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 r 
 
 THE 
 
 SINBAD MINES: 
 
 A Tale of the Rockies 
 
 BY 
 
 Dr. E. F. Eldridge 
 
 THE REED PUBLISHING COMPANY 
 
 DENVER, COLO.
 
 Copyright, 1905 
 By E. F. ELDRIDGE, M.D. 
 
 Pres of 
 
 The Reed Publishing Company 
 Denver
 
 fnuttg Jlmpl? of OPur Olomtlrg 
 
 WHO ARE ENDEAVORING TO 
 SUCCEED IN A WORTHY LIFE 
 
 Ifnhtmr in 5lrH|trrtfullij DcMrutri)
 
 PREFACE 
 
 RELIEVING that earnest effort and honest mo- 
 tives are generally rewarded, and that 
 pure thoughts and a fixed purpose stimu- 
 late their possessor with strength to ac- 
 complish tasks, which to others would be unattain- 
 able, I have endeavored to impress upon the mind 
 of the reader, in the following pages, the importance 
 of having a definite aim in life, worthy of being fol- 
 lowed with an intensity w r hich shall admit of noth- 
 ing less than its perfect accomplishment; a purpose 
 which cannot be swerved by temptation, discouraged 
 by opposition or apparent impossibilities. 
 
 Believing that an honest life is "worth the living/' 
 and that he who succeeds in elevating his fellow man 
 shall reap unto himself, not only happiness, but honor 
 and riches, and that he truly lives most who exper- 
 iences the greatest vicissitudes, endures the severest 
 trials and surmounts the most obstacles, maintaining 
 the while "a conscience void of offense toward God 
 and man," I have endeavored, in the following pages, 
 to stimulate the desire for such a life by worthy 
 example. 
 
 The pen-pictures are true to nature, most of them 
 having been noted by the author during his quite 
 extensive travels, extending through many years, 
 and over several countries; many of the incidents 
 related being personal reminiscences, while the 
 descriptions of scenery and frontier life are portray- 
 als of times and customs which are fast fading from 
 even the wildest parts of the Rockies. 
 
 All of the poems, with the exception of two, for 
 which due credit is given, were written expressly 
 for this book by the author.
 
 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 A 
 
 TALE OF THE 
 ROCKIES
 
 CHAPTER I 
 
 JHITE hills and whiter valleys stretch away in 
 the distance, while heavily laden boughs, 
 bending under their burden of ice and 
 snow, nearly conceal from sight a dilapi- 
 dated farm house, which shows but too plainly by 
 its weather-beaten clapboards and the absence of 
 many shingels, that its owner is either addicted to 
 the flowing bowl, or that some other misfortune has 
 overtaken him. This old buil-ding, with its moss- 
 covered gables and creaking shutters, was the home 
 of a delicate boy, who, with his father and mother, 
 had resided there since earliest recollection. 
 
 Many misfortunes had come to them, and the 
 mother, wasted with disease, had become tired of 
 life, and longed to go to her final resting place, 
 although the thought of leaving her child to the 
 mercy of a heartless world stimulated her to cling 
 to the slender thread of life with wonderful ten- 
 acity. But the dread disease, consumption, had 
 made such inroads upon her weakened constitution 
 that she finally succumbed to a severe hemorrhage 
 from the lungs, and the father, now discouraged, 
 was left to his sorrow with but one to comfort him, 
 his son Robert, fifteen years of age, who was also 
 prostrated with grief from the loss of his best friend, 
 now appealed to his only protector for comfort. 
 But his father forsook him, and repairing to the
 
 li. THE SINBAD MINES! 
 
 tavern of the village nearby, attempted to drown his 
 sorrow in the intoxicating cup, often remaining out 
 all night, or returning to abuse Robert and complain 
 of the scanty food which the child had prepared for 
 him from their slender store of supplies. 
 
 As time passed on the boy's life became a burden 
 to him, and he often wondered what it was best for 
 him to do, when one day his father returned from 
 the village accompanied by a woman, and Robert 
 was commanded to call her mother. This, while a 
 severe trial to our young orphan, was by no means 
 the worst, for he was soon compelled to do most of 
 the work, and often beaten for not performing more 
 than his limited strength would permit. Scantily 
 fed and ill clad, he was the drudge of the household 
 and the recipient of unwarranted abuse and mal- 
 treatment. 
 
 His father had fallen to so low a condition that 
 he had lost all parental feeling for his child, and 
 finally, in a fit of rage, ordered him to leave the 
 house and nevermore return. With a heavy heart 
 Robert emerged from the gateway, not knowing 
 where to go or what to do. Just as he turned into 
 the road, his eye caught a glimpse of a white mound 
 elevated above the surrounding snow, and sheltered 
 from the elements by the drooping branches of an 
 old apple tree. 
 
 Stopping, and retracing his steps through the 
 gateway, Robert advanced to the mound, and sink- 
 ing upon his knees, asked the God of his mother to 
 direct him and keep him in the path of right! The 
 place seemed to warm with her slumbering love, and 
 he resolved that, come what might, he would follow 
 her precepts and trust in the God who had been the
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 13 
 
 support of her life and her hope in death. He also 
 determined that he would some day return and repay 
 his father in kindness for the unjust treatment 
 which he had received at his hands. 
 
 Thereupon he arose, and pondering these determi- 
 nations in his mind, mechanically turned toward the 
 village, seemingly indifferent as to where his path 
 led him. When he reached the summit of the hill 
 he involuntarily turned once more to take a last 
 look at the home of his childhood, and recall the 
 many happy days which he had spent within its 
 sacred confines. As his eye rested upon the tomb 
 of his mother, he again solemnly resolved to keep 
 the vows he had so recently made. Then passing 
 over the hill he made his way toward the depot, not 
 knowing what was in store for him, as he was with- 
 out money or friends, and his clothes were thread- 
 bare and scanty. 
 
 As Robert reached the station platform a tall gen- 
 tleman accosted him pleasantly, and inquired if he 
 knew where a smart boy could be secured to act as 
 an attendant for his children, who, he explained, 
 were in the car at the rear of the train, which then 
 stood in waiting for the passengers to secure lunch. 
 He further said that he was in charge of an excur- 
 sion, and that its destination was Chicago; that he 
 had secured a lad in Boston who had proven to be 
 unreliable, and had been sent back home. 
 
 Robert was unprepared for such an opportunity, 
 but summoning all of his courage, he asked if he 
 might not be allowed the position. Mr. Moulton, 
 for such was the gentleman's name, scrutinized the 
 boy carefully, and inquired if his parents would be 
 willing to have him leave them. Robert replied that
 
 14 THE siNBAi) MINES: 
 
 his mother was dead, and that his father had turned 
 him, homeless, into the world; that he would be 
 more than thankful if he would take him along, 
 promising to do his very best to please him. Mr. 
 Moulton, after ascertaining from the station agent 
 the probable truth of the boy's statement, promised 
 him a trial. Robert was shown to the car and in- 
 troduced to the Moulton family, which consisted of 
 Mr. Moulton, his wife, and two children, a boy 
 about four years old and a girl some two years his 
 senior. 
 
 After being instructed in his new duties, Robert 
 began to make himself generally useful, and the 
 afternoon passed rapidly away. The next morning 
 found the train moving along near the western 
 boundary of New York, and when Robert awoke, 
 the sun was shining brightly in his window. It 
 seemed very strange to him when he realized he 
 was so far from home, and that in so short a time, 
 and, stranger yet, that he had secured a position, 
 although he did not know how long it would last. 
 His many duties occupied the greater portion of his 
 time, and as the children followed him about the car, 
 Robert soon ceased musing over his sorrow, and be- 
 gan to think that after all there might be some good 
 in store for him. 
 
 The days went swiftly by, and one afternoon 
 nearly a week after leaving home, the train rolled 
 into the great depot at Chicago. Soon all was con- 
 fusion, as the passengers, anxious about their bag- 
 gage, moved hurriedly about the great piles of 
 trunks and bundles, to see that all of their belongings 
 had arrived, and were safely stored to await their 
 departure across the great prairies, as most of them
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES IS 
 
 were bound for California, having been attracted to- 
 ward the Pacific Coast by reason of the immense 
 gold fields which had recently been discovered in that 
 country.' 
 
 After all had been attended to, young Robert 
 sought out Mr. Moulton to ask his advice in regard 
 to his future movements. He was invited into the 
 car where the family were passing the evening, and 
 when asked as to his future intentions, Robert re- 
 plied that he did not know what he had better do, 
 but thought he would secure a position to accom- 
 pany one of the teams across the plains in the ca- 
 pacity of a driver. Mr. Moulton kindly offered his 
 assistance in securing him a position, and invited 
 him to call the next morning when they would visit 
 the camp together and make the arrangements. 
 Robert thanked him and returned to his car, and to 
 bed for the last night's rest, under a roof, for a long 
 time. 
 
 Bright and early the next morning, he again 
 called upon his benefactor and was much pleased to 
 be invited to join them at breakfast. During the 
 meal Mr. Moulton told him they were very much 
 pleased with the way in which he had served them, 
 and that as a slight reward for his careful attention 
 to the children, he wished to procure for him some 
 new clothes and a warm blanket, which would make 
 him a great deal more comfortable during his long 
 and tedious trip across the plains. 
 
 Mrs. Moulton volunteered to go with them and 
 assist in picking out the most serviceable articles. 
 She also added several pairs of socks and some large 
 handkerchiefs, which afterwards became very useful 
 to the wanderer. Little Miss Alice, the daughter,
 
 l6 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 without the knowledge of her parents, slipped a small 
 book into Robert's hand, whispering as she did so : 
 
 "You must read in this every Sunday morning at 
 least, and when you do, you may think of the little 
 girl who gave it to you." 
 
 Bidding the family a sad farewell, Robert accom- 
 panied Mr. Moulton to the stock yards where the 
 teams were being fitted out. Here was a scene that 
 our young friend had never beheld before, and one 
 that is very rare at the present day, except in the 
 great mining camps of the Rockies large, heavy 
 wagons covered with bows, over which was stretched 
 canvas gathered at the ends, and commonly known 
 in those days as "prairie schooners." These great 
 wagons were being loaded with all kinds of camp 
 supplies, including bedding, cooking utensils, mining 
 tools, and a great many other things which were 
 entirely new to Robert. 
 
