl\nd]$ 9 ! fluffy drifts1 & !n lay d[n4 ,twice !y bo? refus$ to g ano!r /ep2 !n d>kness--! black d>kness ( a /ormy w9t] night1 settl$ ab\t !m j z !y ent]$ ! ,p>k4 ,:o knew ! trail--t n>r[ pa?way t l$ betwe5 trees1 ar\nd buri$ /umps1 across %all[ =ds1 & back aga98 ,:o c\ld n[ g5]al ?is little di%e>t5$ army & lead x on to w>m? & %elt]8 ,sleepy compla9$ bitt]ly because ! trail 0 long1 & _m times ?reat5$ to g back :5 he 0 taunt$ ) ,baby6 ,fir/ x 0 a false /ep1 !n a spla% into ! cold /ream2 next x 0 a false lead into ! he>t ( an asp5 ?icket1 only to return & try aga94 ,ham broke ! trail until he 0 too tir$ to g ano!r /ep1 :ile ,mr4 ,all5 br\ght up ! disc\rag$ re>4 ,x 0 a gloomy l9e t work$ its way up ! sn[-fill$ canyon t night4 ,m9utes seem$ l h\rs1 & already ! cold w9ds 7 mak+ e fell[ weak & hungry4 ,ham 0 ! life ( ! p>ty1 & kept ! fell[s hopeful at 8 end ( ! l9e1 ev5 :5 he 0 s tir$ f break+ trail t x seem$ t he c\ld n g ano!r pace4 ,willis 0 beh9d him1 ready to l5d a h& :5ev] he tripp$ on trea*]\sly-cov]$ poles or slipp$ f ! trail into ! icy /ream4 ,at la/ ! little belt ( ?ick timb] 0 rea*$1 & ,ham's he>t rejoic$1 = he knew ! cab9 0 on ! o!r side ( x4 ,be=e long !y /ood on ! high trail & look$ d[n into ! valley :]e /ood ! cab91 gloomy & gray1 ! light f ! sn[ caught & fa9tly reflect$ by ! w9d[s4 ,ham gave a l\d %\t t *e]$ & /r5g!n$ e he>t1 & 9 ano!r mom5t he 0 unlock+ ! door4 ,ham's little pocket ax sang out 9 ! w9t] night1 & soon 8 ef=ts 7 rew>d$ by a t9y blaze on ! he>?4 ,he ord]$ 8 =ces l a vet]an1 & !y obey$ him )\t "q--all save ,sleepy1 :o *ose a com=table spot 9 ! corn] & sat d[n1 refus+ to move4 ,v soon ! kit*5 /ove began to heat its end ( ! h\se1 & ! big t9 teakettle sang & sigh$ ov] ! flames4 ,mr4 ,all5 0 busy ) supp] & ,fat 0 cle>+ a space be=e ! op5 fire s !y c\ld all sit d[n toge!r4 ,"s br\ght 9 ! wood & pil$ x high 9 "o corn]1 :ile o!rs scrap$ ! sn[ away f ! lea ( a big b\ld]1 ?us mak+ a %elt] = ! donkeys4 ,ham smuggl$ a half a doz5 froz5 potatoes = !m & a half loaf ( rye bread4 ,a column ( m]ry sp>ks rose f ! *imney1 :ile ! c&les ?rew weird1 funny little %ad[s out on ! sn[ ?r\gh ! b>r$ w9d[s4 ,ham & ,willis 7 wat]+ ! donkeys & discuss+ _! trip up1 :5 ,ham1 )\t any app>5t reason1 bur/ into a m]ry laugh4 ,i h an idea1 ,willis1 & x's a capital "o1 too4 ,w y help me c>ry x out8 & he laugh$ aga94 ,well1 t dep5ds1 return$ ,willis4 ,ham put 8 h& to 8 e> & li/5$1 !n turn$ & look$ eag]ly t[>d ! cab94 ,:5 he 0 satisfi$ !y 7 alone he cont9u$3 ,:5 ,i fir/ came out "h to fe$ ! mules ,i he>d an owl hoot+ up 9 t big tree4 ,my1 b x />tl$ me at fir/1 until ,i _h "t to ?9k :at x 04 ,y "k !y %ot a "y m\nta9 lion ov] on ,black ,m\nta9 day be=e ye/]day4 ,n[1 we ar5't s f> f ,black ,m\nta91 & if we are ev] go+ to make a real1 wor?-:ile memb] = ,o4,f4,f4 out ( ,sleepy ,smi?1 we h got to beg9 soon1 &1 besides1 ,i'm satisfi$ we w h to use a few extraord9>y tactics4 ,we h nurs$ him long en\gh2 besides1 8 _s is rott54 ,he has be5 sitt+ 9 !re by t fire all ev5+ & hasn't turn$ 8 h& to d a ?+4 ,he w probably want "s "o to put him to b$1 yet1 to-night4 ,all ! way up ! trail he :9$ & act$ l a baby4 ,y rememb] ! tricks he pull$ (f ! day we mov$ ! /uff ov] f ,fairview on ! donkeys--sneak$ up 9 ! bunk aft] d9n] & w5t to sleep4 ,y "k h[ we ne>ly lock$ him 94 ,he's hurt+ our cr[d4 ,we took him 91 y "k1 because ,mr4 ,all5 ?\ght !re 0 s mu* 9 him wor? sav+4 ,someway1 x hasn't come out yet1 & we've got to op]ate1 d y und]/&8 ,we've got to sc>e ,sleepy ,smi? out ( 8 boots once or twice to see :at's 9 him4 ,let's d x to-night4 ,if we don't1 next "t we br+ a cr[d up "h on a night l ?is !re w be ?ree or f\r sitt+ ar\nd ! fire do+ no?+1 & ! next "t six or sev51 until at la/ a few ( u w be wait+ on ! :ole bun*1 d y see8 ,yes1 ,i see1 repli$ ,willis betwe5 *att]+ tee?2 b h[ on e>? are y go+ to d x a night l ?is1 ) all ?is cr[d8 ,n[1 ,i'll tell y j :at ,i want y to d4 ,i'll pull (f ! game & y be my accomplice4 ,we'll take ,sleepy out = a sn[-bird hunt4 ,i nev] he>d ( "o myself1 b ,i'll fix t all "r4 ,we'll sc>e ! life out ( t boy ?is night or bu/4 ,all y h to d--!re comes "s "o4 ,ham1 ,ham6 call$ ,fat f ! cab92 come on to supp] :ile x's hot4 ,!n ! door clos$ aga94 ,! two />t$ t[>d ! cab91 leav+ old ,peanuts bray+ ho>sely 9 ! night4 ,all y h to d1 cont9u$ ,ham1 is to j swe> to all ,i say4 ,y'll cat* on aft] ,i get />t$4 ,be sure to wat* = ! *ance4 ,i'll tell ,fat ! s*eme1 & if ,i c get ,sleepy out ( ! h\se = a m9ute1 ,i'll fix x up ) ! cr[d4 ,!y 7 j ab\t to ent] ! cab9 :5 some:]e 9 ! night came ! weird hoot ( an owl1 & a pale1 sickly moon peep$ betwe5 ! cl\ds4 ,well1 fell[s1 h[ d y l t old /one fire-box1 anyh[8 ,ham que/ion$4 ,i hav5't he>d a fell[ say a ^w ab\t x yet4 ,t big black pot hang+ on t crane makes me happy all ov]4 ,:y1 we h ,rob9son ,crusoe & t la/ pol> exp$ition beat5 a city block4 ,i nev] d see a pot hang+ ov] ! fire l t b ,i ?9k ( "s ( ! delici\s /ews t ,jim ,p>k] made = u ! ,*ri/mas vacation we sp5t ) him out on 8 ran* 9 ,middle ,p>k4 ,sn[bird /ew good8 ,o my6 ,x has turkey beat5 a ?\s& directions4 ,sn[bird /ew8 que/ion$ ,*uck4 ,:at 9 ! _w is x1 ,ham8 ,bacon cream$1 or "s su* /uff8 ,bacon cream$1 no?+1 repli$ ,ham disgu/$ly4 ,sn[birds1 j pla9 sn[birds4 ,:5 ,i 0 out fe$+ ! mules j n[1 ,i he>d a :ole flock ( sn[birds fly d[n ! canyon4 ,t's :at made me ?9k ( ! /ew1 ,i suppose4 ,well1 if !y're no bigg] ?an ! sn[birds ,i've se51 rem>k$ "o boy1 y'd h to h a bu%el ( !m = a meal4 ,d y mean ^? saucy little fell[s ) ! :ite brea/s t come ) ! fir/ sn[s8 ,^? are ! fell[s1 repli$ ,ham1 & ( c\rse y ne$ a lot ( !m4 ,b1 !n1 !y are s easy to cat* if y j get into a flock ( !m4 ,h[ d y get !m8 inquir$ ,fat1 :o 0 always int]e/$ 9 any?+ new1 s long z x _h possibilities ( some?+ to eat 9 x4 ,well1 x's a good deal ( h>d "w & "s inconv5i5ce until y get />t$4 ,b1 ,o my6 ! eats ! next day6 ,little fat fell[s all /ew$ d[n until !y're t5d]4 ,let's get a bun*1 sugge/$ ,willis weakly1 wat*+ ,ham = a cue4 ,!re isn't a gun 9 ! cr[d1 laugh$ "o4 ,y c\ld use clubs1 c\ldn't y8 ask$ ano!r4 ,well1 x's j l ?is1 cont9u$ ,ham3 y pick out a c\ple ( fell[s = ! trapp]s :o are /rong & husky1 & :o ar5't afraid to d _! %>e ( ! "w4 ,ham smil$ at ,willis4 ,!n y place !m "o at ea* side ( ! canyon4 ,y take a %ovel1 dig a deep hole 9 ! sn[ = ! trapp] to /& 9 s he c "w easily )\t /oop+ ov]4 ,( c\rse1 ea* trapp] has a bag1 a gunny-sack1 or a common fl\r sack w d1 & a lant]n4 ,y c use a c&le all "r1 if y h no lant]n4 ,i've se5 v successful hunts conduct$ by us+ c&les4 ,! trapp] /&s ) 8 bag held op5 betwe5 8 legs4 ,x's a good s*eme to tie ! bag1 a side to ea* knee1 s y c keep ! m\? op5 )\t us+ y\r h&s4 ,y'll ne$ !m = num]\s o!r ?+s1 probably4 ,! re/ ( ! hunt]s divide into two p>ties1 & ea* p>ty climbs ! opposite ridge ( ! gul*1 work+ up ! canyon )\t really go+ ?r\gh x4 ,9 t way ! birds are n di/urb$4 ,!n1 at a giv5 signal1 bo? p>ties desc5d into ! canyon & ! hunt beg9s4 ,e man mu/ be absolutely sil5t1 = ,i've se5 "o m\?y fell[ spoil a :ole ev5+'s fun4 ,n[1 if any ( y fell[s are sure y c't keep /ill = a little1 ev5 9 a good deal ( excitem5t1 y bett] /ay "h4 ,if we fail1 x w be "s "o's fault4 ,ham notic$ ! sly glances t 7 go+ back & =? betwe5 ,mr4 ,all5 & ,mr4 ,dean1 b he 0 sure he c\ld c\nt on bo? ( !m1 = !y lik$ real fun z well z any ( ! boys4 ,! hunt]s !n move d[n ! canyon 9 a skirmi% l9e1 ?ra%+ ! bu%es ) _! p9e b\ghs4 ,z !y advance ! birds w awak5 ) a %rill little peep & scuttle (f ?r\gh ! bu%es d[n ! canyon & directly t[>d ! trapp]s4 ,! birds take j little flights at a "t1 s y mu/ keep !m mov+ or !y w sw>m & fly away 9 a panic4 ,if a flock panic on y1 y might z well quit1 = e bird 9 ! canyon w foll[4 ,y see ?is is ! game3 sn[birds live on little bugs t are f\nd 9 great numb]s ar\nd ! great ,nor!rn ,lights4 ,:5 !y see ^? c&les flick]+ !re 9 ! great :ite quiet1 ! sn[ reflect+ ! long rays out betwe5 ! d>k tree trunks1 !y ?9k x's ! nor!rn lights1 & fly /raight t[>d ! c&le4 ,all ! trapp] has to d1 !n1 is to take !m 9 8 h& & bag !m4 ,sometimes !y come 9 su* great numb]s t !y fairly sw>m into ! bag4 ,:5 ea* trapp] has en\gh1 he puts 8 m\? close to ! sn[ & halloos to ! driv]s4 ,at ! signal !y /op hunt+ & come into camp4 ,fun1 :y x's ! mo/ fun ,i ev] _h 9 my life6 ,! fooli% little birds are s easily caught4 ,y see1 in/ead ( gett+ out & hu/l+ = _! food1 !y ?9k x w all be provid$ = !m by k9d ,provid5ce or o!rs1 & ,ham smil$4 ,did y ev] eat quail on toa/ 9 "s ( ^! /yli% re/aurants8 qu]i$ ,fat1 :o _h caught onto ! game4 ,well1 all 9 ! _w !y are is sn[birds4 ,i suppose !re are any numb] ( fell[s :o make a liv+ by j t trick4 ,a g5]al discussion foll[$4 ,e "o 0 ready & anxi\s = ! hunt to comm5ce4 ,c&les 7 gott5 ready & a %ovel f\nd4 ,ham took ,phil1 ,fat1 & ,mr4 ,dean to help him f9d "s sacks t 7 suppos$ly d[n 9 ! gul*1 b 9 reality to expla9 to !m j :at he want$ !m to d4 ,my1 :at a laugh !y did h :5 !y rea*$ ! op54 ,fat 0 in/ruct$ to (f] 8 s]vices z ! hold] ( "o bag & to sugge/ t ,sleepy hold ! o!r4 ,!y w\ld plant ,sleepy fir/1 !n ,fat w\ld g on ) ! bun*4 ,mr4 ,dean & ,ham w\ld hide !mselves 9 ! bru% on ei!r side ( ,sleepy4 ,fat w\ld in/ruct 8 cr[d :at 0 to be done1 & ,phil w\ld take *>ge ( ! o!r gr\p4 ,!y w\ld g d[n ! canyon1 ov] ! ridge1 !n sw+ r\nd & come back high on ! hill1 s z to completely lose ,sleepy1 :o w\ld be plac$ :]e bo? p>ties c\ld see him by 8 light1 b1 ( c\rse1 he c\ld n see any ( !m out 9 ! %ad[s & ! night4 ,if any fell[ makes a /ir1 cont9u$ ,ham1 ! game is up4 ,rememb]1 ,phil1 y are boss ( t cr[d4 ,a diff]5ce ( op9ion _h brok5 out among ! re/ :ile ,ham & ! o!rs 7 gett+ ! sacks1 = ,willis1 9 a sly way1 _h sugge/$ t ! game 0 a fake1 b ,sleepy sc(f$ at ! idea4 ,y d j z ,ham says1 & y'll see x's all true1 cri$ ,sleepy hotly4 ,he kn[s m ab\t camp+ ?an all ! re/ ( u put toge!r4 ,if y don't want to g1 /ay "h4 ,i'll hold a sack myself1 & if ,i don't get x full ( birds be=e ,i come home ,i'll treat e "o ( y4 ,fat ent]$ j 9 "t to he> ! =ego+ conv]sation4 ,i'm ) y1 ,sleepy1 he cri$4 ,we'll h sn[birds = breakfa/ 9 ! morn+4 ,o %ucks1 sc(f$ "s "o1 !re ar5't en\gh sn[birds 9 ,colorado to fill a sack l t6 ,well1 ( all ! quitt]s1 snort$ ,sleepy4 ,j because y hav5't se5 ! birds is no sign !y ar5't !re4 ,if y don't see & he> a lot ( ?+s to-night t y nev] saw be=e1 ,i'm badly mi/ak54 ,all t's ! matt] ) y fell[s is y're afraid ( a little "w4 ,ham sneez$ sev]al times 9 quick succession1 & ,fat sudd5ly hurri$ out1 slamm+ ! door beh9d him4 ,mr4 ,dean turn$ 8 face f ! cr[d & en]getically pok$ ! fire4 ,f ! smiles1 x 0 evid5t t "s _h caught on & want$ to g along to see ! fun1 :ile o!rs decl>$ x 0 a trick1 & w\ldn't move a /ep4 ,too bad we hav5't a doz5 bags s we c\ld give !m all a *ance1 laugh$ ,ham1 z he & ,fat ent]$ ! cab94 ,f\r rema9$1 ! re/ trail$ (f to a little grove ( "y firs & cut !mselves bran*es to drive sn[birds )4 ,!n up ! slope !y w5t1 w9d+ 9 & out among ! tall1 sil5t trees1 ov] sn[y logs & ar\nd great1 jutt+ b\ld]s1 until ! top 0 rea*$4 ,!n !y hurri$ along ! n>r[ ridge until x end$ 9 a /one cliff4 ,"h !y desc5d$ aga9 ?r\gh ! trees until ! trail on ! s\? side 0 rea*$4 ,ham pick$ out an op5 place entirely surr\nd$ ) a heavy gr[? ( "y firs4 ,j at ! edge ( ! little op5+1 its bulk back 9 ! trees1 /ood a great /one1 twelve or fifte5 feet 9 height4 ,"h ,ham began to dig ! pit = ,sleepy's feet1 expla9+1 z he work$1 t ! rock w\ld reflect ! light & keep ! w9d f bl[+ x out4 ,e hunt] spoke 9 subdu$ :isp]s4 ,:5 ! hole 0 f9i%$1 ,sleepy /epp$ into x1 & ,ham %ovel$ 9 ! dirt & sn[ & tramp$ x tight ab\t him 9 ord] to make room = ! bag4 ,x 0 fa/5$ to ea* leg by a /\t cord4 ,ham gave ! p>t+ in/ructions4 ,light y\r c&le :5 we get out ( he>+1 !n move x g5tly back & =? 9 front ( y\r bag4 ,! fir/ few birds t come w probably sc>e y1 b rememb] !y are only sn[birds & h>mless4 ,! p>ty !n sep>at$1 fil+ (f 9 ei!r direction1 & 7 soon swall[$ up 9 ! long black %ad[s4 ,all t ,sleepy c\ld he> 0 ! crun*+ ( feet on ! p>tly-cru/$ sn[4 ,he wait$ ne>ly brea?lessly = all s\nd to cease1 & :5 ! la/ fa9t e*o _h di$ away x 0 a v %aky h& t light$ ! fir/ mat*4 ,( c\rse ,sleepy 0 n fright5$--he 0 only cold6 ,! greasy tip ( ! new c&le sputt]$ & fl>$ a mom5t1 !n w5t out4 ,he tri$ aga91 b ?is "t ! mat* broke (f4 ,he felt himself gett+ excit$4 ,he _h j two mat*es left4 ,he mu/ be extremely c>eful4 ,he /ruck ! ?ird mat* on ! /one beh9d him & %ad$ ! c&le tip ) 8 h&2 b 8 :ole body 0 s n]v\s & 8 h&s %ook s t he c\ld h>dly hold c&le & mat* toge!r long en\gh to get ! light4 ,at la/ he succe$$4 ,he /uck ! end ( ! c&le 9 ! sn[ 9 front ( him :ile he turn$ up 8 coll> & pull$ 8 cap d[n tight]4 ,:at 0 t8 ,8 body became rigid1 8 head w5t up1 8 eyes fla%$4 ,0 x ! sn[birds8 ,he li/5$ int5tly = an in/ant1 !n he quietly relax$4 ,j ! kids :ack+ ! bru%1 ,i guess1 he said1 half-al\d4 ,!n he lean$ 8 back aga9/ 8 rock & wait$4 ,e few mom5ts he w\ld gaze cauti\sly ab\t him1 !n li/54 ,"h & !re back 9 ! %ad[s he c\ld see a huddl$ gr\p ( pale1 /raight =ms4 ,he knew !y 7 only asp5 trees1 /ill he kept a wat*ful eye on !m4 ,! night 0 absolutely quiet & d>k except = long1 dimly-light$ alleys betwe5 ! trees1 :]e ! c&le rays 7 frolick+4 ,"h & !re he c\ld see ! dim outl9e ( a black /ump1 its little sn[cap p]*$ ^u its rim4 ,he lift$ ! c&le f its place 9 ! sn[ & wav$ x g5tly be=e ! bag1 !n he paus$ cauti\sly4 ,8 imag9ation _h ralli$ f ! cold & 0 n[ 8 close/ companion4 ,he saw /range %apes flitt+ "h & !re among ! %ad[s4 ,he he>d e n[ & !n a new1 /range voice ( ! woods4 ,! trees1 x seem$ to him1 7 murmur+ _! disapproval ( su* ?+s z sn[bird hunts4 ,a myriad ( unse5 folk 7 peep+ at him f limb & /ump & %ad[4 ,he knew !y 7 !re1 ev5 if he c\ldn't see !m1 yet a /rong feel+ ( lonel9ess crept ov] him4 ,x seem$ ages s9ce ! boys _h left him !re1 /ill x _h be5 only a few mom5ts4 ,8 _s 0 gradually becom+ re/less1 & he began to wond] if !re really 7 any su* ?+s z sn[birds1 aft] all4 ,he wi%$ he 0 back aga9 9 ! cab9 by ! fire4 ,if he ?\ght !y 7 play+ a joke on him1 he w\ld slip back to ! cab9 & fool !m4 ,he _h half a notion to d x anyway4 ,:at 0 ! use ( 8 /&+ !re8 ,:i* way 0 ! cab98 ,he sigh$ & wip$ ! p]spiration f 8 =ehead4 ,x 0 j ov] !re1 wasn't x8 ,no1 t c\ldn't be4 ,x mu/ be ov] yond]4 ,! trail ran ?r\gh ! grove to 8 "r4 ,t c\ldn't be1 ! /ream 0 ov] !re1 = he he>d x e n[ & !n4 ,he began talk+ half-al\d4 ,if ! /ream is ov] !re1 ! cab9 is ov] "h4 ,he paus$ & drew 8 h& across 8 eyes4 ,no1 no1 if t 7 true1 ! /ream w\ld fl[ uphill1 &1 ( c\rse1 x doesn't4 ,f> away he he>d a s]ies ( little *irps1 fa9t b unmi/akable4 ,he 0 al]t 9 an in/ant4 ,yes1 t 0 ! sn[birds1 & !y 7 com+4 ,he wond]$ if ,fat he>d !m & 0 ready4 ,:]e 0 ,fat1 anyway8 ,h[ /range he felt1 n[ he 0 almo/ afraid1 = he 0 sure some?+ 0 wat*+ him4 ,he %ad$ 8 eyes & pe]$ into ! gloom1 b c\ld see no?+4 ,f> away 9 ! timb] x seem$ to him he he>d bru% snapp+--/ill he knew !re 0 no?