If the mill stamps in the distant crusher had
creaked and begun to pound; if dogs had rushed barking around corners
and from under porches; if from the hotel mine host had emerged,
yawning and rubbing his eyes; if from the shops and offices and houses
had issued the slow, grumbling sounds of life awakening, it would all
have seemed natural and to be expected. Under the influence of this
strange effect a deathly stillness seemed to fall, in spite of the
bawling and roaring of the river, and the trickle of many streamlets
hurrying down from the surrounding hills.
So extraordinary was this effect of suspended animation that Bob again
essayed his surly companion.
"What place do you call this?" he inquired.
Saleratus Bill had dismounted, and was stretching his long, lean arms
over his head. Evidently he considered this the end of the long and
painful journey, and as evidently he was, in his relief, inclined to be
better natured.
"Busted minin' camp called Bright's Cove," said he; "they took about ten
million dollars out of here before she bust."
"How long ago was that?" asked Bob.
"Ten year or so.
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