 Mr. Moulton spent considerable time in looking 
 about among the teams, but finally accosted one of 
 the owners and inquired of him if he was in need 
 of any one to assist him in light work, the care of 
 children or other trusty employment. The man re- 
 plied that he was in need of a teamster, whereupon 
 Mr. Moulton introduced Robert and asked that he 
 be given the position. The man gazed at him in 
 astonishment, and replied that he was too small for 
 that business. 
 
 Robert assured the man that, although he was 
 small, he had had considerable experience in driving 
 horses, and begged to be allowed to try. Mr. Moul- 
 ton assured the man, whose name was Martin, that 
 the boy was a very careful hand, and that he would 
 find him to be of much more service than he antici-
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 17 
 
 pated. After a little delay Robert was told that he 
 might begin to make himself useful at once, as he 
 would be allowed to accompany the train as teamster. 
 
 With tears in his eyes Robert bid his benefactor 
 farewell, and turned to his new employment, to find 
 it very difficult to manage, on account of the many 
 new terms that were used, and the further fact that 
 he was wholly unacquainted with the requirements 
 of life out of doors. 
 
 Nearly a week having been spent in preparation, 
 the long train of schooners was finally ready to 
 begin its tedious journey across the plains, and 
 over the great divide. The caravan consisted of 
 more than fifty wagons, which were hauled by ox 
 teams, there being from two to four yoke of oxen 
 before each wagon, and it was a novel sight as one 
 after the other of the moving homes drew into posi- 
 tion, forming a line over two miles in length, and 
 looking for all the world like some monstrous ser- 
 pent crawling slowly along over the smooth sod of 
 the prairie, which was still bare of snow. 
 
 Although the work was very hard for so young 
 a boy as Robert, he did his best, and when at night 
 he stretched his weary limbs upon the ground in 
 front of the camp-fire, he was often too tired to 
 think of the past, or speculate upon the future. Day 
 after day passed with the same routine labor, and 
 almost exactly the same scenery; all was monoto- 
 nous, and Robert began to think there was no end 
 to the prairie which stretched away on all sides as 
 far as the eye could reach. 
 
 Occasionally a herd of buffalo was observed in the 
 distance, or a curious-eyed antelope would gaze at 
 them from some slight elevation, to dart away a
 
 l8 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 moment later out of sight. At night, droves of coy- 
 otes would congregate at a safe distance from the 
 camp and set up a most doleful howl, which would 
 frighten the children so that it required Robert's 
 whole attention to quiet them. Then as Robert lay 
 looking up at the stars, he often wondered what was 
 in the future for him, sometimes almost giving up in 
 despair, when the kindly words of his mother would 
 come to him, and he would take fresh courage and 
 again renew his energy. 
 
 After many days of hardship and privation, as 
 their amount of edibles was limited, and the distance 
 between watering places great, they reached the 
 eastern bank of the Missouri river, at a point near 
 where the city of Omaha is now located, then but a 
 small trading post. Here they camped for the night, 
 and the next day was spent in crossing the river, 
 and in laying in a new stock of supplies, when the 
 train again took up its westward march. 
 
 Many were the forebodings of those hardy pio- 
 neers as to the resuk of their undertaking, knowing, 
 as they did, that the country beyond them was 
 inhabited by Indians who were hostile to the 
 whites, and that there were no settlements for hun- 
 dreds of miles, while on the top of the range eternal 
 winter reigned supreme. The course of the train led 
 up the Platte river, which they found to be a broad, 
 shallow stream fringed with cottonwood, and stud- 
 ded with many sandbars. 
 
 Bands of friendly Indians were frequently met 
 with who seemed to favor the travelers, until late one 
 afternoon it was ascertained that there were several 
 bands of Sioux in the vicinity, and that they were 
 intending to make a raid on the camp at the earliest
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 1 9 
 
 opportunity, which could best be accomplished at the 
 mouth of a canon which they were about to enter. 
 
 Thereupon all hands were set to work to fortify 
 themselves as well as possible. The order to camp 
 being given much earlier than usual, the wagons 
 were drawn up in a circle about the camp-fire, the 
 stock being driven into the corral thus formed, to 
 protect them from being driven off by the Indians. 
 Then saddles and bags of provisions, as well as many 
 other camp belongings, were piled up in the space 
 between the wagons as a barricade, and some time 
 before dark quite a substantial fortress had been 
 established. 
 
 All the men of the party, having been provided 
 with some kind of weapon, were prepared to protect 
 the women and children, or to sell their lives as 
 dearly as possible. The long night wore slowly 
 away, and the sun rose over the eastern horizon 
 dispelling alike both sleep and fear, and awakening 
 the camp to activity again. All members of the 
 party were indeed truly thankful that they had not 
 been molested during the night, but those who were 
 the most used to Indian tactics regarded it as a ruse 
 to throw them off their guard, when at some future 
 time they would be taken unawares. 
 
 Slowly' and tediously did the weary travelers make 
 their way up the mountain side, sometimes con- 
 fronted by swollen mountain torrents, which, rush- 
 ing down their granite-choked canons with a velocity 
 that was irresistible and a power that ground the 
 rocks to pieces, sent up a roar that might be heard 
 for miles around ; at another time they were crawling 
 along the edge of some gigantic glacier or drift of 
 snow that overhung a yawning abyss, into whose
 
 2O THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 depths it seemed certain that the whole train would 
 surely slide; then descending again into a deep 
 canon, the sides of which were so nearly perpendicu- 
 lar that it seemed certain destruction awaited those 
 who attempted it. 
 
 But by exercising the most careful watchfulness 
 they succeeded in reaching the Great Divide, and be- 
 gan to descend the western slope. The weather, 
 which had been severe, now rapidly moderated, and 
 in the course of a few days the snow began to melt 
 under the influence of the mild Pacific breezes, 
 which were welcomed by the poorly fed and scantily 
 clothed strangers. They began to congratulate 
 themselves on their safe passage through the snow 
 and untrodden waste of the mountains, but 
 were still aware that they were not out of danger, 
 as they were approaching the home of the Ute In- 
 dians, a sworn enemy of the white man, and a 
 most treacherous foe. 
 
 Each night as the camp was pitched, extra pre- 
 cautions were taken to guard against a surprise, 
 although no signs of Indians had been met with for 
 several days. 
 
 One evening just before sunset, as they were de- 
 scending into the valley of the Savory, white smoke 
 was seen ascending from several camp fires, around 
 which was nestled a village of tepees, and our friends 
 suddenly became aware that they were in the power 
 of the dreaded savage. 
 
 Not knowing what was best to do, as they were 
 largely outnumbered, a council was called, and it 
 was decided to make a long detour, and thus avoid 
 meeting the Indians, but upon further consideration 
 this was abandoned for the reason that thev had
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 21 
 
 already been observed by the savages, who were seen 
 running about with their weapons, while the squaws 
 and pappooses were hurried away to the adjacent 
 foothills and out of danger, as it was a never-failing 
 practice of the Utes to send their women and children 
 away before a massacre was engaged in ; the obser- 
 vation of these precautions by the savages made our 
 friends all the more solicitous for their own safety. 
 
 While they were meditating as to what action was 
 best to be taken, an old man was seen emerging from 
 one of the wigwams. Observing that he was of the 
 white race, they felt somewhat relieved, and await- 
 ing until he came up to them, they were happily sur- 
 prised to hear him address them in English, and to 
 learn that he was an old hunter and trapper, who had 
 lived in the country for a long time, and who was 
 now acting chief of the tribe. 
 
 Having ascertained that they did not intend to 
 stop in the country, he welcomed them to his hospi- 
 tality, and led the way to the camp, where, with a 
 few directions addressed to the Indians, Captain 
 Baker, for such was his name, invited them into a 
 large tepee, where they were soon seated and enjoy- 
 ing the best meal of which they had partaken for a 
 long time. 
 
 The evening was spent in pleasant conversation, 
 and Robert was much interested in many of the 
 strange implements and weapons with which the In- 
 dians were provided, while they seemed to be fully as 
 curious in the examination of him. Many of the 
 squaws were bedecked with large pieces of silver 
 which had been worked into curious patterns, and 
 were being worn as ornaments. Robert also noticed 
 that a few of the younger squaws wore gold nuggets
 
 22 THE SINBAD MINES! 
 
 of sufficient weight to be of considerable value. 
 When he tried to find out the source of these precious 
 metals he was answered by their pointing to the 
 south, and then to the sun with the fingers of both 
 hands extended, meaning that they had been brought 
 from the south a distance which it required ten days 
 to travel. 
 
 The party remained with Captain Baker and the 
 friendly Indians for an entire week, recuperating 
 their strength and allowing their horses to rest, at 
 the end of which time the march was again resumed 
 toward the city of Great Salt Lake ; but it was with 
 unfeigned sorrow that they reluctantly left their 
 dusky friends and the generous Captain after his 
 kindly treatment. 
 
 The train followed the Savory, a small stream 
 which empties into the White river; down this 
 stream, swarming with myriads of resplendent trout, 
 our wandering friends wound their way. 
 
 Robert had now become deeply impressed with 
 the idea of at sometime becoming an expert pros- 
 pector, and had already begun to scan the rocks 
 carefully, as well as to read up as to the varieties 
 which were likely to carry the precious metals. 
 
 One day when he was helping to arrange some of 
 the baggage in one of the wagons he was fortunate 
 to come across a copy of a small work by Henry 
 Nason upon mineralogy. This he diligently studied 
 in his leisure hours, finding it a most concise treat- 
 ise on the subject, as well as a guide to the use of 
 the blow-pipe. It also contained much other infor- 
 mation of importance to Robert, who had now ac- 
 tually begun his life work with a positive presenti- 
 ment that he would succeed. Now that he had
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 23 
 
 really made up his mind as to his future course, he 
 asked the blessing of his dead mother upon the under- 
 taking, and bent all of his energies to its ac- 
 complishment. 
 
 About a week after leaving the Savory, and while 
 they were camped in a narrow ravine where the 
 mountains rose upon either side to the height of 
 several thousand feet, Robert noticed that there 
 were marked indications of an approaching storm, 
 and as they intended to remain in the valley a short 
 time, he took special care in pitching the tents, 
 using double pins to each loop and driving them 
 well home. As a further precaution of safety, he 
 dug a deep trench around each tent, that in case of 
 a heavy fall of water it would be borne away, and 
 not inundate the bedding or destroy the provisions. 
 