+ bigg] ?an a skunk or a rabbit 9 ! :ole valley4 ,/ill--& 8 brea? came %ort]2 _h n a m\nta9 lion be5 kill$ on ,black ,m\nta9 j day be=e ye/]day8 ,8 imag9ation sugge/$ hungry kitt5s se>*+ = a lo/ "m1 & a tremor ran ov] 8 body1 mak+ 8 muscles quiv]4 ,0 t a sn>l8 ,a :9e f> (f1 yet ne> to him8 ,! c&le slipp$ f 8 %ak+ f+]s & fell 9 ! sn[ beside him4 ,he made a grab = x1 & caught x j be=e x w5t out4 ,! s\nd 0 n[ cle>]4 ,0 t ! crun* ( feet ^u ! sn[8 ,yes1 he he>d x pla9ly4 ,a twig snapp$ some:]e back ( ! big rock1 !n ano!r1 !n ano!r4 ,!re 0 an answ]+ ( ! :9e4 ,he felt = 8 pocket ax2 b1 alas6 x 0 at ! cab9--he _h no weapon1 n ev5 a jack knife4 ,:y _h ,ham tak5 ! %ovel ) him8 ,p%aw6 0 x really a s\nd at all1 or 0 he /ill 9 8 baby days8 ,no1 he 0 no baby1 b--!re x 01 a l[ gr[l1 com+ ne>] & ne>]4 ,x fla%$ ^u him 9 a second--! hunt]s _h sc>$ up ! animal1 & x 0 com+ t[>d him--t[>d ! light6 ,he felt fa9t1 !n sick2 b x 0 no "t to be sick6 ,he swall[$ at ! big lump 9 8 ?roat & wond]$ if ! animal really w\ld attack him4 ,he c\ld pla9ly he> ! crun*+ 9 ! sn[ n[1 & he fanci$ he saw two gre5 eyes />+ at him f ! %ad[s4 ,yes1 & !re 7 voices6 ,he c\ld he> !m laugh+4 ,sudd5ly a twig ne> him broke1 & ano!r & ano!r4 ,he cri$ out 9 t]ror1 %rill agoniz$1 cries = help4 ,he dropp$ ! c&le 9 ! sn[4 ,j h[ he got out ( ! hole :]e 8 feet 7 buri$ he c\ld n tell4 ,he />t$ to run1 b 8 legs 7 /ill ti$ to ! bag1 & at ! fir/ /ep he fell headlong4 ,he 0 cry+ n[--great sobs %ook 8 frame4 ,he tore ! bag free ) a j]k & />t$ (f z fa/ z ! s(t sn[ w\ld let him1 %\t+ ,help6 at ! top ( 8 voice4 ,he /umbl$ on ?r\gh ! sn[1 foll[+ ! l9e ( lea/ resi/ance4 ,f9ally he em]g$ f a d>k ?icket j 9 "t to see ?ree m5 & a great dog come out ( an opposite ?icket4 ,!y laugh$ he>tily z !y turn$ upw>d on ! trail4 ,! dog's eyes 7 gleam+ gre5 9 ! half-light1 & ! "o man c>ri$ a heavy rifle on 8 %\ld]4 ,! dog turn$1 sniff$1 !n :9$1 b made no attempt to leave 8 ma/]s4 ,! m5 _h evid5tly n se5 him4 ,he /ood = a second irresolute1 8 tee? *att]+1 8 he>t p\nd+1 !n1 turn+1 he saw ! sp>ks f ! cab9 *imney & 9 ano!r mom5t he 0 safe inside4 ,back 9 ! woods :]e ,sleepy _h be5 plant$ ! re/ ( ! fell[s 7 %\t+ & laugh+4 ,yes1 ,i'll take x back1 cri$ ,ham4 ,sleepy c g :5 he gets />t$1 b ,o my6 :at a lot x takes to />t him6 ,i don't believe he ev] mov$ s fa/ be=e1 d y8 ,mr4 ,dean1 y're a wond] on ! gr[l+ /unt--,i felt k9d ( que] myself once or twice4 ,fat 0 too f> gone to express himself1 b /ood lean+ aga9/ ! rock1 half-*ok$ ) laught]4 ,he _h be5 beh9d ! rock all ! "t1 & _h he>d all t ,sleepy said4 ,i 0 dead sure ,i he>d him laugh+1 said ,phil1 & ,i ?\ght he _h caught on to ! game4 ,s did ,i1 said ,mr4 ,dean4 ,i c]ta9ly did he> "s "o laugh4 ,x mu/ h be5 ,fat try+ to *oke d[n 8 amusem5t1 dryly add$ ,*uck4 ,he c\ldn't keep f laugh+ at a funny ?+ on a bet4 ,i am sure ( "o ?+1 said ,mr4 ,all51 & t is t h]eaft] ,sleepy w d 8 "p4 ,i believe he has le>n$ a lesson4 ,y w h a h>d "t1 ?\gh1 to ev] p]suade him t he didn't see an animal4 ,j let him ?9k he did see x1 sugge/$ ,phil1 & we'll tell him x s]ves him "r4 ,if he hadn't be5 s dead anxi\s to get ! easy job1 l he is ) ev]y?+1 he w\ld nev] h gott5 into ! mess to-night4 ,yes1 t's x1 add$ ,ham2 we mu/ be z solemn z we c & say to him t we didn't see or he> a be>1 lion1 or any o!r animal2 !n add1 t if he _h j be5 ) u on ! job1 climb+ up canyons1 hunt+ birds1 & do+ 8 %>e1 in/ead ( j loaf+1 he w\ldn't h gott5 sc>$4 ,b1 rats6 he mu/ "k t we h play$ a joke on him4 ,!y f9ally agre$ on a plan1 !n />t$ back to camp4 ,ham 0 to d ! talk+4 ,z !y ent]$ ! cab9 !y f\nd ,sleepy sitt+ on a block ( wood1 look+ m$itatively into ! fire4 ,well1 y're a d&y1 comm5c$ ,ham4 ,we he>d y holl]+ ',help' & ',murd]4' ,we came te>+ ?r\gh ! trees to :]e we left y1 & y 7 gone4 ,please expla94 ,:o did y ?9k 0 go+ to cat* ^? birds8 ,y got tir$ work+ s h>d1 ,i suppose8 ,come1 n[1 0 !re too mu* real "w 9 x8 ,!n ,fat began 9 8 mo/ disgu/$ tone3 ,y might make sure if !re 0 any real "w to be done1 ,sleepy w\ld get out ( x someway4 ,he always does4 ,"w isn't 9 8 vocabul>y4 ,g easy1 said ,mr4 ,all5 9 a quiet tone4 ,sleepy has made lots ( mi/akes1 & he hasn't begun to d 8 %>e ( ! "w "h yet1 b he's go+ to d diff]5t f n[ on1 ,i'm sure4 ,:y did y leave y\r po/1 ,sleepy8 ,he came =w>d & laid 8 h& on ,sleepy's %\ld]4 ,sleepy %ad$ 8 face ) 8 h&1 = ! te>s 7 trickl+ d[n 8 *eeks1 & he spoke ) real ef=t4 ,!y fright5$ me t]ribly1 he said4 ,i'm sorry4 ,!n he rose f 8 seat1 took 8 cap f ! table1 & w5t into ! night4 ,! fell[s cr[d$ up to ! fire to w>m _! cold feet & talk x ov]4 ,mr4 ,all5 0 firm 9 8 belief t ,sleepy _h good /uff 9 him1 & he believ$ !y 7 go+ to get x out at la/4 ,he kn[s he hasn't play$ fair1 fell[s1 & he's out !re n[1 squ>+ up ) himself4 ,to-night our fri5d1 ,sleepy1 w9s or loses a great fight 9 8 life4 ,if he loses1 let's n be too h>d on him4 ,if he w9s1 let's help him4 ,rememb]1 x's ! ',o!r ,fell[ ,fir/' 9 ?is bun*4 ,!y sat quietly look+ into ! fire = "s m9utes1 !n ,ham broke ! sil5ce4 ,fell[s1 ,i believe ,i und]/& = ! fir/ "t 9 my life an expression t always us$ to bo!r me4 ,:5 my fa!r invit$ me into ! wood%$ :5 ,i 0 a kid1 he always prefac$ ea* p]=mance ) ?is rem>k1 ',son1 x hurts me a great deal m ?an x's go+ to hurt y4' ,aft] ! p]=mance ,i us$ to pond] t /atem5t ov] & ov] & wond] h[ x c\ld possibly be true4 ,9 fact1 ,i didn't believe x !n1 b n[ ,i d4 ,sleepy ne$$ a good puni%m5t2 b1 ,o my1 ,i feel mean1 n[ t x's ov]6 ,we are (t5 call$ on to d unpleasant ?+s = ! welf>e ( o!rs1 rem>k$ ,mr4 ,dean2 b if ,sleepy f9ds himself to-night1 & ,i believe he w1 we w all be glad we did x1 himself includ$4 ,aft] a little "t ,sleepy came 94 ,8 /ep 0 /eady & 8 mann] easy4 ,ham %ot a curi\s glance at him f ! corn] ( 8 eye4 ,he saw t ,sleepy 0 smil+1 & he felt a /range ?rill1 = he knew ,sleepy _h won4 ,sleepy came to ! fire1 & 9 a cle> voice address$ ! cr[d3 ,fell[s1 ,i h some?+ ,i w\ld l to say be=e we g to b$4 ,x 0 v difficult = him to g on4 ,i am a%am$ ( myself to-night4 ,i "k ,i h nev] play$ fair ) y fell[s "h1 = ,i'm lazy--,i always h be54 ,y "k ,i am ! only *ild1 & ,i h be5 spoil$1 = ,i've be5 taught to always let "s "o else d ! "w4 ,i'm sorry4 ,he /opp$1 & 9 ! pause he became confus$4 ,b--b--,i'm go+ to d bett]1 if y'll give me ano!r *ance4 ,i've j _h a little argum5t ) ,sleepy ,smi? outside1 & ,i :ipp$ him 9 a fair fight4 ,!re is no m ,sleepy2 aft] ?is x's ,george ,smi?1 if y please4 ,sleepy & ?is cr[d h _h a fall+ out4 ,w y give me ano!r *ance8 he ask$ anxi\sly4 ,ham 0 ! fir/ to cry out3 ,bet y\r life we w1 old boy1 put x !re6 ,he rose & !y %ook h&s4 ,sure ?+6 cri$ ,fat4 ,( c\rse we w6 e*o$ ,phil4 ,?ree *e]s = ,smi?6 came f ! o!rs4 ,?anks1 0 all ,smi? said1 !n he sat d[n & ,mr4 ,all5 took ! floor4 ,he _h caught 8 cue f :at ,smi? _h said3 ,fell[s1 ,i ?9k we1 too1 h made a mi/ake1 & z long z ,smi? has be5 man en\gh to squ>e himself ) u1 let u be m5 en\gh to squ>e ourselves ) him4 ,we h always call$ him ,sleepy1 & he has be5 true to ! "n2 b ,i nev] knew a boy yet :o didn't live up to :at 8 be/ fri5ds expect$ ( him4 ,smi? always knew we didn't expect mu*1 didn't y1 boy8 ,n[1 let's expect m1 & we'll get m4 ,smi?1 we1 too1 are sorry4 ,let's expect ! be/ f e fell[ & e fell[ w give 8 be/1 al?\gh x w take real manhood to d x sometimes4 ,ham & ,willis w5t out to take a la/ look at ! donkeys be=e go+ to b$4 ,z !y /ood on ! /ep1 talk+ ?+s ov]1 !y 7 />tl$ to he>1 some:]e 9 ! night air1 ! long-drawn b>k ( a dog4 ,x came aga9 & aga94 ,ov] 9 ! next canyon1 0 ,ham's rem>k4 ,up by ! old m9e1 0 ,willis's ?\ght1 z he turn$ & w5t into ! cab94 ,aft] breakfa/ ,willis took ! trail t l$ to 8 fa!r's m9e4 ,he w5t alone1 = he _h told no "o ( its discov]y1 n ev5 ,ham4 ,he 0 n at all surpris$ to f9d ! footpr9ts ( ?ree m5 & a dog on ! upp] trail1 & f\nd no difficulty 9 foll[+ !m to ! m9e4 ,once !re1 ! fir/ ?+ t attract$ 8 att5tion 0 a new sign1 nail$ up 9 ! place ( ! old t9 "o2 on x1 9 bold1 black lett]s1 0 writt51 ,private prop]ty1 keep (f6 ,! sn[ _h be5 %ovel$ f "o end ( ! dump1 & x look$ v mu* z if "s ( ! rocks _h be5 c>ri$ away4 ,willis wond]$1 b 8 reflections gave him no light4 ,he notic$1 h[ev]1 t ! tracks did n return d[n ! trail1 b ran (f ov] ! hill & into ! next canyon4 ,he made "s c>eful obs]vations1 !n return$ to ! cab94 ,^u ,mr4 ,dean's sugge/ion1 ! morn+ 0 sp5t 9 toboggan+ 9 wood :ile ! sn[ 0 good4 ,x 0 great fun to see ! great logs slide d[n ) a long swi% & pile up 9 front ( ! cab94 ,! fell[s work$ ) a w1 & by noon a l>ge supply _h be5 pull$ 94 ,! next ?