“Then there are such in the world. Those I have met have been of a different kind. Has he been any more fortunate than yourself?”
“Not since I arrived. He did something before I came, but I must have brought him bad luck, for he has been running behind ever since. We have not been making expenses for the last month.”
“I never thought much of Howe’s Gulch, though some have been fortunate there.”
“Then it was not there that you found your gold?”
“No.”
Grant wanted to ask the old man where it was that his claim was located, but hesitated, not knowing how the question would be received.
“I can direct you to a rich spot,” said the old man, after a pause. “I had intended to let the secret die with me, but you have done me a service——”
“A very slight one,” said Grant modestly.
“Not slight, for without your help I should have been unable to get home.”
“I was glad to serve you, and do not need compensation. You may wish to work the claim yourself.”