 These precautions were timely, as they were 
 hardly completed when he was again reminded of the 
 approaching storm by the falling of a few large 
 drops of water. Supper was called, and as the tired 
 and hungry wayfarers assembled in their tents no 
 one thought of the danger which was so fast ap- 
 proaching them, as all were congratulating them- 
 selves upon the wonderful Providence which had 
 directed their feet and watched over their welfare 
 so far across the trackless waste, when, without 
 warning, there was a terrible crash as though the 
 eternal mountains were crumbling from their foun- 
 dations, and a tremendous torrent of water was seen 
 rushing from the mouth of a narrow canon which 
 emerged into the valley a little above them. 
 
 This was immediately followed by a fall of water 
 which was frightful to behold, the equal of which 
 never occurs except among the high mountains.
 
 24 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 The wind moaned and sighed among the rocks, 
 while the ground fairly shook with the terrific dis- 
 charges of electricity, and torrents of water loaded 
 with rocks and debris went rushing down the valley 
 past them. 
 
 So close was their attention riveted upon the won- 
 derful phenomena, they did not notice that the 
 ditches which \vere to protect them were already full, 
 and that the water was rapidly coming into the tent. 
 Suddenly a great gust of wind came down the canon 
 with tremendous force, and entering the tent, raised 
 it into the air, where it exploded with a heavy boom. 
 The rain descended in almost solid sheets, while the 
 water rose rapidly to their middles. 
 
 Robert was the first to give any directions. Notic- 
 ing that some of the party were making toward the 
 cliffs, he shouted to them to remain where they were 
 and hang to the ropes, as they had not all gone, ad- 
 ding that he believed they would at least hold them 
 together and prevent them from being washed away 
 by the flood ; and that there was imminent danger 
 of their being crushed by the rocks which were 
 crashing down the cliffs, having been loosened from 
 their beds above by the falling rain, and that no one 
 could tell where the next one might alight. 
 
 By the greatest exertion he succeeded in prevent- 
 ing any of them from leaving his side, where all 
 were huddled together, fully believing that the end 
 of their journey had come, and that there was little 
 hope of seeing the light of another day. Lightning 
 tore the rocks and lighted up the scene with a wild 
 and lurid glow, which made the succeeding darkness 
 all the more profound. When the rain had subsided 
 and the wind gone down a little, the bravest of the
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 2$ 
 
 party began to move about, as they were anxious to 
 know if all their companions were safe. 
 
 The water was still deep, and it required the ut- 
 most caution to keep on foot, as the current was very 
 strong, and it was impossible to tell where there 
 might be a deep channel worn in the soft soil by the 
 stream. The task was made more difficult for the 
 reason that the fires had been extinguished and the 
 wood swept entirely away. Robert made an en- 
 deavor in the darkness to find something that might 
 be induced to burn, and was soon rewarded by stumb- 
 ling against a quantity of flood trash, which had 
 become entangled in the tent ropes. It was found to 
 consist of oak limbs which had been washed down 
 from the mountains, but from the violence of the 
 storm they were entirely denuded of bark, and worn 
 perfectly smooth. 
 
 Remembering that he had seen a small flask of 
 alcohol in one of the bundles that was used for a 
 pillow, he succeeded in finding it, and by collecting 
 some of the smaller branches and piling them on top 
 of the larger ones, he succeeded in erecting a pile that 
 projected from the water and soft mud sufficiently 
 to allow of its being saturated with a small quantity 
 of the fluid, and by frequently adding more, he was 
 happy to find that just before the contents of the 
 flask were exhausted a feeble blaze had developed, 
 which was carefully coaxed by the addition of small 
 twigs, until a cheerful fire was again burning in 
 front of their former habitation. 
 
 By the light of its blaze further observations were 
 made in regard to the location of more fuel, which 
 was soon found, and the fire increased to a genial 
 flame which lighted up the scene, and exhibited a
 
 26 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 most wonderful transformation of the one that had 
 existed but so short a time before. Huge boulders 
 which had rolled from the mountain side were strewn 
 about, many of them very near to where the fright- 
 ened and drenched travelers were huddled together. 
 The surface of the ground had been entirely changed 
 by the violence of the storm, while everything 
 movable had been washed away. 
 
 Before the fire the wet clothes were soon dried, 
 and with its warmth it imparted new life and hope 
 to the shivering wanderers, who now betook them- 
 selves to the wagons to await the approach of day, 
 which, when it came, disclosed a most desolate and 
 foreboding camp, as most of the provisions were 
 ruined by the water, several of their oxen drowned, 
 camp fixtures washed away, and everything covered 
 with mud. The floor of the entire canon was strewn 
 with debris and the carcasses of wild animals, which 
 had perished from the violence of the elements. 
 
 After considerable difficulty they succeeded in se- 
 curing trappings enough to attach the teams to the 
 wagons, and partaking of a hasty breakfast were 
 on their way again. Notwithstanding their great 
 loss and the hardship of the night, the travelers were 
 happy for the reason that they were all still alive and 
 comparatively comfortable. Nothing of importance 
 occurred to mar the monotony of the journey until 
 they were descending the western slope of the Uinta 
 mountains into the Great Salt Lake Basin, when 
 the teams that Robert were driving began to shy, 
 and in spite of his utmost efforts the hind wheels of 
 the heavy wagon suddenly slipped from the trail and 
 were hanging over an abyss hundreds of feet in 
 depth, and but for the friendly presence of a scrub
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 27 
 
 oak all must have been dashed to destruction. It was 
 with difficulty that the oxen were finally con- 
 trolled, when, with the assistance of saddle horses 
 and lariats, the wagon was hauled back to its for- 
 mer position and the descent continued. 
 
 So the days passed slowly by. Something excit- 
 ing to attract one's attention, as well as to require 
 great presence of mind and unusual skill to prevent 
 accidents ; at one point a bit of beautiful scenery, and 
 at another some startling hair-breadth escape; again 
 a great herd of elk might be seen crossing the trail ; 
 and at another time a beautiful mountain cascade 
 would flash into view, leaping from some rugged 
 gorge hung with vines and carpeted with many- 
 colored mosses, to float out into the sunshine on the 
 wings of the breeze and slowly fade away in a mist 
 of resplendent glory. At still another time, the 
 outer wheels of a wagon might be seen rolling along 
 so near the edge of a ravine as to cause the earth to 
 break away under them just as they were leaving it, 
 to rattle down the precipice for hundreds of feet to 
 the stream below. 
 
 Many times while they were crossing the desert 
 they were a long way from water, when the stock 
 and their drivers suffered the most intense agony, 
 only to be disappointed when reaching a spring to 
 find it to be so strongly alkaline as to render it dan- 
 gerous to use, and but a mockery to their suffering. 
 
 THE DESERT 
 
 'Mid the alkali dust of the desert's drear waste, 
 Where the sun heats the sand to a glow, 
 
 And the trail is o'erstrewn with the bones of the dead 
 Which are bleaching as white as the snow ;
 
 28 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 Where the atmosphere gleams with a sulphurous hue. 
 
 And the sand reaches far out of sight ; 
 Where the low barren hills like demons asleep, 
 
 Reflect back the dazzling light. 
 
 Not a blade of green grass nor a creature in sight, 
 
 Of air it seems hardly a breath ; 
 Where the silence is broken alone by himself, 
 
 And Nature speaks only of death.' 
 Alone in the desert, benumbed, by the pain 
 
 That has tortured for many a day, 
 He dreams of the spring of his own native vale, 
 
 And for ivater he tries hard to pray ! 
 
 But the sound of his pleading is lost on the air, 
 
 His tongue is thrust out of his mouth ; 
 His brain is on fire ! He shrieks in despair, 
 
 His blood is consumed by the drouth ! 
 He spurs on his mustang with desperate will, 
 
 Though it staggers from weakness and thirst ; 
 The veins of his temples like whipcords are raised, 
 
 While his eyeballs seem ready to burst! 
 
 He sees through the mirage the cool running streams, 
 
 As they dance 'neath the green waving trees ; 
 And the crest of the waves as they roll o'er the lake 
 
 In front of the freshening breeze. 
 He sways in the saddle and clutches his throat, 
 
 Then utters a curse and a prayer, 
 And his face is distorted with agonized pain, 
 
 In that furnace of glimmering air ! 
 
 His eyes gaze in horror ! He falls to the ground, 
 
 O'ercome by the treacherous sight ; 
 His reason has fled, and he laughs in his glee, 
 
 As the day slowly fades in the night. 
 The moon, burning red, gazes down on the spot 
 
 With a soft gentle light in her face. 
 But the demon of thirst has finished his task, 
 
 And of beauty has left not a trace. 
 
 Such was the end of some of the brave explorers 
 who attempted to cross the desolate plains and burn- 
 ing- sands of the Great American Desert in the time 
 of our story.
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 29 
 
 After enduring many hardships, accomplishing 
 long marches, and when the provisions were nearly 
 exhausted, the sparkling waters of the Great Salt 
 Lake were sighted as they glistened in the slanting 
 rays of the descending sun. The fact that they were 
 again approaching civilization and the comforts of 
 happy homes stimulated their drooping spirits and 
 revived their tired bodies. It was thought that by 
 making the drive continue late into the evening it 
 might be possible to reach the city sometime during 
 the succeeding day, but still another day was passed 
 in the same manner, to draw to a close again with 
 the weary pilgrims still a long way from the great 
 Mormon camp, after it seemed they had traveled 
 many times the distance. 
 
 Their weary march was finally accomplished, and 
 the dusty and faded wagons wound their way down 
 the broad and shady streets of one of the most beau- 
 tiful cities of any age or continent, and one that 
 stands forth as a mighty monument to the energy 
 and executive ability of the only man who would 
 have been able to erect a city of its beauty and mag- 
 nitude, hundreds of miles from civilization, and who 
 made the desert blossom as the rose, the happy 
 homes of hundreds of poor outcasts. 
 
 THE CITY OF THE SAINTS 
 
 Where rugged mountains rear their peaks 
 
 Against the eastern skies, 
 And Great Salt Lake reflects the crags, 
 
 Which far above it rise ; 
 Or, flashing like a diadem 
 
 Upon a maiden's breast, 
 Its diamonds sparkle in the sun 
 
 Upon the wavelet's crest.
 
