Digging for Gold | Page 9

their blankets, with
pistols in their hands and the water-bottles attached to them. Nothing
disturbed them, however, during the night, save the howling of wolves,
and the imploring cries, irritated exclamations, and angry discontent of
the suffering men, which latter sounds were far more terrible than the
cries of wild beasts.
A little before day-break some who could not rest sprang up and
continued their journey, walking at their utmost speed until they
sighted the woodland. Then, indeed, did a new sensation of delight fill
their souls as they gazed upon the green verdure. Even the mules,
though their eyes were bandaged, seemed to know that water was near.
They snuffed the breeze, pricked up their ears, and neighed loudly. On
reaching the woods, and sighting the river, a momentary halt was called
to cast off the burdens of the mules. This was speedily done, and then
they all rushed--men and mules together--deep into the stream and
luxuriated in the cool water!

When they had slaked their thirst to the uttermost, Graddy proposed
that a party should be sent back to the relief of those left behind, and
offered to join it. Frank seconded this proposal, and the Yankee,
Jeffson, volunteered to join it. A German named Meyer, who had borne
his sufferings with great fortitude, also volunteered, as did a Scotchman
named Douglas.
"You may propose what you please," said the guide, when he heard
them talking, "but I will not wait for you."
"Why not?" inquired Frank somewhat angrily. "Because I was not hired
for such work. It is my business to push on to the mines, and push on I
will, follow who pleases."
"Bot fat if ve compel you for to stay?" asked the German with an
indignant air.
"Then you will guide yourselves as you best may, I will refuse to go a
step further. Is it fair that I should be hired for a special job and then be
asked to turn aside and risk my life for the sake of men who have
chosen to throw their own lives away, and who are no doubt dead by
this time?"
A number of the travellers applauded this sentiment, and it was evident
that the philanthropists were very much in the minority, but here Frank
stepped in and turned the scale, at least to some extent.
"Men," said he, raising his clenched fist, "I know not what your notions
of humanity may be, or your ideas of justice, but this I know, that the
man who has the power to help a fellow-mortal in deadly distress and
holds back his hand, is worse than a beast, for he has reason to guide
him, and a beast has not. I and my comrade Joe Graddy, at least, will
remain behind, even though we should be left alone, but I am
convinced that we shall not be left alone. Meanwhile," he added,
addressing the guide, "I shall pay you my share of what is due, after
which you may go, and I shall wish you no worse luck than that your
conscience may go with you and be a lively companion."

"There is more to be said than that," observed the Yankee at this point.
"You are so very fond of fulfilling your duty, mister guide, that I have
concluded to relieve you of some of it. One of these mules is loaded
entirely with my goods. Now, I guess, I'll remain behind with Mister
Allfrey, and keep the mule at a reasonable valuation."
"I'll not part with him at any price," said the guide with a sneer. "I'll
carry your goods to the diggings or I'll unstrap them, stranger, and let
you carry them the best way you can, but I'm not bound to sell my
mules to you."
"Now, men," cried the Yankee, springing forward and addressing his
comrades, "I appeal to you all in the name of fair-play! Here am I,
willin' to pay this man a fair price for his mule. There's not a pick or
shovel belongin' to any one else on its back, so I'm doin' damage to
nobody by the proposal. This critter is bent on refusin' me out of spite;
now, I propose to settle the question here with the rifle or pistol or
bowie-knife. He is welcome to choose his weapon--it matters nothin' to
me, and whichever falls loses the day."
There was a burst of laughter at this, and the majority insisted that the
guide should give in, while a few, who were fond of excitement,
suggested that the two should be allowed to fight it out, but this the
guide refused to do; and when his comrade, the second guide, stepped
forward and said he would join those who wanted to remain, he
grumblingly agreed to part with