By steady pushing they reached Rapid creek the next night, for no halt was made at Custer City, and for the first time since leaving the torture-ground, camped with a miner's family. As yet no cabins or shanties had been erected here, canvas tents serving in the stead; to-day there are between fifty and a hundred wooden structures.
Alice was charmed with the wild grandeur of the mountain scenery—with the countless acres of blossoms and flowering shrubs—with the romantic and picturesque surroundings in general, and was very emphatic in her praises.
One day of rest was taken at Rapid Creek; then the twain pushed on, and when night again overtook them, they rode into the bustling, noisy, homely metropolis—Deadwood, magic city of the North-west.
CHAPTER VI.
ONLY A SNAKE—LOCATING A MINE.
Harry Redburn hurried off toward the cabin, which was some steps away. In Anita's scream there were both terror and affright.
Walsingham Nix, the hump-backed, bow-legged explorer and prospecter hobbled after him, using his staff for support.
He had heard the scream, but years' experience among the "gals" taught him that a feminine shriek rarely, if ever, meant anything.