 3O THE SINE AD MINES: 
 
 Where healing zephyrs fondly blow 
 
 Across the verdant fields, 
 And nature, full a hundred fold, 
 
 Her choicest treasures yields; 
 Beside the sacred Jordan's stream, 
 
 Amid its gardens fair, 
 A wondrous city rears its spires 
 
 High in the balmy air ! 
 
 The angel from his dizzy height, 
 
 Above the temple grand, 
 Looks down upon the fairest sight 
 
 Of any age or land ; 
 For here, the Master from His gifts, 
 
 Has chosen all the best. 
 And made for man a Paradise 
 
 Upon the desert's breast ! 
 
 As the teams were brought to a stop in the open 
 square the emigrants were met by a delegation from 
 the authorities, who inquired if they could do any- 
 thing for them. Upon being informed that their 
 supplies were nearly exhausted they immediately of- 
 ftrcd to replenish them, for which they would re- 
 ceive no remuneration. 
 
 After a few days spent in looking around the city, 
 examining its wonderful resources and comfortable 
 homes, the caravan was again under way, bound for 
 the great placer fields of California. There were 
 long days of dreary marching, interspersed by many 
 exciting adventures with the Indians among the 
 Sierra Nevada mountains; longer days without 
 water, as they endured the privations incident to 
 those pathless wastes, which were difficult to travel 
 and beset with dangers of many kinds. 
 
 One fine morning, early in summer, the dilapidated 
 train might have been seen descending a ravine 
 through the foot-hills of a broken "mesa," which
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 31 
 
 gradually spread out into a beautiful valley, through 
 which ran a noisy stream, the riffles of which were 
 thickly studded with miners who were washing from 
 the shining sand the precious grains of gold, for 
 which they had left their eastern homes, and, daring 
 the dangers of frontier life, were laboring hard to 
 obtain. 
 
 Situated in rows upon either side were their tents, 
 glistening beneath the rays of a summer sun, while 
 in front of them were the embers still smouldering 
 from the morning's meal. Here the wagons were 
 unloaded, the tents pitched, and the work for which 
 they had made the long journey earnestly com- 
 menced. As Robert's engagement was at an end he 
 determined to commence business for. himself. 
 
 In the camp was one young man about Robert's 
 age, but much larger and stronger, who seemed to 
 have no companion, and who, like Robert, had re-, 
 cently arrived at the "diggings." An acquaintance 
 was soon formed between them, and a partnership 
 entered into whereby they were to be equally interest- 
 ed in whatever enterprises they might undertake. His 
 new-found friend proved to be a generous, whole- 
 souled man, whom Robert soon learned to respect, 
 especially for his unselfishness, although it was 
 often carried to such an extent that it became little 
 less than recklessness; however, he was honest and 
 generous, and this was sufficient to make them warm 
 friends at once, while in after years they became in- 
 separable. 
 
 The work was very hard at first, and it was with 
 aching limbs and tired muscles that they returned to 
 their rest at night, many times with only the vault 
 of heaven for their roof, and the singing pines to
 
 3-2 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 lull them to sleep. Many were the dreams which 
 occupied Robert's mind during those long weary 
 days of labor, which were to fit him to follow intelli- 
 gently some day the calling which he had chosen. 
 
 The summer passed, and the winter was fast ap- 
 proaching with its long days of storm and deep 
 drifts of snow, admonishing them that they must 
 prepare for the winter. 
 
 The work of the camp had been quite satisfactory 
 to the miners, and they were beginning to think of 
 going to San Francisco to sell their dust and secure 
 more supplies for the winter, when, without warn- 
 ing, and while they were wrapped in slumber, per- 
 chance dreaming of loved ones in their distant homes, 
 suddenly there was 3 loud report. Springing to 
 their feet, they were confronted by a gang of out- 
 laws, who, with leveled rifles, demanded their hard 
 earned wealth, and that instantly. 
 
 As there was no alternative out to comply with 
 the demand, their belts were handed over to the 
 brigands, who, leaving several of their number to 
 guard the miners, looted the cabins, and after se- 
 curing their horses and loudly cursing them for not 
 having gathered more dust, they faced them toward 
 the mountain and commanded them not to move 
 for the next half hour, with the assurance that if 
 they did it would cost them their lives. This was 
 the most discouraging trial the miners had met with, 
 as it compelled them to leave their work as soon as 
 possible, for the reason that their provisions having 
 been stolen and winter coming on they must make 
 their way to the coast, although they would be en- 
 tirely without means when they reached there. 
 
 Reaching the city of the Golden Gate, Robert and
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 33 
 
 his companion secured work upon the wharves un- 
 loading merchandise from the great ships, which 
 were engaged in bringing supplies to the coast, as 
 well as material for the city which was fast springing 
 into existence ; but owing to the influences which sur- 
 rounded them, and the small value which he placed 
 upon money, Robert's companion soon acquired the 
 habit of frequenting the saloons which were near at 
 hand, and spending his hard-earned wages for that 
 which did him only harm. When Robert remon- 
 strated with him he would earnestly promise to do 
 better, but his good resolutions were soon forgotten 
 and his pledges broken. 
 
 This becaiwe a source of great anxiety to Robert, 
 who was anxious to earn sufficient means before 
 the spring opened to enable them to prosecute their 
 calling among the hills during the coming summer. 
 Robert spent his leisure time during the long wyn- 
 ter evenings acquainting himself with the geography 
 and mineralogy of the mountains of the south-west- 
 ern states, frequently being busy far into the night 
 experimenting with the blow-pipe and chemicals 
 used in assaying. He also studied the source of the 
 placer gold, and learned that in the peaks far above 
 the deposits were the leads from which it came. In 
 accordance with this theory he determined to ascend 
 the mountains and follow up the gulches in search 
 of the rich leads which he believed must exist. 
 
 Owing to the bad habits of "Happy," the familiar 
 name by which Robert's companion was known, 
 Robert thought it best to leave the city as soon as 
 possible. Packing up their outfits they soon found 
 themselves among the peaks of the coast range, 
 where, one day as they were washing some sand
 
 34 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 near a small stream, Happy found in the bottom of 
 his pan some small grains of gold which showed by 
 their rugged appearance that they had come but a 
 short distance from the ledge from which they had 
 been torn by the action of the stream. Robert's 
 attention was called to the fact, and after examining 
 it, he expressed the opinion that they would soon be 
 rewarded by finding the mother vein. 
 
 Redoubling their efforts, they proceeded to wash 
 the gravel in all directions, digging a hole every few 
 feet thus slowly ascending the gulch. Each pan 
 showed the same indications, with gold in greater 
 quantities, while the grains were larger and their 
 edges less rounded. Night coming on they returned 
 to the cabin down the ravine to wait for the morning. 
 Early dawn again found them following up the 
 float, as men in that state of mind do not sleep, and 
 before noon they had located and staked the great 
 Cambrian lode. The next thing to do was to return 
 to the nearest settlement to procure powder, drills, 
 etc., with which to sink a shaft on the hard quartz 
 of which the lead was composed. 
 
 Safely securing the cabin door to protect the pro- 
 visions from the ravages of wild animals, they sad- 
 dled their horses and started down the mountain on 
 their way to the nearest supply station. Ten days 
 later they might have been seen retracing their steps 
 toward their wonderful find. As they reached the 
 forks of the stream, one branch of which flowed past 
 their cabin, they were surprised to find signs of 
 horses having gone that way. Upon closer exami- 
 nation they were made out to be either prospectors 
 like themselves, or renegades, as they were shod, 
 and consequently could not belong to Indians.
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 35 
 
 Fearing that there might be trouble ahead for 
 them, they proceeded up the ravine very cautiously, 
 so as not to attract the attention of the newcomers, 
 should they be in the neighborhood. Robert was 
 riding ahead, scrutinizing the country before him, 
 when he suddenly drew rein and motioned his com- 
 panion to ride along-side. They had now come 
 within sight of their cabin, from the chimney of 
 which was issuing a blue column of smoke, indicat- 
 ing that it was in the possession of the newcomers. 
 The fact that the smoke was of a pale blue was evi- 
 dence to Robert that it had been occupied for some 
 time, as a new fire would throw off black and dense 
 fumes. 
 
 While Robert was engaged in making these obser- 
 vations there emerged from the door four men, in 
 whose hands were as many rifles, while nearby was 
 tethered a bunch of bronchos, several of which were 
 saddled. Not knowing just what course to pursue, 
 Robert and Happy concluded to make a bold front 
 and ascertain the intentions of the visitors. They 
 proceeded, however, but a short distance when they 
 were observed by the robbers, for such they proved 
 to be, who sprang behind the cabin and began firing 
 at them. Robert immediately wheeled his horse 
 about, and calling to Happy to follow, galloped 
 away down the trail. 
 
 After getting well out of range he turned to see 
 what had become of his companion, and was horri- 
 fied to see him stretched upon the ground with blood 
 flowing from a wound in his side. Riding quickly 
 back to him, Robert dismounted and was in the act 
 of lifting him to a position behind his saddle, when 
 another volley was fired, and several bullets whizzed
 
 36 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 past their heads. Hastily climbing into the saddle 
 behind his companion, he gave his horse the spurs, 
 and they rushed down the valley with the robbers in 
 hot pursuit close behind them. 
 
 Realizing that the outlaws were rapidly gaining 
 upon them, Robert raised himself in his saddle, and, 
 glancing back, saw that the leader was far in advance 
 of his companions. Reining his horse a little to 
 one side, he drew his revolver and fired. As the 
 smoke cleared away it was evident that the shot had 
 taken effect, as the robber's horse was galloping back 
 upon the trail riderless. Not daring to wait longer 
 he turned his horse into a draw that made into the 
 hills, and taking care to ride on the bare rocks as 
 much as possible, managed to elude his pursuers, as 
 by this ruse he threw them entirely off his trail, and 
 they continued on down the ravine, supposing that 
 he had gone that way. 
 
