The Gold Cache (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1917 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VI DAY was breaking when I awoke. I remembered with some misgivings my promise that we should go on south to the place where Jose had said we should find gold. Jose was only the guide and scout of our little party; it was for me to say how far we should go and when we should turn back. That was a good deal of responsibility, and it weighed upon me as I joined the others before the breakfast fire. While we ate our morning meal Jose kept urging me to go on south; and Pi'tamakan pleaded that, since we were now so near the always-summer land, we should not miss the chance to see its wonders. Bridger, on the other hand, advised us to go straight back to Fort Benton. "That hot desert country," he said, "is alive with Apache Indians and with all sorts of other poisonous things; it's one very good place for us Northerners to keep out of." 810798A I reached for a cup and started for the creek -- not to get a drink, but to be alone to think. If my Uncle Wesley knew that we had failed to find the cache, would he object to my going farther in quest of fortune? Setting aside my own inclination, I honestly tried for half an hour or more to see the situation as my uncle himself would see it if he were present. At last I made my decision and went back to the camp-fire. "We will go on," I said to my companions. "Well," said Bridger, "if you're bound to go on, I'm bound to help you all I can. Now, what do you want? Grub -- blankets -- clothes? Come over to the commissary tent and pick 'em out. Money? Say how much and I '11 lend it to you." We selected a pack-saddle for our stray horse and loaded it with a gold pan, a pick and a shovel, and what few articles of clothing and bedding we needed. I gave Bridger an order on the American Fur Company for...