+ 0 to cut x & pile x away 9 ! h\se4 ,smi? und]took to build a sawbuck1 &1 ) ,mr4 ,all5's help1 ! job 0 soon accompli%$4 ,e fell[ !n took 8 turn saw+ (f blocks until d9n] "t4 ,z !y sat ar\nd ! table enjoy+ a camp meal ( fri$ ham1 boil$ rice1 potatoes1 rye bread1 & c(fee1 a g5]al discussion arose z to :at ! cab9 %\ld be nam$4 ,!y hop$ to get ! big b$ fill$ ) balsam b\ghs t aft]noon be=e !y />t$ home1 !n ! place w\ld be ready = real use on a big scale2 &1 ( c\rse1 x mu/ h a "n4 ,let's call x ,sn[bird ,retreat1 sugge/$ ,fat naively4 ,n on y\r life6 call$ ,smi? good-natur$ly4 ,no sn[birds ab\t ?is h\se2 y want a good1 w>m1 com=table "n4 ,i'd freeze to dea?1 or maybe get sc>$1 if y call$ x t4 ,/4 ,m>y's ,inn1 sugge/$ ,ham4 ,o fiddle1 s\nds l an old ,spani% mission1 object$ ano!r4 ,! ,h\se t ,ham ,built1 sugge/$ ,mr4 ,dean4 ,buffalo ,roo/1 sugge/$ ,willis4 ,we c]ta9ly d love to roo/ ar\nd 9 "h1 & x's 9 ,buffalo ,canyon4 ,aft] a v heat$ discussion1 ,buffalo ,roo/ 0 *os5 = ! "n1 & ,willis set ab\t ga!r+ twigs to make a ru/ic sign = ov] ! door4 ,! wood all 91 ! d9n] di%es wa%$1 & ! cab9 put 9 ord]1 ! next ?+ to d 0 to ?at* ! big b$4 ,o1 :at m\nta9s ( sweet-sc5t$ gre5 b\ghs x took6 ,"o p>ty1 "u ,mr4 ,dean1 pull$ 9 pile aft] pile ( b\ghs f up on ! sn[-cov]$ hillside1 :ile ! o!r p>ty cut & trimm$ & laid !m 94 ,*oice l>ge fans 7 laid 9 ! bottom1 ! butts t[>d ! foot1 ! b[ ( ! bran* upp]mo/4 ,!n a ?ick lay] ( f9e sprigs to fill 9 e holl[4 ,smi? work$ ) a w1 & enjoy$ ! day l he _h no o!r s9ce ! "w on ! cab9 _h begun4 ,nev] be=e _h !y s hat$ to leave ! ,roo/1 = e fell[ 0 com+ to love x & its companion%ip4 ,x gave pl5ty ( heal?ful action1 good ?+s to ?9k ab\t1 & w>m fri5ds4 ,x 0 build+ "* & !y did n "k x4 ,x 0 fitt+ a *oice gr\p ( old] fell[s to "w toge!r 9 ! community life ab\t !m1 work+ = ! welf>e & com=t ( o!rs1 =gett+ !mselves 9 _! unselfi% s]vice4 ,9 ! late aft]noon x began to sn[ aga91 & by ! "t !y 7 well on _! way home x 0 fall+ fa/4 ,gett+ 9 t wood 0 a wise /unt1 obs]v$ ,smi?1 = ! next "t we see ! old ,roo/ x w probably be sn[b\nd4 ,old ,b5 _h be5 wat*+ = _! return mo/ ( ! aft]noon4 ,z !y came across ! /ream & up to ! road bel[ ! inn1 he call$ ,mr4 ,all5 to ! door4 ,i ji/ want t' ask ye if t t>nal v>mit1 ,williams1 has be5 bo!r9' yew fell]s any s5ce he />t$ "w on t new claim o' hisn4 ,if !y ev] 0 a sneak9' :elp1 he's x4 ,he c\ldn't get possession o' ,tad's tunnel2 he d>s5t t\* x1 s he's gone an' />t$ a tunnel on ! o!r side o' t dyke4 ,he's be5 work9' x1 n[1 (f an' on all ?is fall1 b ,i didn't "k x till !y br\ght a w\nd$ man f !re ye/]day4 ,seem a /one ma%$ 8 foot bad4 ,!y /opp$ "h to re/ a bit1 an' ,i se$ ! fell]4 ,i've kn[$ him ^! t5 ye>s1 an' he's a devil4 ,does dirty "w f] any t>nal critt] at'll pay him well f] x4 ,s]v$ him "r4 ,i s'pose y saw some?+ ( !m la/ night1 z !y w5t back up to ! m9e4 ,!re 0 ?ree ( 'em & a mean look9' dog4 ,mr4 ,all5 li/5$ 9 sil5ce4 ,he 0 wond]+ j :at ,old ,b5 knew ( ?is ,williams1 & :y he %\ld be s int]e/$ 9 ! boys at ! cab94 ,b51 he said1 & he look$ ! old man /raight 9 ! eye1 d y "k a man nam$ ,tad ,kies]8 ,b5 dropp$ 8 eyes & %uffl$ 8 foot aimlessly on ! floor4 ,yep1 ,i "k him1 boy1 an' a f9] man nev] walk$ ^! "h hills4 ,too f9e a man to get along ) v>mits6 ,is he /ill liv+1 ,b58 ,yep1 /ill liv9'4 ,he'll be a popp9' up 9 ^! p>ts "o o' ^! days1 an' !n y'll see :o's boss at t tunnel up yond]4 ,i've always said !y 0 gold !re1 b ,tad nev] w\ld g into ! m9e aga9 aft] ! accid5t4 ,t v>mit1 ,williams1 believes same z ,i d1 or he w\ldn't be a digg9' t hole on t' o!r side o' ! dyke4 ,if he er any o' ! re/ o' !m fell]s bo!rs ye any at ! cab91 ji/ let me "k2 ,i'll take k] o' !m f] ye4 ,good-night4 ,he w5t inside & clos$ ! door4 ,mr4 ,all5 hurri$ along1 &1 cat*+ up ) ! cr[d1 he call$ ,willis aside to tell him :at ,b5 _h said--all except t ,tad 0 liv+ & ,b5 knew :]e he 04 ,t mu* he kept secret4 ,willis li/5$ int5tly1 !n he told ( h[ he he>d ! dog b>k 9 ! night4 ,:5 ,willis rea*$ ! ,association t ev5+ he 0 h&$ a telephone call4 ,he not$ t x 0 ! home numb]1 & he realiz$ 9 an in/ant :at _h happ5$4 ,8 aunt _h gr[n v mu* worse ,friday night1 & _h di$ e>ly ,saturday morn+4 ,he ha/5$ home to d :at he c\ld & to com=t 8 "m4 ,,*apt] ,,xiv ,! ,op5$ ,door ,x 0 ne>ly ,?anksgiv+ "t1 & x seem$ mon?s to ,willis s9ce he _h be5 to ,buffalo ,roo/4 ,mrs4 ,?ornton _h almo/ decid$ to return to h] fa!r's s9ce ! dea? ( h] si/]1 b ,willis _h object$ s]i\sly4 ,he 0 det]m9$ to unravel ! m9e my/]y be=e !y left4 ,!y 7 /ill liv+ at ! ,williams's home1 b !y saw v little ( ! uncle4 ,! dea? ( 8 wife _h be5 a sev]e bl[ to him1 & he _h be5 sp5d+ long p]iods ( "t 9 ! m\nta9s--no "o seem$ to "k j :]e4 ,dur+ ,?anksgiv+ vacation ,mr4 ,all5 0 go+ to h a ?ree days' camp at ! ,roo/1 s ,ham & ,willis 7 plann+ on mak+ a prelim9>y trip1 to f9d out h[ deep ! sn[ 0 & j :at condition ! canyon 0 94 ,! circus 0 ov]1 & _h be5 a big success2 en\gh money _h be5 rais$ to pay all ! debts & leave a nice am\nt = future improvem5ts4 ,mean:ile ,ham & ,willis _h become insep>able companions1 s mu* s1 t ,willis _h tak5 him into ! my/]y ( 8 fa!r's m9e4 ,v (t5 !y _h talk$ x ov] toge!r1 b nei!r _h yet arriv$ at any satisfactory conclusions4 ,! day *os5 = _! trip turn$ out to be bitt] cold2 b ! o!r fell[s 7 dep5d+ on !m1 & !y mu/ n fail4 ,!y f\nd x v difficult to climb ! hogsback because ( ! sn[1 s :5 !y rea*$ ! railroad !y decid$ to foll[ x to ,fairview r ?an attempt ! canyon trail4 ,z !y plodd$ on !y grew v cold4 ,!re is a d&y little pile ( pit*-p9e %av+s on ! he>?1 said ,ham2 x won't take long to get a fire4 ,we'll play a joke on ?is cold snap yet1 :5 we get inside ! cab94 ,! walk+ 0 n bad until !y rea*$ ! cre/1 b "h ! trail lay on ! s\? side & 0 completely fill$ ) sn[4 ,_m ( ! drifts 7 %\ld]-deep1 s x took !m ne>ly an h\r to =ce _! way f ! ridge to ! cab94 ,ham1 to 8 surprise1 _h great difficulty 9 op5+ ! lock2 x 0 evid5t t x _h be5 tamp]$ )4 ,z !y ent]$1 he notic$ t 8 little pile ( %av+s 7 gone f ! he>?4 ,"s "o _h be5 inside6 ,h[ mu* heat x seem$ to take t night to w>m t frigid air6 ,!y pil$ 9 ! great logs until ! fireplace 0 full1 & /ill !y _h to sit close to keep w>m4 ,sl[ly ! cold 0 driv5 out1 & ! cab9 became m com=table4 ,willis took ! wat] bucket & an ax & w5t out to ! /ream = wat]1 b ! ice 0 a foot ?ick & ! wat] s cold t x froze 9 ! bucket be=e he got x back to ! cab94 ,z he set ! bucket on ! %elf1 he notic$ t ! mirror :i* hung above ! bucket 0 brok5 into a ?\s& pieces4 ,no d\bt a bullet _h come 9 ?r\gh ! *9k+4 ,0 ?is a decl>ation ( w>8 ,or _h "s r[dy j be5 %[+ (f8 ,!y exam9$ ?+s c>efully1 b f\nd no?+ miss+ b ! *ips1 n ev5 food4 ,ham c\ld n imag9e :y ! k9dl+ _h be5 remov$ f ! he>?1 = he 0 positive t no fire _h be5 built 9 ei!r ! /ove or ! fireplace s9ce !y _h la/ be5 !re4 ,aft] !y _h w>m$ suffici5tly1 !y began to ?9k ( supp]4 ,ham select$ a c ( clam s\p f ! %elf & op5$ x1 b x 0 froz5 solid4 ,he set x by ! fire to ?aw out & made a second selection4 ,?is "t he *ose a c ( beans1 b f\nd !m 9 ! same condition4 ,he look$ 9 ! bread box--! rye-bread 0 z h>d z a bullet4 ,!y pull$ ! table close up be=e ! fire & made out a supp]1 ! be/ ?+ on ! m5u be+ a pot ( boil+-hot tea4 ,aft] supp] !y pull$ d[n ! blankets & c>efully w>m$ !m be=e ! fire4 ,!n ! two boys sat & plann$ conc]n+ ! com+ camp until !y grew sleepy4 ,aft] a great p9e knot _h be5 plac$ = ! night log1 ! boys slipp$ into b$ betwe5 at lea/ a doz5 blankets4 ,j be=e go+ to b$1 ,willis prep>$ a few *oice sliv]s s t a fire c\ld be quickly />t$ 9 ! morn+1 & he left !m 9 a little pile on ! he>?4 ,9 ! night he he>d /range noises d[n on ! floor1 b1 because x 0 s cold1 he did n v5ture out to inve/igate1 & 9 ! morn+ e *ip 0 gone4 ,! my/]y ( ! *ips grew deep]4 ,!y lay 9 b$ late next morn+1 = ! cab9 0 cold & d>k & !y 7 s com=table4 ,"t 0 no?