 After riding until he was almost exhausted with 
 his efforts in sustaining Happy, and until his horse 
 was completely winded, they reached a sheltered 
 place in the rock where there was a small stream of 
 water bubbling from beneath the cliff. Dismount- 
 ing, Robert was encouraged to find that his com- 
 panion was returning to consciousness, and that the 
 ball had not cut so deep as he had at first feared. 
 He immediately set to work to dress the wound as 
 best he could, using some of the handkerchiefs which 
 had been given him by Mrs. Moulton as bandages. 
 Ascertaining that none of the clothing or other sub- 
 stance had been driven into the wound, he built a 
 small fire, and securing some pitch from the many 
 pines which grew in the vicinity, he warmed it slight- 
 ly and spread it upon the wound, and then applied
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES JfJ 
 
 the bandage. As he was about finishing the task 
 his practiced ear caught the sound of hoofs ap- 
 proaching. 
 
 To spring to his feet with his gun in position to 
 fire was but the work of an instant, but as he peered 
 along its barrel he recognized Happy's horse, which 
 had evaded the robbers and smelling out their trail 
 was in search of its mate, from which it had not 
 been separated for years. Instead of firing upon the 
 newcomer, he uttered a low whistle, when the faith- 
 ful animal came trotting up to where his master lay 
 upon the ground. As the pack behind his saddle 
 was still in position, in which was sufficient food for 
 their supper, he was greeted with a hearty welcome. 
 With the additional means furnished by the pack 
 Happy was made as comfortable as possible, after 
 which the fire was replenished in anticipation of a 
 warm supper. 
 
 After supping his coffee and partaking of some 
 brown toast Happy felt somewhat revived, and in- 
 quired of Robert what he intended to do. Robert 
 replied that the robbers had undoubtedly overlooked 
 their trail and would not find out their mistake until 
 after nightfall, consequently they would be safe until 
 morning at least. After finishing the meal Robert 
 ascended the cliff back of them, which was protected 
 by a growth of dwarf cedars, and examined the 
 country in all directions. As he was gazing down 
 the valley in the direction from which, they had 
 entered, he became almost breathless as he saw 
 several horses coming directly toward them. It had 
 now become so dark in the canon on account of its 
 high walls that he could not distinguish whether
 
 38 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 they were mounted or not, and he began to fear that 
 their trail had been discovered by the outlaws. 
 
 While these dismal thoughts were occupying his 
 mind he caught sight of something on the back of 
 one of the horses that glistened in the fading light, 
 which he recognized as a gold pan, and a moment 
 later he was running down the path toward his com- 
 panion with the glad news that their pack horses 
 were coming up the trail, and that they would soon 
 be in possession of their blankets, provisions, and 
 implements, all of which were essential to them, es- 
 pecially the blankets, as it would not be safe for 
 Happy to lie out in the cold. 
 
 Robert lost no time in removing the burdens from 
 the tired and hungry animals, and they were soon 
 feeding on the short but sweet grass with which the 
 little interval was carpeted, after which he arranged 
 the beds and procured some wood for the fire. 
 Lighting their pipes, they began to plan as to what 
 was the best course to pursue ; that they would have 
 to remain in the place until Happy recovered was 
 evident, but Robert was afraid that the trail, hav- 
 ing been traveled by so many horses, might be dis- 
 covered by the bandits, when it would be followed 
 up, and their hiding place discovered. 
 
 As Robert lay by the fire his thoughts reverted to 
 his childhood ; to his sainted mother, then to a little 
 girl, and he wondered if, after all he had endured, 
 he was- yet to lose his life by ruffians, or worse yet, 
 perish from starvation far from home, with none to 
 tell the sad story of his fate. Back in his old home 
 he saw the faces of many a loved one; the corner 
 by the fire, his mother at her knitting, and it seemed
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 39 
 
 to him that those were the brightest days of his un- 
 usually sad and unhappy life, and, half asleep, he fell 
 to dreaming of his childhood's happy hours. 
 
 CHILDHOOD'S HAPPY HOURS 
 
 When in childhood's happy hour, 
 
 In my early home I knelt 
 At the knee of her who now has passed away, 
 
 How little did I know 
 
 Of the trials of this life, 
 In my childhood's happy days of long ago ! 
 
 May the memory of that life 
 
 Like a beacon's welcome gleam, 
 Still Guide me through life's ever-changing storm; 
 
 May I reach that shining shore, 
 
 There to meet her form so dear, 
 In that happy home where we shall part no more !
 
 40 THE SINBAD MINES 
 
 CHAPTER II 
 
 HE moon was at its full, and as it rose 
 above the eastern horizon, its mellow 
 beams were contrasted with the dark 
 shadows that were thrown across the 
 trail, which seemed to Robert to be peopled 
 with robbers and beset with many dangers. 
 Every sound that came to his ear startled him, unti! 
 he became so excited that it was impossible for him 
 to remain longer in his blanket. Thinking that it 
 might relieve his mind he sauntered down the ravine 
 to get the bracing effect of the cool air. Picking 
 his way along the rocky trail and hardly realizing 
 how far he had gone, he was about to turn back, 
 when he noticed in the soft tele of the soil some fresh 
 horse tracks, and a little below, several more. 
 
 At first the discovery startled him, but upon closer 
 examination he was soon convinced that they were 
 those of the pack horses, which, having been driven 
 down the valley by the firing, had taken to the hills 
 and so reached their camp. This was of importance 
 to them, as the robbers would be less likely to dis- 
 cover their trail, for the reason that the horses had 
 left the valley far below the. mouth of the canon, 
 which Robert and his companion- had ascended, and 
 as the course which the horses had taken was cov- 
 ered with loose rocks, it would be difficult for the 
 robbers to follow them. 
 
 Robert also reasoned that the trail of the pack
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 4! 
 
 horses as they continued down the valley had been 
 mistaken for that of their saddle horses. This was 
 undoubtedly the reason that the robbers had beer, 
 misled, and that they had succeeded in escaping. 
 The further fact that they had not followed up the 
 pack horses was reasonable proof that the con- 
 clusion was correct. These questions satisfactorily 
 answered, Robert concluded to remain where they 
 were until Happy was able to travel, as he was con- 
 vinced that their trail would not be discovered. 
 Somewhat composed, he returned to the fire, and 
 again stretching himself upon the blankets, was 
 soon wrapped in slumber. 
 
 The morning was well advanced when he awoke 
 to find Happy sitting by the fire which he had re- 
 kindled, looking much better for his night's rest. 
 All thoughts of robbers were dismissed, and during 
 the following days the time was spent in repairing 
 their outfit, mending and washing their clothes, etc.. 
 until Happy declared that he was himself again. 
 
 One morning, after corralling their horses for 
 safety, they determined to follow the cliffs along 
 until they should reach a position overlooking their 
 old camp. To do this it was necessary to make a 
 considerable detour that they might avoid a deep 
 draw which made into the main valley. When they 
 reached the opposite bank they were in full view oi 
 the scenes below, and were surprised to find th-it 
 their enemies had increased in number, and that they 
 had commenced operations upon the lead from which 
 they had recently been driven. Observing that 
 there was a strong guard continually on duty, the 
 prospectors were convinced that there was little use 
 in trying to dislodge them, and that they had better
 
 42 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 leave them peaceably than to begin a fight, which 
 must surely result in several deaths, and probably 
 put an end to their own existence. Happy proposed 
 that they return again to the lower camps and enlist 
 a sufficient number of miners to drive them away, 
 but Robert argued that it would be useless to do so, 
 for the reason that it would require a small stand- 
 ing army to protect them, as the bandits would re- 
 turn, when least expected, and massacre all who 
 were found in the camp. 
 
 With heavy hearts and saddened spirits the com- 
 panions returned to their rendezvous much discour- 
 aged and almost ready to give up their hazardous 
 pursuit and return to civilization, as poor as when 
 they left it. However, a hearty supper and refresh- 
 ing sleep renewed their drooping energies and they 
 resolved to prosecute their undertaking, although 
 they were again compelled to return to the city to 
 procure more supplies. 
 
 Upon reaching town- Happy fell into his old habits, 
 spending the most of his time in the saloons, from 
 which it was difficult to induce him to return. But 
 for the many good traits in Happy's character Rob- 
 ert would have left him to his own indulgence, but 
 these induced him to make one more effort to save 
 his companion from a drunkard's grave. 
 
 Accordingly, as soon as the spring opened the 
 prospectors were again headed for the mountains, 
 hoping to get located and well started into the 
 ground on a new location before the winter set in, 
 as when the deep snow came it would put a stop to 
 all prospecting on the surface. 
 
 After spending considerable time among the foot- 
 hills the prospectors determined to move farther up
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 43 
 
 the canon and investigate the higher peaks. Day 
 after day they clambered over loose tumble and slid 
 down draws until, tired and exhausted, they re- 
 turned to their cabin at night, downhearted and dis- 
 couraged, to awake the next morning ready to re- 
 peat the same experiences again and again, ever 
 having before their eyes the hidden treasures which 
 they were certain were somewhere awaiting them; 
 ever dreaming of the happiness which the acquire- 
 ment of wealth would bring. 
 
 Sometimes a rich piece of float would be brought 
 to light, when visions of fabulous wealth would 
 fill their minds, only to be obliterated by the dark 
 shadows of disappointment. But in connection with 
 Robert's dream of wealth, and always paramount 
 to it, was the memory of a beautiful girl whose 
 image ever clung to his mental vision, always grow- 
 ing brighter and more desirable. 
 
 In former years the picture had been that of an 
 innocent child with beautiful tresses and large, in- 
 quiring eyes, which seemed to see only the good and 
 beautiful. Then her form gradually took on that 
 of a maturing woman with a retiring disposition, 
 full of womanly graces and beaming with matured 
 love. As Robert gazed at the picture which his 
 fancy had painted, it seemed to him that the pos- 
 session of such a beautiful being was the most de- 
 sirable of all earthy acquisitions, and he would again 
 renew his determination to make himself worthy of 
 his ideal. But for the presence of this beautiful pic- 
 ture Robert would have given up the struggle long 
 before and returned to the scenes of crime and degra- 
 dation which at that time controlled the greater part 
 of the inhabitants of the great mining camps.
 
