The two survivors were the strangers who
Had just arrived the afternoon before;
Their names nor antecedents no one knew,
But western miners do not close the door
On weary travellers, whosoe'er they be,
No matter what their race or pedigree;
The one credential needed in the west
Is—human being, storm-bound and distressed.
The rescued miners, much benumbed and chilled,
To show some signs of conscious life began;