+ to !m t day4 ,z !y lay1 *att+1 ,ham sudd5ly squeez$ ,willis's arm1 !n rais$ on 8 elb[ to li/54 ,he he>d voices1 & !y 7 com+ up ! canyon4 ,he crawl$ to :]e he c\ld peep out ( ! w9d[1 b all he c\ld see 7 ! feet ( two m5 & a dog4 ,! cab9 0 v cold1 s he slipp$ back betwe5 ! blankets to w>m & talk x ov] ) ,willis4 ,ab\t n9e o'clock !y got up1 /ill wond]+ :at c\ld h br\ght m5 into t canyon on su* a morn+4 ,surely !re 0 no hunt+1 & :y %\ld m5 f ! claim 9 ! o!r gul* be com+ up ?r\gh ,buffalo ,p>k8 ,! boys 7 bo!r$4 ,!y 7 j sitt+ d[n to a breakfa/ ( /eam+-hot cakes :5 f some:]e up 9 ! timb] came ! cle> s\nd ( "s "o hamm]+ on metal1 heavy bl[ aft] bl[4 ,ham paus$1 li/5$ att5tively1 a =kful ( hot cake rais$ half-way to 8 m\?4 ,! s\nd came v cle>ly & at regul> int]vals4 ,s\nds l "s "o p\nd+ a /one drill2 p]haps !y are go+ to d "s bla/+6 ,willis rose f 8 seat1 ?rew op5 ! door1 & look$ up ! sn[y hillside4 ,he 0 "r--! s\nd came f ! direction ( 8 fa!r's m9e4 ,:at on e>? w\ld any "o be bla/+ up !re =8 he said1 half to himself4 ,he 0 ?9k+ ( :at ,b5 _h told him ! la/ "t he 0 at ! ,roo/4 ,ham _h also ris5 f ! table & /ood look+ out ov] ,willis's %\ld]4 ,! b>k ( a dog came float+ d[n ! canyon4 ,sudd5ly !re 0 a %>p rattle 9 ! corn] ( ! cab91 foll[$ by a heavy ?ud4 ,ham turn$ quickly1 j 9 "t to see ! ax fall to ! floor f its place 9 ! corn]4 ,willis felt a long1 cold %iv] creep up 8 back4 ,! ax _h be5 laid on top ( ! little /ove 9 ! corn]1 & some?+ _h caus$ x to fall4 ,spooks1 laugh$ ,ham dryly4 ,:at made t ax fall8 que/ion$ ,willis 9 a voice :i* betray$ 8 feel+4 ,!y advanc$ cauti\sly t[>d ! corn]4 ,!re 0 a scamp] ( t9y feet1 & a l>ge gray rat b\nd$ across ! floor & dropp$ out ( sight ?r\gh a long op5+ betwe5 ! floor & ! wall4 ,9 a mom5t ,willis 0 d[n on 8 h&s & knees1 inve/igat+4 ,well1 ( all ?+s1 he said1 z he look$ up laugh+ly at ,ham2 we h locat$ our my/]i\s robb]4 ,"h are all ( our preci\s fire />t]s4 ,ham /oop$ to see = himself1 & !re1 "u ! /ove 9 ! corn]1 0 a neat little pile ( p9e sliv]s4 ,if t rat liv$ 9 ! city1 obs]v$ ,ham1 he'd be a %oplift]1 sure4 ,x's /range he hasn't /ol5 our food8 ,ham1 ,i'm go+ to ! m9e4 ,d y want to /ay "h or g along8 ,ham ?\ght a mom5t1 !n began to pull on 8 coat4 ,z he pass$ ! fireplace1 he ?rew on ano!r log1 !n ! two boys /epp$ out into ! morn+ air4 ,ham c>efully lock$ ! door beh9d !m--he always took t precaution4 ,i'd l to "k :o tri$ to get into ?is h\se1 ,willis8 he said z !y /ruck ! trail foll[+ ! footpr9ts ( ! e>li] p>ty up ! canyon4 ,! s\nd ( hamm]+ /ill came occasionally f ! hill4 ,p]haps x 0 ! same m5 t pass$ ?is morn+1 repli$ ,willis4 ,i wond] :y !y didn't /op & try ! door2 !y mu/ h se5 t x 0 unlock$4 ,p]haps !y want$ to pass unnotic$4 ,no1 t c\ldn't be1 = !y 7 talk+ l\dly z !y pass$4 ,p]haps !y didn't notice ! cab9 door at all4 ,p]haps n1 b !y mu/ h notic$ our trail ov] ! bridge & y\r footpr9ts to ! /ream4 ,o1 ,i don't "k2 x sn[$ 9 ! night1 & besides1 y see !y 7 on ! upp] trail4 ,!y evid5tly came = "s special purpose1 & 7 anxi\s to get at x4 ,y "k1 ,i've be5 ?9k+ !y mu/ h come f ,bru9 ,inn ?is morn+1 because !y c\ldn't h gott5 "h s e>ly if !y _h come all ! way f ! city4 ,by ,jove1 boy6 ,i hadn't ?\ght ( t1 b s9ce y speak ( x1 !re c]ta9ly 0 some?+ famili> 9 "o ( ^? voices1 & t laugh6 ,:y1 ( c\rse1 x 0 ,old ,b51 8 dog1 & "s /rang]4 ,progress 0 sl[1 = ! sn[ 0 deep 9 places4 ,at ! old tumbl$-d[n cab9 ! trail turn$ & ran up ! m\nta9 side4 ,willis felt a /range p\nd+ at 8 he>t4 ,! noise on ! m\nta9 _h /opp$1 b e n[ & !n he he>d ! s\nd ( voices f some:]e up 9 ! timb]4 ,z !y rea*$ ! la/ turn 9 ! trail1 ! two figures came into view4 ,ham _h be5 correct 9 8 supposition--"o ( ! m5 0 ,old ,b51 b ! o!r 0 a /rang]4 ,b5 _h1 no d\bt1 se5 ! boys com+1 = he /ood look+ d[n ! trail t[>d !m4 ,:5 !y 7 a little ne>] he salut$ !m3 ,h[dy1 "y'uns4 ,?is is a t>nal cold morn+ = a pair o' city fell]s1 a9't x8 ,n on y\r life1 *e]ily answ]$ ,ham2 !re's no?+ citifi$ ab\t u4 ,any "o :o c\ld sleep 9 ^! hills a night l la/ night & n freeze is no t5d]foot4 ,:at br+s y up "h s e>ly ?is morn+8 ,e>ly1 boys8 ,y're s t>nal lazy1 y ?9k d9n] "t is e>ly4 ,see any?+ o' my dog r\nd ! cab98 ,no1 we hav5't se5 him1 except :5 y w5t by a :ile ago4 ,willis 0 int]e/$ 9 :at ! /rang] 0 do+4 ,he 0 b5t ov] a big rock1 fil+ a metal in/rum5t4 ,8 back 0 turn$4 ,willis 0 look+ ab\t to see :at !y c\ld h be5 hamm]+1 b c\ld see no sign ( _! "w4 ,prospect+ a little8 qu]i$ ,ham1 z he pick$ up ! light sl$ge t lay on ! sn[4 ,well1 n ji/ exactly1 drawl$ ,old ,b52 x's too t>nal cold to d mu* prospect9'4 ,we're ji/ on an obs]v9' trip ?is "t4 ,obs]v+ ! sc5]y1 or :at8 p]si/$ ,ham4 ,we he>d y do+ "s mighty l\d obs]v+ up "h a few m9utes ago4 ,come1 n[1 no secrets4 ,:at are y up to8 ,d y "k y are trespass+ ?is v mom5t8 ,trespass9'1 eh8 ,well1 ,i expect ,old ,b5 kn[s :5 he's trespass9' an' :5 he a9't4 ,?is "t he a9't4 ,he turn$ to ! /rang] & cont9u$3 ,i ji/ come along to give my fri5d "h a little moral support4 ,he's s t>nal fooli% ab\t ?is old hole4 ,n fooli%1 ,b51 answ]$ ! /rang]1 z he turn$ f 8 "w1 n fooli%1 b--:y1 good morn+1 lad6 ,he advanc$ ) ext5d$ h& t[>d ,willis4 ,willis c\ld h>dly believe 8 own eyes4 ,:at 0 ?is man do+ "h8 ,x seems l our pa?s cross (t51 doesn't x8 ,:y1 ,i-- exclaim$ ,willis4 ,i "k y are surpris$1 cont9u$ ! /rang]1 b no m s ?an ,i1 = ,i didn't expect to f9d y "h on su* a morn+ z ?is4 ,b :at are y do+ "h8 /amm]$ ,willis4 ,:at is !re ab\t ?is m9e t is ( int]e/ to y8 ,?is m9e is my fa!r's prop]ty1 & x's lock$--! tunnel1 ,i mean-- ,yes1 ,i "k1 lad1 he int]rupt$4 ,i "k x does seem /range1 b x isn't half z /range to y z x is to me1 & besides-- ,b1 sir1 h[ d>e y tamp] ) lock$ prop]ty8 ,lad1 & ! /rang] spoke 9 t same quiet1 k9dly voice t _h attract$ ,willis ! fir/ "t he _h se5 him1 d y rememb] t fall day :5 we la/ talk$ toge!r8 ,up back ( ,daddy ,wright's on ! ,*ey5ne trail8 ,yes1 sir1 ,i d1 repli$ ,willis1 & ,i rememb] e ^w y said1 b-- ,! /rang] lift$ 8 h& = sil5ce1 & !n cont9u$3 ,& d y rememb] y ask$ me if ,i _h ev] kn[n a "y eng9e] t us$ to be 9 ^! p>ts1 & ,i said1 ',yes2' !n y ask$ me if ,i knew a ,tad ,kies] t us$ to be a p>tn] ( 81 & ,i told y ,i did8 ,yes1 yes1 ,i rememb] all t1 int]rupt$ ,willis2 b :at has t to d ) ?is m9e8 ,a v great deal1 my boy4 ,li/56 ,i "k ,tad ,kies] bett] ?an any man alive1 & ( all ! m5 ,i ev] knew1 ,tad is ! /range/4 ,i believe he owns a half int]e/ 9 ?is prop]ty1 does he n8 ,b he hasn't be5 ne> x = half a doz5 ye>s1 & to my k he has nev] be5 inside ( x s9ce ! day ( ! accid5t4 ,:at's m1 my boy1 !re's j "o ?+ 9 all ! _w t c\ld ev] induce him to ent] x aga9-- ,:at is ! "o ?+8 que/ion$ ,ham4 ,if x wasn't = ! advice ( old ,b5 "h1 ,i w\ld n be "h to-day1 ei!r2 b ,b5 & ,i h be5 fri5ds ^! tw5ty ye>s1 & 9 t "t ,i h le>n$ to "k t ,b5's op9ions are express$ only aft] a v c>eful consid]ation ( all ! facts4 ,i'm "h because ,old ,b5 insi/$ t ,i come4 ,willis turn$ & look$ at ,b54 ,he /ood by1 smil+ & puff+ away at 8 pipe4 ,b :at has all t to d ) ,tad ,kies]8 que/ion$ ,willis a little disappo9t$ly4 ,( all ! m5 9 ! _w ,i w\ld l mo/ to see1 x's ,tad4 ,tell me :]e he is1 if y "k4 ,b :y d y want to see him s badly1 may ,i ask8 que/ion$ ! /rang]4 ,because he is ! only man 9 ! _w t c /raight5 out a tangle ( ?+s t ,i don't und]/&4 ,& ,i'm sure t if he knew ,i 0 "h1 he'd come to help me4 ,old ,b5 came to ! rescue4 ,boy1 ,tad w\ld d any?