 44 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 Whenever he thought of abandoning his under- 
 taking the sacred face of his mother would rise 
 before him, while the promises he had made over 
 her grave would repeat themselves in his ears. 
 Then, as her fond memory filled his eyes with fall- 
 ing tears, there would devolop from his grief, like 
 a beautiful rose among the thorns, the fair face of 
 the only one in the world whom he cared to love, 
 the face that was all the world to him and for whom 
 he would gladly brave any danger ; a love that had 
 driven him to that wild country in the hope that some 
 day he might return and ask the privilege of adding 
 to her comfort and happiness by bestowing upon 
 her an undivided love as well as abundant wealth. 
 
 So the months went by, and the winter coming 
 on, they were obliged to return to the lower country, 
 where the colder months were spent in placer wash- 
 ing, which furnished them with the means with 
 which to replenish their supplies for the next sum- 
 mer's work. 
 
 Years came and went while the two wanderers 
 continued to search among the rocks and wilds of 
 nature that seemed to mock their efforts, for 
 although they had prospected over the western ter- 
 ritories, including Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada 
 and California, they had failed to -find that for 
 which they were looking, although they had not 
 given up in despair. 
 
 NEVER DESPAIR 
 
 Amid the hedge's tangled growth 
 
 Are blossoms rich and rare. 
 With hues of purple, gold and pink 
 
 And petals wondrous fair,
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 4$ 
 
 Which yield their fragrance pure and sweet 
 
 If we but take the care 
 To catch the perfume of their breath, 
 
 E'en though some thorns may tear. 
 
 Along the mountain's rocky trail 
 
 Are pictures bold and grand, 
 Where fevered brows and aching head 
 
 By bree.zes soft are fanned ; 
 And dancing brooks their music lend 
 
 To gladden all the land, 
 If we but mind the climbing less, 
 
 Nor heed the burning sand. 
 
 So through our lives are blessings found 
 
 Among the many ills. 
 Long, winding paths of sunny slope, 
 
 As well as rugged hills, 
 Bright rosy morn and golden day 
 
 Succeed to dreary night. 
 When faith and love our nature fills 
 
 Then all the world is bright. 
 
 If we but make the most of life, 
 
 Its pleasures far exceed 
 The toil and hardship we endure, 
 
 Although some wounds may bleed ; 
 Though trials dark may fill our lives 
 
 With sorrows hard to bear, 
 There's still a balm for every ill, 
 
 A joy for every care. 
 
 Our lives, if right, will blessings prove 
 
 To those less strong than we, 
 If we but act an honest part, 
 
 The good in all to see ; 
 If we but do the best we can. 
 
 Nor judge our neighbor wrong, 
 Our sighs may change to pleasant smiles, 
 
 Our grief to joyous song. 
 
 So let us try with honest hearts 
 
 To scan the sunny side, 
 To catch the odors of the rose, 
 
 Which on the breezes ride,
 
 46 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 To see the best in every man, 
 
 And note his failings less ; 
 Then' living will be sweet indeed, 
 
 Our lives a grand success. 
 
 One morning in the latter part of the summer our 
 prospectors might have been seen treking their 
 horses through the mountain current of the Rio San 
 Juan, heading toward the shores of Colorado. Dis- 
 mounting upon its northern bank, they proceeded 
 to examine the dirt for placer dust. Colors were 
 found, but not in sufficient quantities to justify its 
 working. As they progressed toward the head- 
 waters of the stream, following along its northern 
 bank, they frequently encountered float that gave 
 strong indications of silver in combination with cop- 
 per, and generally containing well marked traces of 
 gold, and although this was a new ore to Robert, 
 he was satisfied that the mother vein was rich in all 
 of these metals. 
 
 Continuing their line of march slightly to the 
 north, and ascending the incline or watershed of the 
 river, just before sunset one evening, they came in 
 sight of the snow-clad peaks of the Sierra La Salle 
 mountains, two beautiful cones that rear their heads 
 above the surrounding range, and whose symmetri- 
 cal summits, covered with eternal snow, stand like 
 sentinels guarding the valley below. Here, Robert 
 felt, was the region for which they had been looking, 
 and he already began to anticipate the fortune which 
 he fervently believed was in waiting for them. 
 
 THE GRANDEUR OF THE MOUNTAINS 
 
 How grand are the massive old Rockies, 
 With their peaks towering high in the air 
 
 Their summits all covered with glory, 
 Their foothills with verdure most rare.
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 47 
 
 While far up their craggy old faces, 
 
 Where mosses and wild lichens creep, 
 Among the dark canons and gorges, 
 
 The wild mountain storms lie asleep. 
 
 In the home of the glistening glacier 
 
 Where the rocks of all timber are bare. 
 The storm king holds full dominion, 
 
 For eternal winter reigns there. 
 While far below lies the valley, 
 
 Through its midst flows a babbling rill ; 
 All nature smiles in contentment, 
 
 And the soft summer breezes are still. 
 
 The red deer is lazily feeding 
 
 On the bunches of buffalo grass, 
 While his form in the pool is reflected, 
 
 As though from a mirror of glass. 
 Against the great wall of the mountain, 
 
 As if humbly kneeling in prayer, 
 The prostrate form of the foothills 
 
 Reflect back the soft evening glare, 
 
 Of the great golden orb of the heavens, 
 
 As he sinks out of sight in the west, 
 He kisses their upturned faces, 
 
 And leaves them alone to their rest ; 
 But still for a moment he lingers, 
 
 In a last, fond, loving embrace, 
 While the shades in the picture deepen 
 
 Like the blush on a fair maiden's face, 
 
 When taking sad leave of her lover, 
 
 In fear that he may not return, 
 Permits love's passion within her 
 
 In the glow of her pure cheek to burn. 
 The crimson soon changes to purple, 
 
 Slow fades the last rays of light; 
 The stars come out in the heavens ; 
 
 All nature is lost in the night. 
 
 After crossing quite a saddle in the mountains, 
 which appeared to be the foothills, the party de- 
 scended into a beautiful valley through which 
 flowed a sparkling river, which Robert was informed
 
 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 by the Indians was the headwaters of the Dolores. 
 As the valley extended in nearly the direction they 
 wished to move, they continued on down its banks 
 feasting on the many trout which it contained. Deer 
 and antelope were also abundant, and it seemed to 
 the prospectors that the Great Creator had formed 
 in this valley a second edition of the Garden of Eden. 
 
 Happy remarked that he did not see the necessity 
 of going farther on of continuing their search for 
 gold or silver, which could be of no use to them if 
 they remained where they were, and that it was 
 foolish for anyone to desire more than might be ob- 
 tained where they were. Although he said this in 
 a joke, Robert was inclined to agree with him, as 
 the question had actually arisen in his mind whether 
 it would not be better for them to remain there in 
 that semi-tropical country, away from the cares and 
 aspirations of a busy world, than it would be to con- 
 tinually long for wealth and honor, for well did 
 Robert know that the acquisition of either might 
 mean the destruction of all peace of mind and the 
 premature advance of infirmities and old age. 
 
 But the mind of man was meant to grow and ad- 
 vance, and Robert realized that he was not meant 
 to live entirely to himself; that it was his duty to 
 do something for others, and that to a certain degree 
 he was bound to be of some use to his fellow man. 
 Consequently, he felt it his duty to push on and ac- 
 complish that which he had undertaken, that some 
 day he might be able to keep the promise which he 
 had made at his mother's grave. 
 
 Especially did he wish to provide for his aged 
 father, although he still smarted under the unjust 
 treatment which he had received at his hands. Rob-
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 49 
 
 ert also remembered the little Bible, and often, as 
 he perused its sacred pages, did his heart warm to- 
 ward the one whose childish hand had given it to 
 him, and he would wonder, if, in her far-distant 
 home, she ever thought of the wandering boy to 
 whom she had given an object in life and the privi- 
 lege of dreaming of future happiness, and again 
 looking into her honest eyes while he claimed the 
 reward for which he had so long labored her pure 
 love. 
 
 I knew a little maiden, long ago, 
 
 Among the hills, 
 -And the love I learned to cherish 
 
 Even now my bosom fills, 
 I still can see her beaming face 
 
 And hear her loving voice, 
 She's the dearest girl I ever knew, 
 
 My first and only choice. 
 
 As I wander o'er the mountains, 
 
 'Mid the rocks and dreary sands, 
 My heart is filled with thoughts of her 
 
 I dream of other lands, 
 I hear the murmer of the sea, 
 
 I scent the salted air; 
 I long to hear her coming step, 
 
 The one of all most fair. 
 
 I long to see that form again, 
 
 To meet her winsome smile ; 
 My .heart is sick with thoughts of her, 
 
 I sorrow all the while. 
 O, may the time but quickly come 
 
 When we shall meet again. 
 The sight of her would heal the wound, 
 
 'Twould ease the aching pain. 
 
 I long to hold her in my arms, 
 
 To clasp her to my breast, 
 To make her life a dream of love, 
 
 Her home a place of rest. 
 Beside the rolling river, 
 
 In the valley of the Grand, 
 Where towering peaks and fertile plains 
 
 By breezes soft are fanned.
 
 50 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 I'll never care again to cross 
 
 The plains or great divide, 
 For my heart will be contended 
 
 With my darling by my side. 
 I'll make a home among the hills, 
 
 Upon the western slope; 
 No wish will mar my happiness ; 
 
 I'll have my fondest hope. 
 
 I'll never care for riches, 
 
 Nor for honor or estate, 
 But I'll sing a song of happiness, 
 
 A love-song to my mate. 
 And when my days are failing fast, 
 
 And death is drawing nigh, 
 I'll kiss my love of long ago, 
 
 But never heave a sigh. 
 
 After spending several weeks in securing a large 
 quantity of meat, which was dried and smoked for 
 winter use, they again proceeded on their journey 
 toward the peaks that seemed almost to overshadow 
 them, but which they knew were many days' jour- 
 ney towards the north. 
 
 Indications of the presence of silver were contin- 
 ually met with and the assurances that they were 
 rapidly approaching the source from which it came 
 were multiplied on all sides. Small streams which 
 made their way out of the higher country had 
 washed down many pieces of float, while the water 
 in many instances was so thoroughly mineralized as 
 to give it a greenish color and render it unfit for 
 domestic use. 
 
