In spite of a few shooting affrays during the night, there was not much disturbance in Bloody Canyon. Mr. Judson had spoken truly when he said a large part of the population had left for other diggings, and midnight, which is usually the most exciting time in a mining settlement, was so quiet that the boys and Gabe were able to go to sleep.
"Well, it feels good to sit down to a table again," remarked Jed the next morning, when they were having breakfast in the "hotel."
"Make the most of it," said Gabe. "We'll soon be striking out on a new trail, and we'll have to camp out again."
"Don't you think it would be better to have a tent?" proposed Will.
"I certainly do, and I'm going to get one," replied Gabe. "I've got to get some other supplies, too—blasting powder, a new handle for my lucky pickaxe, and some grub. This is the cheapest place to get 'em, as prices will be high near good diggings."
Most of that day was spent in getting the tent and other supplies. It was so late when they finished that Gabe decided they would stay another night in the hotel at Bloody Canyon, and push forward in the morning.
That evening, as the three were strolling down the main and only street of the town, a couple of men, who came from a saloon, approached Gabe and the two boys.
"Excuse us, strangers," said one. "But is it true you are going prospecting up at Dizzy Gulch?"
"We calc'late on it," replied Gabe civilly, though the manner of the man was insolent.
"Well, that's a pretty good joke!" exclaimed the other stranger, laughing heartily.