Though
Jake referred to her as "the gal," in his conversation with Ben, he
was entirely respectful when brought face to face with the young
lady.
"I want to thank you for my breakfast, miss, first of all," said the
miner. "If I hadn't been such a thunderin' fool, I needn't have been
beholden to any one, but-"
"You are entirely welcome, Mr. Bradley," said the young lady. "Ben
tells me that you know something of Richard Dewey."
"Yes, miss."
"He is a valued friend of mine, and I am anxious to hear all that
you can tell me of him. You don't know where he is now?"
"No, miss."
"When did you see him?"
"Nigh on to a year ago."
"That is a long time. You have heard nothing of him since?"
"No, miss. I should say yes," he added, with sudden recollection.
"One of our boys saw him some months later, and reported that he was
well and prosperin'. I disremember where he was, but somewhere at
the mines."
"That is something. Do you think you could find him?"
"I could try, miss,"
"I am going to send out Ben, but he is only a boy. I should like to
have you go with him. You know the country, and he does not.
Besides, you have seen Mr. Dewey."
"Yes, I should know him ag'in if I met him.
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