 These were proofs to the prospectors that their 
 wanderings were nearly at an end, and that they 
 would soon be located on enormous lodes of rich 
 ore. The early fall weather was typical, and the 
 nights pictures of loveliness, the equal of which 
 may not be seen in any other part of the world.
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 51 
 
 NIGHT 
 
 The earth is wrapped in silence deep, 
 
 The stars shine out on high, 
 While fitful beams of mellow light 
 
 Illume the northern sky, 
 Above the western range is hung 
 
 The angry orb of Mars, 
 And all above the sky is set, 
 
 Like diamonds, with the stars. 
 
 And slowly rising from her couch 
 
 With love and beauty blessed, 
 Fair Venus smiles upon the scene 
 
 Above the mountain's crest. 
 Across the clear blue canopy, 
 
 A path of gleaming light, 
 The milky way is grandly arched, 
 
 The diadem of night. 
 
 A meteor blazes on its way 
 
 Adown the eastern sky, 
 It seems to light the glow of morn, 
 
 Which sends its beams on high; 
 They slowly climb the azure vault; 
 
 The stars are hid from sight ; 
 The peaks are crowned with golden hues, 
 
 The earth is bathed in light. 
 
 Far toward the west the giant hills 
 
 Are basking in the ray 
 That struggles through the mountain gap, 
 
 The harbinger of day. 
 The sun with splendor fills the land, 
 
 The night is changed to morn, 
 The hills and valleys all rejoice, 
 
 Another day is born. 
 
 The prospectors continued their course down the 
 river, which gradually became larger as it received 
 additional streams on either side, until they reached 
 a deep chasm which extended toward the west, and 
 seemed all but inaccessible on account of the great 
 amount of tumble which had fallen from the walls,
 
 52 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 as well as from its extreme narrowness. Indeed, it 
 looked more like a great crack in the gigantic wall 
 of rock than it did like a natural water course. 
 
 Down this canon trickled a small stream of water, 
 which was of a greenish color, and from the sur- 
 face of which continually arose a dense cloud of 
 steam, the odor of which was very offensive. Upon 
 inspecting the water carefully and noting its high 
 temperature, Robert was convinced that it not only 
 contained copper and sulphur, but small quantities 
 of the precious metals, as it was a saturated solution 
 of common salt. 
 
 Thinking that it must come from a volcanic form- 
 ation and that its source could not be far away, from 
 the fact of its high temperature, he determined to 
 follow it up and investigate the country from which 
 it came. 
 
 Upon entering the canon, although it was but a 
 little after noon, as they gazed through the crevice 
 over their heads, they were astonished to see the 
 stars shining brightly. This phenomenon was due 
 to the great depth of the canon and the fact that 
 nearly all light, except from above, was excluded 
 from it. At another point great shelves projecte 1 
 from the walls of rock, shutting out the sky entirely, 
 while at the same time they seemed to be upon the 
 point of falling upon the observers. 
 
 At a sharp bend in the ravine they came upon a 
 mass of rock which seemed to obstruct the way en- 
 tirely and they were compelled to dismount before 
 advancing farther. 
 
 After having looked about for a considerable 
 time, Happy remarked that the only way open for 
 their further progress was by urging their horses up
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 53 
 
 the side of a mass of tumble, which formed a rude 
 stairway, leading nearly to the face of the rocky wall, 
 composed of red sandstone, which at some former 
 time had fallen from the cliff above. By consider- 
 able urging and the free use of their quirts they fin- 
 ally succeeded in inducing their horses to make the 
 ascent, where they found themselves crowded in 
 between the rocks so closely that it was impossible 
 for them to retrace their steps, but, by breaking the 
 corners from those which projected farthest into the 
 proposed trail, they succeeded in reaching the mouth 
 of a small ravine, down which trickled a tiny rivulet 
 of sweet water, which nourished a small plot of 
 grass upon its narrow banks. 
 
 Here they concluded to camp for the night, and, 
 after gathering some driftwood and spreading their 
 blankets, Happy proceeded to get supper, while his 
 companion inspected the bed of the stream for any 
 mineral which might be lodged in the sand. He 
 found the same indications which he had noticed at 
 the mouth of the stream, but the amount of float was 
 greater, and the colors in the bottom of the pan 
 more numerous. 
 
 Immense trees, that at some time had stood on the 
 mountain side above, were found imbedded in the 
 sand where they had become petrified, although they 
 still retained the resemblance of wood, their fibers 
 showing as plainly as when they were first deposited 
 there. 
 
 Robert was astonished to find that even this sub- 
 stance contained considerable mineral, it having been 
 deposited by secondary crystallization; both gold 
 and silver being present in considerable quantities. 
 
 Satisfied that they were on the right trail, Robert
 
 54 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 returned to camp to find a smoking hot supper await- 
 ing him. The horses having already rilled them- 
 selves, had returned to the fire and were quietly en- 
 joying its genial warmth. As Robert lay gazing at 
 the wild and broken country which was spread out 
 before him, still showing the effects of the wonder- 
 ful upheavals which at some remote period had con- 
 vulsed it, his thoughts went back to the creation and 
 to the scenes which must have taken place when 
 those tremendous forces were in operation. 
 
 As he dwelt upon the terrible explosions 
 which must have shaken the foundations of the 
 earth, his mind became dazed with the stupendous 
 works of nature, and he wondered at the love and 
 care of the Creator, who had so guided all of these 
 destructive influences as to make them subserve His 
 will in reducing the elements to such a condition as 
 to provide for man a habitation filled with the 
 beauties of nature, and supplied with all that the 
 human heart can desire. 
 
 THE OMNIPOTENCE AND LOVE OF GOD 
 
 Dense darkness shrouds all space in gloom 
 
 No light can pierce the cloud, 
 Chaotic nature whirls along, 
 
 While hissing craters thunder loud. 
 The vales are filled with vapors foul, 
 
 And sulphurous gasses load the air ; 
 No living creature moves about, 
 
 Or heeds the lightening's fearful glare. 
 
 When, Lo! a voice in master tones 
 
 Commands, "Let there be light !" 
 And in the east the darkness lifts, 
 
 The sun o'ercomes the night. 
 Again His fiat goes abroad, 
 
 The dry land rises high ; 
 The massive clouds are parted wide, 
 
 Behold the azure sky.
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 55 
 
 And soon upon the solid earth 
 
 Great forests fast appear; 
 The soil is clothed in carpets green, 
 
 And voices sweet ring clear, 
 While through the glades and mountain dells 
 
 In freedom roam the deer. 
 All nature smiles in happy mood, 
 
 Without one thought of fear. 
 
 And God saw all His works were good, 
 
 The earth which He had made; 
 With all the creatures formed by Him, 
 
 The trees and tender blade. 
 But why create so grand a scene 
 
 With none His love to share? 
 For even God would be less great, 
 
 Were none to offer prayer. 
 
 He called in council, "Him who was," 
 
 Before the world began. 
 They formed an image like themselves, 
 
 From clay they formed a MAN. 
 He breathed within his nostrils wide 
 
 Of life, the fleeting breath, 
 And he became a LIVING SOUL; 
 
 Not subject unto death. 
 
 For how could God condemn to death 
 
 His holy spark within, 
 Which makes its owner recognize 
 
 Between God's will and sin? 
 It came from God and goes to Him, 
 
 Of God it is a part: 
 It changes flesh, from BRUTE to MAN, 
 
 And adds a human heart! 
 
 And although driven from His sight, 
 
 From Eden's happy place, 
 And doomed to eat his daily bread 
 
 With sweat upon his face, 
 God still remembered all His love 
 
 And watched His wayward child; 
 He cared for him in danger's hour 
 
 And soothed his fears, so wild.
 
 56 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 He cares for us through life and death ; 
 
 For us He gave His son, 
 That none might be forever lost : 
 
 He died for every one. 
 He died for us, and not Himself, 
 
 From sin His life was free ; 
 'Twas for our sins the Saviour died 
 
 For love of you and me. 
 
 And greater love can no man have 
 
 (For God was man most sure) 
 For e'en His foes He gave His life, 
 
 His life from sin so pure, 
 And when this flesh shall turn to dust 
 
 And mingle with the earth, 
 The soul will go to Him, who gave 
 
 It to our care, at birth. 
 
 And if through life we keep it pure, 
 
 And free from stains of sin, 
 To all the joys of Heavenly bliss 
 
 It, free, will enter in. 
 But if its beauty has been marred 
 
 By acts we might control, 
 It had been better for that man 
 
 If he had had no soul.
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 57 
 
 CHAPTER III 
 
 |T SEEMED to Robert that he had just lain 
 down when it was broad daylight, and, 
 turning to his companion, he was about 
 to call him, when he discovered that Happy 
 had been up for some time, as the pleasant odor of 
 boiling coffee was wafted to his nostrils. 
 
 Soon after leaving camp they emerged from the 
 canon, where spread out in front of them lay a beau- 
 tiful valley, the outlet of which they had been 
 traversing. Pushing along as fast as possible under 
 the circumstances, they soon found themselves sur- 
 rounded by beautiful scenery in the midst of a val- 
 ley which appeared to be about seven by fifteen miles 
 between walls, and entirely surrounded by cliffs, 
 which looked to be impassable except where they had 
 entered. 
 
 Great herds of deer were quietly feeding on a 
 most luxuriant growth of blue joint, while at every 
 few steps "coveys" of grouse would rise from the 
 ground and fly to a safe distance. The country rock 
 was limestone, under which, exposed in several 
 places, were croppings of dead granite, and as all 
 these showed a marked porphyritic condition, it was 
 evident to them, taking into consideration the con- 
 tour of the valley, that they were traversing the 
 crater of an extinct volcano. 
 
 Still following the course of the stream they were
 
 58 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 glad to find that it had lost its saline character, and 
 that the water was soft and potable. This was due 
 to the fact that the water came from the top of the 
 mountains in a pure condition, but was soon satur- 
 ated with minerals which it dissolved from the vol- 
 canic debris which choked up its course in the lower 
 valley. 
 
 Upon reaching a suitable place near the stream, 
 they decided to camp for a few days and thoroughly 
 explore what, to them, was a most wonderful coun- 
 try, and which proved in the future to be well worth 
 their time and trouble. Straying from the camp a 
 short distance in search of fuel, Robert entered a 
 large bunch of bull grass 'which stood some eight or 
 ten feet high, where he found a trail leading from the 
 creek toward and through the growth. Calling to 
 Happy, they followed it up, soon coming to a "dug- 
 out" which had evidently been constructed as an 
 underground fortress or place of safety. It had 
 been excavated in a small mound which was entirely 
 overgrown with jack-pines, which effectually con- 
 cealed it; as the middle of the mound was consid- 
 erably hieher than the surrounding country, it had 
 the appearance of a small bunch of timber. 
 
