"Go find the scout--Jim Bridger!" she broke out suddenly. "He's going on ahead. Go on to his fort with him--he'll have wagons and horses. He knows the way. Go with Bridger, Will! Don't go to Oregon! I'm afraid for you. Go to California--and forget me! Tell Bridger--"
"Why, where is it?" she exclaimed.
She was feeling in the pocket of her apron, and it was empty.
"I've lost it!" she repeated. "I lose everything!"
"What was it, Molly?"
She leaned her lips to his ear.
[pg 206]
"It was gold!"
He stood, the magic name of that metal which shows the color in the shade electrifying even his ignorance of the truth.