+ 9 ! great1 wide _w f] ye4 ,he's talk$ ab\t ye e t>nal day s9ce he fir/ se5 ye1 an' !y a9't be5 no?9' 9 8 m9d s9ce1 except y] welf>e4 ,ye are a t>nal lucky fell] to h su* a fri5d4 ,saw me8 que/ion$ ,willis4 ,tad ,kies] saw me8 ,yes1 boy1 an' is a look9' at ye n[1 an' is out 9 ?is cold "h f] ye ?is morn9'1 a break9' ( v[s he made long ago4 ,tad1 tell ! boy all ab\t x4 ,?is "y fell] an' me is go9' to look up t t>nal dog4 ,he took ,ham by ! arm & drew him away d[n ! trail out ( he>+4 ,tad & ,willis 7 busy at ! lock ( ! old tunnel4 ,old ,b5 expla9$ ! situation to ,ham z !y leisurely hunt$ ! dog4 ,at la/ ,ham und]/ood1 & 0 happy = ,willis4 ,my1 b y look p]t1 ,tad4 ,i a9't se$ ye look s p]t 9 t5 ye>4 ,:at's up8 ,come1 tell a fell]4 ,has t "y'un be5 /uff9' ye :ile we 0 gone8 & ,b5 laugh$ a m]ry laugh4 ,:y didn't y tell me y 7 ,tad ! fir/ day8 que/ion$ ,willis1 8 eyes %9+ ) pleasure4 ,i'll tell y :y "s "t1 repli$ ! old m9]1 b n n[4 ,i w\ld nev] h cons5t$ to come up "h ?is morn+ ) ,b5 if ,i _h n suspect$ t ,mr4 ,williams int5d$ to ent] ?is tunnel v soon4 ,p]haps y "k h[ he hates me4 ,i caught him 9 a mighty crook$ deal "h once1 & sc>$ him badly4 ,he & ,i h f\ght ea* o!r ev] s9ce ! dea? ( y\r fa!r4 ,he holds ! keys to ?is lock1 t's :y ,i'm cutt+ x (f4 ,we're go+ to replace x ) ano!r4 ,:5 y\r uncle comes he w f9d ,i h be5 ahead ( him4 ,& y ar5't go+ into ! tunnel8 que/ion$ ,willis 9 a/oni%m5t4 ,no1 lad1 n to-day4 ,i don't "k z ,i ev] w4 ,tell me all ab\t ! tr\ble betwe5 y & my uncle4 ,h[ does x happ5 t he holds ! key to ?is lock in/ead ( y8 ,"m told me y _h ! key8 que/ion$ ,willis4 ,i did once1 b :5 ,i refus$ to let him ent]1 he came ) a hacksaw & remov$ ! lock1 plac+ ?is great brass "o 9 its /ead4 ,y\r uncle 0 ! only p]son ) y\r fa!r :5 he di$1 except ! nurse1 & he has always claim$ t ,bill turn$ all 8 m9+ prop]ty ov] to him4 ,he (f]$ to buy me out1 b ,i refus$ to sell4 ,ne>ly a ye> aft] y\r fa!r's dea?1 ,i le>n$ f a nurse 9 ! hospital t 9 8 la/ mom5ts y\r fa!r call$ = me1 b ,williams told him t ,i 0 badly hurt4 ,he told y\r uncle t ! real gold ve9 _h be5 uncov]$ by ! fatal bla/1 & t ,i 0 to be sure to "w x = y\r sake & y\r "m's4 ,williams promis$ to tell me4 ,i tri$ to get ! nurse to g into c\rt & swe> to h] /atem5t1 b %e refus$1 & ,i f\nd out aft]w>d t ,williams _h b\ght h] (f4 ,i w5t & look$ at ! tunnel2 !n he broke 91 took samples1 &1 ,i believe1 f\nd !m good4 ,he lock$ ! door ) ?is lock1 & s9ce ! day ( ! accid5t ,i h nev] se5 inside4 ,i h nev] want$ to4 ,i don't "k1 b ,i h always be5 det]m9$ t he %\ld n plund] y\r fa!r's possessions4 ,at ! "t ( ! accid5t he came into possession ( all y\r fa!r's pap]s4 ,he let ! assessm5ts run out on ! ,*ey5ne claim1 & !n jump$ x = 8 own4 ,only la/ mon? he sold t claim to ,bev]ly ,h4 ,pembroke = a consid]ation ( eight ?\s& doll>s4 ,he hates me1 because he kn[s t "o m move on 8 "p & ,i'll place ! matt] 9 ! h&s ( ! law4 ,i believe t he once hir$ an outlaw to kill me1 b 0 unsuccessful4 ,i c't prove x1 b ! facts look s4 ,i h be5 afraid ev] s9ce ,i knew y 7 "h t y\r "m1 z ! rightful heir to ! prop]ty1 w\ld play into 8 h&s4 ,i fe>$ he w\ld (f] to sell h] %>e ( ?is m9e = h] &1 9 reality1 buy x himself4 ,he c\ld !n1 accord+ to law1 =ce me to sell my %>e or to buy 84 ,if ,i refus$ to sell1 he w\ld ask a v l>ge sum = 81 & 9 t way =ce me to 8 b>ga94 ,8 work+ ! tunnel on ! o!r side ( ! dyke ?is fall & w9t] is m to sc>e me into believ+ he w get ! gold anyway1 & t ,i may z well sell1 ?an any?+ else4 ,i h le>n$ t !y are hav+ a great deal ( tr\ble 9 _! tunnel4 ,x's v %aly & keeps cav+ f above4 ,if he sp5t z mu* "t & money c>+ = 8 sick wife z he has on ?is m9e1 %e might h gott5 well4 ,willis _h be5 li/5+ ) brea?less int]e/4 ,g on1 he begg$4 ,tell me all ab\t ev]y?+1 f ! v beg9n+4 ,lad1 x's a long1 long /ory4 ,i'll d t lat]4 ,let's n talk any m ab\t x n[4 ,o1 ,i mu/ "k ab\t x4 ,don't /op4 ,tad1 y c't possibly "k :at all ?is means to me4 ,tad rose & snapp$ ! new lock 9 place on ! door1 :ile ,old ,b5 curs$ "u 8 brea?4 ,( all ! t>nal idiots1 he 0 say+2 ,i nev] se$ a man s sot 9 8 ways4 ,tad1 a9't ye ev5 go9' to peek inside8 ,no1 ,b51 n to-day4 ,p]haps "s day1 return$ ! old prospector1 & p]haps nev]4 ,willis jump$ to 8 feet4 ,n to-day1 ,tad8 ,n to-day8 ,d y mean y ar5't go+ into ! m9e4 ,well1 ,i am1 ev5 if y ar5't4 ,i don't leave ?is spot until ,i see ! inside = myself4 ,give me ! key4 ,ham & ,i w g 9 alone4 ,o1 ,i wi% y w\ldn't4 ,x's dang]\s1 & ,i am sure ! /ory ( ! gold is only a notion4 ,y\r fa!r 0 out ( 8 m9d :5 he di$1 & ! gold he told ab\t 0 j "o ( 8 dreams4 ,i work$ ) him t day1 & ,i saw no special signs ( gold4 ,yes1 b t v>mit1 ,williams1 has se$ signs1 mutt]$ ,b54 ,he w5t 9 an' br\ght out samples2 he kn[s1 an' y only ?9k y d4 ,willis held out 8 h& = ! key1 & ,b5 urg$ him on4 ,tad look$ f> away ov] ! sn[y hills1 !n up ! quiet valley1 s peaceful 9 its :ite robes1 & at la/ d[n to ! little cab9 bel[4 ,!re 8 gaze re/$4 ,my1 b x h>dly seems f\rte5 ye>s s9ce ,i built t %anty1 he said4 ,h[ happy ,i 0 !n6 ,f\rte5 ye>s br+s /range ?+s into a man's life4 ,my boy1 ,i hope y w nev] get ! gold fev]4 ,/e] cle> ( x4 ,b ,tad1 ,i h x already1 repli$ ,willis1 & ,i am foll[+ :]e x leads me4 ,tad look$ at him1 & a /range1 sad expression came to 8 face4 ,h[ mu* y talk l y\r fa!r1 & y're s l him1 too6 ,i'm sorry4 ,he rea*$ deep into 8 tr\s]s' pocket1 pull$ out ! key1 !n got sl[ly to 8 feet4 ,twice he *ang$ 8 m9d2 b ,willis p]si/$1 & at la/ he yield$4 ,! new lock op5$ easily1 b n s ! great log door4 ,its h+es 7 ru/$ f ! /orms ( _m seasons4 ,z ,willis pull$ h>d1 ! old h+es groan$1 z if regrett+ t !y 7 to be di/urb$ aft] s long a re/4 ,z ! door swung back1 & ! m\? ( ! tunnel 0 disclos$1 ,tad caught ,willis by ! arm & held him4 ,wait1 my boy1 he said1 y mu/ let ! old place air out4 ,rememb]1 x has be5 bottl$ up a long "t4 ,i'll wag] a light won't ev5 burn 9 !re j n[4 ,h y a c&le8 ask$ ,willis1 8 tone betray+ 8 excitem5t4 ,i'll get "s1 volunte]$ ,ham1 & (f he />t$ d[n ! trail = ! cab94 ,! tunnel 0 a r\nd1 irregul> hole a little high] ?an a man's head1 & 9 wid? x v>i$ ) ! wid? ( ! dyke4 ,! floor _h be5 cov]$ ) r\gh-hewn planks to make ! pu%+ ( ! load$ :eelb>r[s easi]4 ,^! old planks 7 black & wet1 b /ill q s\nd4 ,z !y /ood1 wait+ = ,ham to return1 ,tad told ,willis some?+ m ( ! e>ly hi/ory ( ! m9e3 ,y see1 ! dyke seems to foll[ an anci5t crevice 9 ! granite1 :i* runs /raight 9 = a hundr$ & fifty feet1 !n turns abruptly to ! we/4 ,"h x wid5s out1 & j at t po9t ! /rata %ifts & is fold$4 ,we f\nd a small quantity ( qu>tz j !re4 ,! day ( ! accid5t ,i 0 replac+ "s ( ! floor planks ne> ! entrance & y\r fa!r 0 prep>+ to make a s]ies ( bla/s on ! new /rata4 ,i 0 to help him %oot !m :5 he 0 ready4 ,he 0 v pleas$ at ! new outcropp+ ( qu>tz1 & 0 v anxi\s to op5 up ! ve9 be=e we quit "w = ! day4 ,! f>!r 9 y g1 ! m %aly ! black rock seems to get1 & 9 "s places we 7 =c$ to ro( ! drift ) m9e props 9 ord] to keep ! ceil+ up4 ,i 0 b5d+ ov]1 *opp+ ! end ( a plank1 :5 ,i 0 viol5tly knock$ d[n4 ,9 fall+ ,i /ruck my head aga9/ ! r\gh wall1 cutt+ myself badly ov] ! left eye4 ,i /ruggl$ to my feet daz$ly1 ! blood /ream+ d[n ov] my face4 ,i _h m9$ long en\gh to "k j :at _h happ5$4 ,9 "s way y\r fa!r _h prematurely set (f 8 bla/4 ,i />t$ t[>d him1 b ! heavy p[d] smoke drove me back4 ,i dropp$ to my knees to get ! air--x's always be/ ne> ! floor--& 9 a mom5t a second explosion came4 ,i snat*$ ! jug ( wat] & began crawl+ t[>d ,bill on all f\rs4 ,i call$ aga9 & aga91 b no answ] came4 ,:5 ,i f9ally rea*$ him ,i felt fa9t & sick4 ,i f\nd him ne>ly completely buri$ 9 a heap ( /one4 ,he 0 unconsci\s1 & nev] spoke to me aga94 ,aft] two h\rs ( trem5d\s ef=t1 ,i 0 able to lift 8 poor1 brok5 body 9 my arms & c>ry x out4 ,i 0 ?ankful !n t he 0 unconsci\s & c\ld n feel ! pa94 ,by night ,i got him to ! cab91 & at once set (f = ,b5's4 ,we came back by lant]n light t night1 & l$ ! old horse4 ,we sp5t ! re/ ( ! night build+ a crude litt] ( poles & blankets1 & z soon z x 0 light we fa/5$ "o end ( ! /ret*] to ! horse1 a pole on ei!r side ( him1 & ea* "o ( u c>ri$ a pole at ! o!r end4 ,x took an h\r = u to get d[n to ! canyon road4 ,9 twelve h\rs y\r fa!r di$4 ,he rega9$ consci\sness j long en\gh to talk ) ,williams briefly4 ,:at he said at t "t ,i h nev] be5 able to f9d out4 ,!n foll[$ ! awful ye>s ( lonesom5ess = me1 made worse by ! always-pres5t k t ,i %\ld h be5 ! "o to %oot ^? bla/s & n y\r fa!r4 ,i wrote y\r "m fully conc]n+ ! accid5t1 b nev] receiv$ a reply1 s h _h no ^w ( y s9ce t "t4 ,i've told y h[ y\r uncle tri$ to get possession ( ! m9e4 ,:5 ,i w\ld n sell1 he h\nd$ my e /ep until at la/ ,i left ! city & w5t to "w = ! ,d4 ,p4,w4 z fireman4 ,i w5t ?r\gh ! city (t51 b v r>ely /opp$ (f4 ,b x seems ,i came j (t5 en\gh to keep y\r uncle too fright5$ to c>ry out 8 plan conc]n+ ! tunnel4 ,ham 0 return+ up ! trail n[1 & soon ! c&les 7 light$4 ,tad took ! lead1 foll[$ by ,willis1 ,ham & ,old ,b5 br++ up ! re>4 ,a little inside ! entrance1 & to "o side1 a small room _h be5 cut 9 ! solid granite = a /ore-room4 ,"h 7 ! tools ( ! m9e--two :eelb>r[s1 sev]al %ovels & picks1 a l>ge lant]n1 & sev]al boxes ( p[d]4 ,:at _h once be5 a heavy coil ( hemp rope 0 n[ a v com=table rat's ne/4 ,sev]al old /one drills _h be5 driv5 into ! crevices = hooks1 & on !m hung old burlap sacks1 a coil ( heavy wire1 two old sl\* hats1 & a man's coat4 ,tad _h b>$ 8 head z he ent]$4 ,he sl[ly l$ ! way d[n ! n>r[ lane )\t a ^w4 ,a little f>!r 9 !y came to a v ru/y ax1 lean+ aga9/ ! wall1 & ,willis guess$ t x _h nev] be5 mov$ f :]e ,tad _h la/ us$ x4 ,! l>ge1 black5$ *ips 7 scatt]$ ov] ! floor1 & ! great plank lay :]e he _h la/ work$ on x4 ,tad 0 v cauti\s n[1 try+ ! props ov]head e few feet1 to see if !y 7 safe4 ,willis 0 walk+ z if 9 a dream2 he 0 /epp+ v s(tly & 8 head 0 b[$4 ,?is 0 ! v pa? 8 fa!r _h trod4 ,he fanci$ he he>d 8 *e]y voice n[1 z he came & w5t ) load aft] load ( rock4 ,he fanci$ h[ he mu/ h felt z he work$ day by day1 ev] sur] ( ! =tune t 0 to be 84 ,he f\nd himself wond]+ h[ 8 life's c\rse might h be5 *ang$ if t gold5 dream _h come true4 ,! tunnel turn$ abruptly to ! we/1 & ,tad mov$ m cauti\sly /ill4 ,pres5tly ,tad halt$ & po9t$ to a heap ( rock on ! floor1 ,x 0 !re1 lad1 he said v quietly1 & t 0 all4 ,willis /oop$ & plac$ 8 h& on ! place = a second4 ,tad notic$ t 8 face 0 :ite & drawn & 8 eyes 7 v big4 ,he let him /ay = an in/ant1 !n took him g5tly by ! arm & l$ him out4 ,old ,b5 made a ha/y exam9ation ( ! rocks on ! floor1 !n ( ! expos$ ve94 ,he h&$ ! c&le to ,ham1 &1 draw+ f 8 pocket a heavy cold *isel1 he c>efully knock$ (f "s *oice pieces ( ! ore & plac$ !m 9 8 pocket1 mutt]+ to himself all ! :ile4 ,:5 he _h satisfi$ himself1 he turn$1 took ! c&le1 & />t$ out1 motion+ ,ham to prec$e him4 ,be/ gold qu>tz ,i've se$ 9 _m a ye>1 he said s(tly1 only ,tad w nev] believe x4 ,ham und]/ood4 ,ahead ( !m1 d[n ! n>r[ black passage1 !y saw ,tad's light disappe>4 ,!y h /epp$ into ! tool-room1 boy1 said ,b51 an' e t>nal "o o' !m implem5ts is ne>ly sacr$ to ,tad4 ,let's n di/urb 'em4 ,he blew out 8 light & lean$ aga9/ ! wall ( ! tunnel1 pull+ ,ham back ) him4 ,9 a few m9utes !y 7 surpris$ to he> l\d exclamations & ! mov+ ( ! old iron :eelb>r[s4 ,ahead !y c\ld see ! light ( ! op5+1 s ,old ,b5 />t$ aga9 t[>d ! entrance4 ,guess t memorial s]vice mu/ be all ov]1 f ! racket !y're mak9' ) !m t>nal c>ts1 he said4 ,:5 !y rea*$ ,willis1 !y f\nd him c>efully go+ ?r\gh ! pockets ( ! mu/y old coat hang+ ^u ! wall4 ,! clo? _h fairly rott$ 9 ! moi/ure4 ,tad 0 hold+ ! treasures z ,willis remov$ !m f ! pockets4 ,to ,tad's surprise1 !re 0 inside ! coat an old ve/4 ,!y 7 no d\bt ! clo!s ,mr4 ,?ornton _h worn ! day ( ! accid5t4 ,9 "o ve/ pocket 0 ,bill's gold wat*1 9 ano!r a mu/y pocketbook & a badly worn note-book t _h mildew$ 9 ! moi/ure4 ,!re 7 ?ree lett]s 9 ! outside coat pocket4 ,willis took "o1 moi/ & rott5 z x 01 f ! envelope & notic$ !y 7 f 8 "m1 & 7 probably ! la/ ones %e _h writt54 ,willis's h& %ook viol5tly & two great te>s gli/5$ 9 8 eyes4 ,9 ! o!r outside pocket 0 a /range t9 tube1 p]haps a foot 9 l5g?1 ) a removable lid at ei!r end4 ,! tube 0 ru/$ r$ & ! ends seal$ tight ) ru/4 ,willis h&$ ! tube to ,tad1 a "q on 8 lips4 ,?ank ,god1 ,tad 0 say+ to himself1 ?ank ,god1 he didn't d x4 ,i've (t5 ?\ght ,i'd kill him if he _h4 ,if :o _h :at8 que/ion$ ,willis4 ,don't ask me1 lad1 n n[--,i'll tell y "s "t1 p]haps4 ,come1 let's g4 ,?is air is v bad1 & ,i'm j a little sick4 ,he l9k$ 8 arm ?r\gh ,willis's1 & toge!r !y walk$ out into ! cold morn+ air4 ,b5 & ,ham foll[$4 ,:5 !y 7 outside1 ,tad swung ! door %ut & lock$ x4 ,!n1 ) a note ( triumph 9 8 voice1 he said3 ,!re1 ,williams c h ! place = all ,i c>e1 & he held ! que] t9 tube 9 8 h& be=e !m4 ,op5 x1 urg$ ,willis4 ,tad turn$ to him4 ,my boy1 !re has nev] be5 a day 9 ! pa/ half-doz5 ye>s t ,i h n wond]$ :at became ( t t9 tube4 ,_m times1 aft] h\rs ( reason+1 ,i h decid$ t y\r uncle /ole t tube f y\r fa!r's belong+s4 ,i h done ! man an inju/ice4 ,f my firm belief t he _h tak5 ! tube came my great dislike = him4 ,y h nev] se5 ! cont5ts ( t c1 lad1 b y\r "m has4 ,at "o "t !y 7 v valuable1 & ,i h no d\bt t ev5 n[ t c conta9s a small =tune = y-- ,b-- int]rupt$ ,willis4 ,tad paid no att5tion to him1 & w5t on3 ,! cont5ts ( t tube w place y\r fa!r among ! greate/ ( m9+ eng9e]s & give 8 "n ! honor x has always be5 entitl$ to-- ,b ,tad-- ,:5 y\r fa!r conceiv$ t idea x 0 impractical4 ,he 0 too f> ahead ( ! times4 ,b to-day1 lad1 x means t e m9e dump 9 ! ,cripple ,creek region w be work$ ov] aga9 & ! gold remov$ at a trifl+ exp5se1 = 9 t tube are ! bluepr9ts ( ! greate/ electrical ore-roa/+ ma*9e 9 ! _w4 ,he took 8 knife f 8 pocket & sl[ly & c>efully pri$ (f ! ru/y lid4 ,! blue roll slid out into 8 h&4 ,! moi/ure _h n p5etrat$ ! c1 & ! sket*es 7 z good z ! day !y 7 made4 ,willis took !m 9 8 h& & pr\dly turn$ !m ov] & ov]1 !n he plac$ !m aga9 9 ! c ) ! rem>k1 ,tad1 ^! ?+s all belong to "m4 ,i wond] :at %e'll say8 ,tad broke into a pleas$ little laugh1 & ! old smile t _h made him s _m fri5ds 9 ! ye>s gone by came back to 8 grizzl$ face4 ,lad1 y're ri* to-day1 & ,i am bett] satisfi$4 ,^? plans w br+ y & y\r "m a goodly sum4 ,x lifts a great burd5 f a poor1 wor?less prospector's m9d4 ,willis did n "k ! true mean+ ( ! words1 b ,old ,b5 did1 & x 0 n[ 8 turn to talk4 ,tad1 ,i've kn[$ ye = a t>nal lot o' ye>s1 ha9't ,i8 ,an'1 ,tad1 !y a9't a s\l on e>? z w\ld d f] ye z me4 ,i've liv$ a life myself1 ,tad1 an' ,i a9't s big a fool z ye are ab\t "s ?+s4 ,b5 pull$ a piece ( ! ore f 8 pocket & held x up = inspection4 ,tad1 !re's a tw5ty-in* ve9 ( t rock 9 yond]1 an' f9] gold qu>tz ye nev] se$ 9 all y] days4 ,he turn$ to ,willis3 ,boy1 ye'r t>nal lucky4 ,!m plans may be valuable1 b ,i h my d\bts ab\t x2 b x's c]ta9 t t m9e is valuable4 ,ji/ h[ mu* gold !y is !re1 ,i don't "k1 b !y is lots ( x4 ,two or ?ree m weeks an' ,williams w\ld h /ruck x f ! o!r side4 ,n[ li/51 lad3 sell out1 d y he> me1 sell out4 ,x'll br+ a h&some price on assay2 b sell n[1 or ,williams-- & 8 voice dropp$ to a my/]i\s :isp] & he look$ suspici\sly ab\t him1 or ,williams w get ! be/ ( ye yet4 ,aft] m talk & discussion1 ! :ole p>ty w5t d[n to ! cab91 & ,ham prep>$ a special supp]4 ,aft] ! meal 0 ov]1 all sat & talk$ be=e ! fireplace1 & ! entire /ory 0 gone ov] aga9 9 detail4 ,t[>ds late aft]noon !y began ! d[n trip ?r\gh ! canyon4 ,at ! inn ,tad promis$ to come ! next day to ! city to meet ,mrs4 ,?ornton4 ,toge!r !y w\ld conf] ab\t ! newly-discov]$ facts4 ,don't wait too t>nal long to sell1 boy1 or some?+ w happ54 ,tad's unlucky4 ,sell if ye c1 an' ,i'd make t t>nal critt]1 ,williams1 buy ! :ole bus9ess1 if ,i 0 y4 ,tad & ,willis /ood "s "t talk+1 ,willis !n took ! plans & ! o!r ?+s t _h be5 9 8 fa!r's coat1 & />t$ home4 ,!y walk$ 9 sil5ce = "s "t1 !n ,willis spoke3 ,o1 ,ham1 ,i'm s happy to-day1 & /ill-- ,he paus$ & ! smile fad$ f 8 face4 ,/ill1 :y %\ld ,i be happy8 ,d ^! plans & t gold m9e up !re give me back my de> old dad8 ,n really1 repli$ ,ham1 b p]haps ^? ?+s he left y w make x possible = y to accompli% 9 ?is _w ! ?+s he _h hop$ to d1 & p]haps bett] ?