"
"That is my savings-bank."
They quickened their steps till they reached the stately monarch of
the forest. Ben quickly thrust his hand into the cavity and drew out
the precious parcel which he had committed to it during the night.
It was precisely as he had placed it there. No one had touched it.
"Now," said Ben, "I will give you ninety-five dollars. That is the
amount of which I picked your pocket last night."
"You are a pickpocket of the right sort," said his companion. "You
took my money in order to save it."
Their money recovered, they started on their day's march, and
nightfall found them twenty miles nearer their destination.
CHAPTER XXII.
THE ARRIVAL AT MURPHY'S.
One morning about eleven o'clock they came in sight of Murphy's. It
was only a mining-settlement of the most primitive description. A
few tents and cabins, with rough, bearded men scattered here and
there, intent upon working their claims, gave it a picturesque
appearance, which it has lost now. It was then a more important
place than at present, however, for the surface diggings are
exhausted, and it is best known-to-day by its vicinity to the famous
Calaveras grove of big trees.
Pages:
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140