"Why, the miners did it years ago. They ground up the rocks in the mine into powder just as fine as they could, and then washed the powder to get the gold out."
"Oh, I see," said Edith. "So these tailings are what's left after the gold's washed out."
"Yes, they brought 'em and spread 'em 'round here to get rid of 'em I suppose."
"Is the gold all washed out, every bit?" asked Jimmy. "Seems as if I could see a little shine to it now."
"Well, they got out all they could. There may be a little dust of it left though. Mr. Templeton says the folks in 'Frisco that own the mine think there's some left, and the tailings ought to be sent to San Diego and worked over."
Jimmy took up another handful. Yes, there was a faint shine to it; it began to look precious.
"Well, there's a heap of it anyway. It goes ever so far down," said he, thrusting in a stick.
"It's from ten to twelve feet deep," replied Nate, proud of his knowledge; "and see how long and wide!"
"I don't see how they ever ground up rocks so fine," said Kyzie. "Exactly like sand. And it stretches out so far that you'd think 'twas a sand beach by the sea,—only there isn't any sea."
"Well, it's just as good as a beach anyway," said Nate. "Just as good for picnics and the like of that. When there's anything going on, they get out the brass band and have fireworks and bring chairs and benches and sit round here. I tell you it's great!"