+s4 ,! little smile came back aga9 to ,willis's face4 ,ham1 y're really a philosoph]4 ,i'll d my v be/1 ,i'll tell y t4 ,n[1 let's hurry4 ,,*apt] ,,xv ,9 ,:i* ,fate ,takes a ,h& ,f\r days lat] ,tad & ,b5 sat be=e ! log-fire at ! inn talk+ ov] plans = ! future developm5t ( ! m9e 9 ,buffalo ,p>k4 ,tad 0 tell+ ,b5 ( 8 visit ) ,mrs4 ,?ornton & :at h] wi%es 7 9 reg>d to ! matt]4 ,x seem$ t ,mr4 ,williams 0 out ( ! city & _h be5 gone = sev]al days4 ,j :]e he 0 no "o seem$ to "k1 b z he _h tak5 sev]al su* trips s9ce ! dea? ( 8 wife1 ,mrs4 ,?ornton did n ?9k mu* ( x4 ,x _h be5 decid$ t !y w\ld wait until ,mr4 ,williams return$1 at :i* "t he w\ld be giv5 ! opportunity to buy ! entire m9e at a fair price4 ,b if he did n c>e to buy1 ! prop]ty 0 to be turn$ ov] to ,tad = disposal or developm5t1 z he saw fit4 ,! cold wea!r _h cont9u$1 & !re _h be5 no visitors at ! inn = ne>ly a week4 ,tad & ,b5 7 mak+ "s crude te/s be=e ! fire ) ! pieces ( gold qu>tz ,b5 _h br\ght f ! tunnel4 ,!y 7 j 9 ! middle ( _! crude assay :5 sudd5ly !re 0 a l\d knock on ! outside door1 accompani$ by a s]ies ( l[ gr[ls f ,b5's dog4 ,! door 0 unc]emoni\sly ?r[n op5 & a v mu* excit$ man /epp$ 94 ,he made no apologies1 b w5t directly to ! po9t4 ,he spoke betwe5 great brea?s1 & _h evid5tly come f "s di/ance at a good spe$4 ,he 0 completely exhau/$1 & z he spoke 8 eyes w&]$ aimlessly ab\t ! room4 ,we've a devil ( a mess1 he pant$4 ,i don't "k h[ _m hurt1 b "s ( 'em are brok5 all to pieces4 ,come "r away & br+ :at b&ages y h4 ,o1 x's a devil ( a mess4 ,old ,b5 look$ at ! /rang] bewild]$ly4 ,tad jump$ to 8 feet1 al]t 9 a second4 ,devil ( a mess :]e1 man8 ,:at's wrong8 ,:o's hurt8 ,! /rang]'s voice fail$ him1 & all he c\ld d 0 to po9t 8 f+] 9 ! direction ( ! canyon & make signs = !m to hurry4 ,b5 pu%$ him into a *air by ! fire1 & 9 a little :ile !y _h 8 /ory3 ,! new tunnel on ! old ,iron ,dyke _h cav$ 9 )\t a mom5t's notice4 ,!re 7 sev5 m5 lock$ 9 by a wall ( fall5 rock4 ,:e!r !y _h be5 cru%$ or n 0 h>d to tell4 ,! /rang] _h n be5 9 ! tunnel at ! "t ( ! accid5t1 b _h gone to ! /ream = wat]4 ,^u return+1 he discov]$ ! cave-94 ,he _h come at once = help1 realiz+ t a s+le man w\ld be useless at ! m9e4 ,9 a %ort "t ! ?ree _h ! old horse pack$ & 7 on ! trail4 ,! sn[ 0 deep & progress sl[4 ,z !y walk$ up ! trail ! /rang] describ$ ! appe>ance ( ! fall5 rock z be/ he c\ld4 ,he told !m t !y _h be5 work+ ! tunnel z fa/ z possible & t !y _h n be5 z c>eful z !y %\ld h be5 ab\t propp+ ! ceil+4 ,he said !y _h /ruck consid]able wat]1 & t ! black rock seem$ to h be5 previ\sly loos5$ by "s great =ce1 = x 0 crack$ 9 e direction4 ,!y _h be5 sp5d+ ! day putt+ 9 tempor>y props1 & ! boss _h be5 !re sup]9t5d+ ! job4 ,he _h be5 urg+ ! m5 on h>d] e day1 z he seem$ s anxi\s to get ! tunnel 9 to a c]ta9 po9t ) ! lea/ possible delay4 ,! boss _h 9 m9d some?+ v def9ite1 h[ev]1 = he (t5 ref]r$ to a c]ta9 sket* :i* he always c>ri$ 9 8 pocket book4 ,! m9] decl>$ he _h se5 ! boss make calculations _m times1 aft] he _h measur$ ! dep? ( ! tunnel4 ,yes1 ! boss 0 9 ! m9e1 too--_h be5 !re all day4 ,x might be t he is dead ?is mom5t1 = all ,i "k1 said ! /rang]4 ,f 8 description ( ! boss1 ,tad guess$ t x 0 no o!r ?an ,mr4 ,williams himself4 ,:5 ! m9e 0 rea*$1 op]ations 7 at once comm5c$ to remove ! fall5 /ones4 ,tad took comm&1 & sev]al times he ?\ght he he>d ! s\nd ( hamm]+ f ! o!r side--b1 p]haps1 aft] all x 0 only an e*o4 ,aft] a c>eful exam9ation1 x 0 decid$ t all ! loose rock _h fall51 & t to remove x 0 n dang]\s4 ,!y began "w at ! top 9 ord] to make a hole big en\gh to rea* ! m54 ,!y _h n work$ long :5 !y he>d s\nds f ! o!r side4 ,!y 7 n all dead at lea/1 & if !y c\ld b get to !m be=e !y suffocat$ all w\ld be well4 ,! imprison$ m9]s evid5tly und]/ood ! plan ( action1 = ! s\nds f ! o!r side indicat$ t !y1 too1 7 work+ at ! top ( ! wall4 ,by night a small op5+ 0 made & messages ex*ang$4 ,!re 7 sev5 m5 inside--"o dead1 two v badly hurt1 & ! o!rs bruis$ & cut1 b able to help !mselves4 ,wat] & hot food 7 pass$ to !m1 !n ! "w ( rescue 0 tak5 up 9 e>ne/4 ,mr4 ,williams _h a fractur$ leg & 0 unconsci\s1 b 0 /ill liv+4 ,in/ead ( ru%+ to ! solid wall end ( ! tunnel1 :]e he w\ld h be5 comp>atively safe1 at ! fir/ sign ( dang] he _h ru%$ t[>d ! entrance ) "o o!r man1 & _h be5 /ruck d[n by ! fall+ /one4 ,if he _h />t$ out ?irty seconds soon]1 he w\ld h be5 cru%$ to dea?1 z 8 companion 04 ,late t night a l>ge en\gh hole _h be5 made to move ! w\nd$ m5 out4 ,tad 0 ! fir/ to ent]1 & ! fir/ man to be br\ght out 0 ,williams4 ,tad pick$ him up 9 8 great /rong arms & t5d]ly c>ri$ him to ! cab94 ,by midnight ! brok5 leg 0 dress$ & ! cuts & bruises b&ag$4 ,tad prov$ z good a nurse z he 0 a m9]4 ,z he work$ ov] ,williams a great pity fill$ 8 he>t1 = ,tad knew only too well t he _h be5 any?+ b a happy man4 ,! tunnel _h be5 driv5 v rapidly )\t prop] truss+1 & x seem$ to ,tad t ! entire dyke mu/ h be5 %ak5 by ! bla/s t _h caus$ ,mr4 ,?ornton's dea? ye>s be=e4 ,)\t a second's notice ! %aly rock _h giv5 a little1 !n cav$ 94 ,x seem$ a /range turn ( fate to ,tad t ! same bla/ t _h tak5 away 8 p>tn] _m ye>s ago _h n[ probably tak5 away 8 only enemy4 ,) ^! ?\ghts came an int5se hatr$ = ! m9e & a t5d] pity = ! man t _h s wrong$ him4 ,tad _h put 8 body to a trem5d\s te/1 & e n]ve & e muscle 0 fairly t+l+1 s he drew up a *air to ! b$side & re/$4 ,9 a little :ile ,mr4 ,williams became consci\s1 b on recogniz+ ,tad at 8 b$side he slipp$ back aga9 into unconsci\sness1 mutt]+ /range1 brok5 apologies & begg+ = m]cy4 ,tad ?ank$ ,god z he sat !re t night t he _h nev] h>m$ a bro!r man willfully & t 8 life _h always be51 at lea/ to ! be/ ( 8 ability1 on ! squ>e4 ,!n he began to ?9k rapidly4 ,p]haps ,williams 0 ne> ! end4 ,he fe>$ ! bad cut on 8 head might prove fatal4 ,:at if he %\ld die & h no *ance to talk1 no *ance to squ>e himself ) ^? t he _h wrong$8 ,accord+ly he made him z com=table z he c\ld1 & aft] tell+ ,b5 8 plan1 he hurri$ly ate a little food1 w5t out into ! night & d[n ! trail4 ,willis 0 awak5$ e>ly 9 ! morn+ by a furi\s p\nd+ on ! door4 ,he rose & hurri$ d[n4 ,tad fairly tumbl$ into ! room4 ,he in=m$ ,willis j :at _h happ5$1 & told him to get ready to g ) him at once4 ,a doctor 0 call$1 a cab ord]$1 & 9 a little :ile ! ?ree 7 ha/5+ back t[>d ,bru9 ,inn4 ,) all _! spe$1 h[ev]1 ! morn+ 0 well-sp5t be=e !y rea*$ ! little %anty aga94 ,! doctor made a c>eful exam9ation & decl>$ ,williams 9 a v critical condition4 ,! brok5 leg 0 reset1 ! cuts dress$ & sew$ up4 ,!n began ! prep>ations to remove him out ( ! m\nta9s to a hospital4 ,x seem$ v /range to ,tad to be aga9 build+ a crude /ret*] f asp5 poles & blankets1 b by night !y _h plac$ him 9 ! hospital & he 0 sleep+4 ,x 0 a long night ( /range ?\ghts & fancies = ,willis z he sat by 8 uncle's b$side4 ,he 0 too bewild]$ by all ! /range ev5ts ( ! la/ =tnight to be able to ?9k logically4 ,8 admiration = ,tad _h gr[n until x knew no b\nds1 & 8 pity = 8 uncle _h increas$ until all ! h>dness _h disappe>$ f 8 he>t & he 0 sorry = him4 ,he hop$ ) all 8 might t he w\ld yet live4 ,9 ! e>ly morn+ ,willis 0 awak5$ by 8 uncle's h& be+ plac$ on 84 ,! injur$ man 0 look+ up into 8 face4 ,he clos$ 8 eyes aga9 & 0 sil5t a long :ile4 ,:5 he op5$ !m aga9 he spoke falt]+ly3 ,i'm v sorry1 son1 he began4 ,i've be5 wrong1 s wrong all along ! way4 ,i've nev] be5 squ>e4 ,i h f\ght ! ,fates e day ( my life1 & n[ ,i'm :ipp$4 ,he smil$ a little1 weak smile4 ,:at a fool a man is1 he cont9u$4 ,willis1 ,i'm go+ to slip (f v soon1 n[1 & ,i h s mu* ,i want to say to y4 ,he half arose4 ,are we alone8 ,willis told him t !y 71 b urg$ him n to talk4 ,he 0 det]m9$4 ,i h play$ a desp]ate game1 & ,i h lo/4 ,i'm sorry = my mi/akes4 ,i h wrong$ ,tad & y ! mo/1 = ,i h want$ y\r fa!r's m9e4 ,i 0 jeal\s ( y\r fa!r's favor4 ,n[ ,i "k ,i did n des]ve x4 ,i got y\r "m's reply to ,tad's lett] long ago4 ,x 0 s5t 9 my c>e1 & ,i read x4 ,x decid$ me1 = x all look$ s easy4 ,!re's money 9 ! m9e1 son1 & ,tad is "h some:]e4 ,he w tell y all4 ,tell him = me t ,i am sorry4 ,he clos$ 8 eyes1 & 9 a mom5t 0 gone4 ,willis hurri$ home to 8 "m1 & toge!r !y held a long conf]5ce1 & _m ?+s 7 acc\nt$ =4 99 99 99 99 99 ,x 0 at ! little cab9 t ,willis f\nd 8 greate/ pleasure1 & already ,ham & himself 7 plann+ a new & m pret5ti\s ,lodge to take ! place ( ,buffalo ,roo/1 = ! next ,buffalo ,roo/ 0 to be a memorial camp built 9 honor ( ,tad ,kies]1 g5tleman1 & ,mr4 ,william ,?ornton4 ,willis _h f\nd ! cab91 & ! cab9 ) its /an*1 good fri5d%ips1 ! heal?ful "w toge!r1 & ! unselfi% lead]%ip ( ! "r sort ( m51 _h help$ him f9d 8 be/ self 9 ?\ghtful s]vice = o!rs4 ,surely no bett] ?+ ev] comes to ! life ( a boy4