So would I.
But that don't mean I'd rather tramp the flats
Picking up dollars for some other man.
And I suppose the mill-boys feel the same.

Cap Saunders.

A fellow has to do the best he can.
If he can stake himself, then off, I say,
And pan for his own self. That's been my way.
Sometimes I've struck pay dirt and sometimes not.
And then I'd go and dig for a month or two
For the other boys until I'd got my stake——

Harvey Anderson.

Here is another like the one back there;
Goes half way round as clean as anything;
And the bark seems the same; but on this side——

Cap Saunders.

(Who has left his cast and is hurrying forward excitedly)

Hold her a minute!

Harvey Anderson.

No, it don't fit, Cap.
The same old finger width it's always been.
When the curve matches, then there's some damn knot;
And when the knot's not there, it's something else.
No, you can't stretch it. Now it's this side; see?
'Twas best the way I had it. There you are.
Might as well mark her.