 Many other such groves were to be seen which 
 looked exactly like it, but which were really what this 
 one appeared to be. In front of the door was the 
 grass spoken of, completely hiding the entrance. 
 Upon entering the place, they found themselves in 
 a commodious room some twenty by thirty feet in 
 size, at the farthest end of which was a large fire- 
 place, conveniently arranged for cooking, while at 
 the other end were sleeping bunks that had evidently 
 done service as beds for their occupants. Imme-
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 59 
 
 diately behind the bunks, and partly hidden by a 
 deer skin, which had formerly entirely concealed it, 
 was an opening barely large enough to admit a man 
 in a stooping position. 
 
 Upon entering this passage way it was followed 
 some two hundred feet, where it emerged in a large 
 bunch of sage-brush, which was so dense that it 
 was difficult for the prospectors to find their way 
 out. This had undoubtedly been a secret passage 
 for the occupants, through which they could enter 
 or leave unknown to their enemies. To the left of 
 the door was also a small excavation lined with 
 rough slabs which had been split from trees, the 
 bark having been left on. This recess was so ar- 
 ranged that any one occupying it might command a 
 complete view of the approach, and continually cover 
 any comer with his weapons unknown to him. 
 Through crevices which had been made in the bark 
 it would be easy to shoot down anyone who might 
 attempt to enter, even before he was aware that" he 
 was in danger. 
 
 This "bay-window" did not appear from the out- 
 side at all, and it was evident that it had been used 
 on many occasions, as the earthen seat which pro- 
 jected from the back of the alcove was well worn, 
 and had the appearance of having seen active ser- 
 vice for a long time. Many empty cartridge shells 
 were strewn about the floor and resting in the cracks 
 of the wall. The timbers were also powder-burned 
 and smoked in many places, telling but too plainly 
 that the occupants had many times been engaged in 
 desperate conflicts with those who assailed them 
 from the outside. 
 
 Over the fire-place was found tobacco, pipes, and
 
 6O THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 papers, besides several other articles, while cooking 
 utensils were suspended from its stone front. To 
 the right of the fire-place there bubbled from the 
 depths below a cool spring of water which trickled 
 through the wall and spreading out, irrigated the 
 giant bull grass which protected the door. 
 
 After having thoroughly examined the place, the 
 prospectors concluded that its inhabitants, whoever 
 they were, had been absent for a long time, and 
 further, that they were whites. These conclusions 
 were arrived at from different articles which were 
 found, the manner in which the place was protected, 
 and the furniture. Several copies of the "New 
 York Ledger" and other eastern papers were among 
 the effects of the place. 
 
 After airing the place and making it as habitable 
 as possible, a fire was started in the arch, the 
 blankets spread on the bunks, and a supply of wood 
 gathered for the night. After supper, as they sat 
 about the fire which lighted up all parts of the cabin, 
 Robert noticed upon a stone shelf above the spring 
 a dusty package which proved to contain blasting 
 powder and a coil of fuse. These, together with the 
 "iact that several drills had been found under the 
 bunks, satisfied him that the place had been the 
 home of miners who, for some reason, had quit work. 
 
 The next problem would be to find their work- 
 ings, as Robert was confident that they had not left 
 them for want of pay mineral, and he determined 
 if possible to locate them. Happy sat smoking his 
 pipe and painting dream-pictures of the many happy 
 days that were to come to them, while Robert con- 
 tinued to search among the rubbish which was piled 
 near the foot of the bunks, and of which they had
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 6l 
 
 made no disposition. Among this was found sev- 
 eral specimens of ore, one of which, after examin- 
 ing-, he handed to his companion with the remark : 
 
 "This is what we are hunting for." 
 
 The specimen was quartz, showing by its sharp 
 edge that it had been broken from the lead, and from 
 its structure Robert knew that it came from far 
 below the surface. The prospectors were positive 
 now that they were on the right trail, and hoped soon 
 to find the lead. They also believed from these 
 specimens that their most sanguine expectations 
 would be fully realized, as the sample which Happy 
 held in his hand was practically solid ore, and of 
 the most reducible kind at that. 
 
 It was far into the night before the men could 
 compose themselves sufficiently to sleep, as they 
 were excited over their find and the mystery which 
 surrounded their present position, as well as the 
 many conjectures as to why the original owners 
 should have left such valuable property. There were 
 many other questions which they asked themselves, 
 but which only the future could answer. 
 
 Upon emerging from the cabin the following 
 morning they found the sun far up in the heavens, 
 as the previous day's exertion had caused them to 
 oversleep. Partaking of a hasty breakfast, and se- 
 curing a small lunch, the prospectors shouldered the 
 necessary tools and began the search for the old 
 workings. 
 
 They had proceeded but a little way when it oc- 
 curred to Happy that it might be a good thing to 
 erect some kind of a landmark, that they might not 
 lose their way upon returning in the evening. This 
 proved to be of the utmost importance, for when
 
 62 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 they had gone but a short distance it would have 
 been difficult for them to return but for the signal. 
 Such being the case then, later in the day when the 
 fire had died out and the smoke from the chimney 
 ceased to arise, it would have been impossible for 
 them to have returned to their now-comfortable 
 quarters. 
 
 First they made a circuit of the premises in search 
 of the old trail, but finding none, they concluded 
 that the old occupants had left their rendezvous 
 from the hidden passage in the sage-brush. They, 
 however, soon gave up all hope of finding the origi- 
 nal trail, for the reason that it was more than prob- 
 able the miners had worn moccasins, when of course 
 they would make no trail on the rocks ; and had there 
 existed one across the patches of sand, it would long 
 ago have been effaced by the elements. 
 
 Believing that the workings must be in the foot- 
 hills above them, they concluded to ascend the grade 
 and inspect the several draws which made out into 
 the valley, in hopes that they might locate the 
 "dump," or find where the trees had been cut to use 
 in timbering the mine. 
 
 After spending the greater part of the day and 
 finding nothing of importance, they were returning 
 to the cabin when Robert, who was some distance in 
 advance of his companion, caught his "leggin" in 
 some obstacle which was partially concealed in the 
 brush. Upon bringing it to view it proved to be an 
 old drill. This was presumptive evidence that the 
 trail to and from the shaft had passed near this point, 
 as it extended from the cabin toward the hills. It 
 was evident that the drill had been dropped acci-
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 6$ 
 
 dently by one of the workmen, or possibly been 
 thrown there for concealment. 
 
 As it was rapidly growing dark it now became 
 difficult to continue the search further, and the pros- 
 pectors returned to their strange quarters feeling 
 that, although they had not found the mine, they had 
 discovered that which would probably lead them 
 to it. 
 
 On the following morning while Happy was cook-- 
 ing the breakfast Robert made some careful obser- 
 vations in regard to the find of the previous even- 
 ing, and the position of the cabin in relation to the 
 foothills, and by making allowance for the contour 
 of the ground he was quite positive he had located 
 the dump; that is, he believed that among a clump 
 of trees which nearly filled the mouth of one of the 
 draws would be found that for which they were 
 looking. 
 
 After perhaps a couple of hours of hard climbing 
 they stood at the edge of the timber, which had 
 looked from below as though it was but a little more 
 than a clump of sage-brush, but which turned out 
 upon closer inspection to be large timber. Thinking 
 that it must have been standing there for many 
 years, Robert was about to give up the idea that it 
 could have grown since the mine was worked, when 
 his eye caught sight of a pile of loose rock which 
 he knew must have been placed in position by some 
 force other than nature. 
 
 Pushing aside the undergrowth, they made their 
 way up the incline, which proved to be the edge of 
 the old dump, and a moment later they stood at the 
 mouth of a tunnel which descended into the earth 
 at an angle of some forty-five degrees. As it was
 
 64 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 very dark, Happy lighted a pitch knot, and the 
 miners descended the shaft, which now dipped to 
 nearly a perpendicular. 
 
 Carefully making their way down the rotten tim- 
 bers which scarcely sustained the hanging wall, 
 they reached the bottom in safety, where they found 
 themselves confronted by the mouth of a cross-cut, 
 which extended along the wall on either hand, and 
 which showed an immense body of rich ore. In 
 many places the roof had caved in, and the floor 
 was piled high with great heaps of broken rock, 
 over which they were obliged to climb. Several 
 "faults" were visible in the formation, but the off- 
 set had not been sufficient to hide the ore body, 
 as it could be readily followed through the whole 
 extent of the cross-cut. 
 
 Satisfied that they were now in possession of 
 probably the richest mine of its kind in the known 
 world, they returned to the surface and began to 
 look for the discovery notice, which they, however, 
 hardly expected to find, for the reason that they were 
 so far from civilization that it was probable the dis- 
 coverer had not deemed it important to post one, 
 or if he had done so at the time, it was undoubt- 
 edly long since destroyed by the elements. 
 
 However, they were soon rewarded by finding 
 written on the smooth surface of a rock this notice : 
 
 "THE SINBAD GOLD, SILVER AND COPPER LODE 
 
 "We, the undersigned, claim fifteen hundred feet from 
 this stake in a northwesterly direction, and one hundred and 
 fifty feet on either side of this stake, with all its dips, angles 
 and spurs. 
 
 "January 27, 1861. 
 
 (Signed.) "JOHN CONWAY. 
 
 "RICHARD RHODES."
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 65 
 
 And over the mouth of this shaft was written : 
 "THE PRIMA DONNA MINE" 
 
 This was probably all that would ever be known 
 of the men who, long ago, had cherished hopes as 
 bright as did those who now stood facing the few 
 lines which told all that was known of the original 
 locators of this wonderful property. Hopes had 
 been blighted, and lives gone out without realizing 
 any of the bright anticipations which had lured 
 them on to risk their lives and fortunes for the 
 happiness that never came, and the wealth that was 
 not theirs. This alone stood as a monument to the 
 unknown. 
 
 Having secured samples of the ore from the entire 
 breast of the cross-cut, the prospectors, or rather 
 miners, now that they had found the mine, returned 
 to their cabin and proceeded to examine and assay 
 their specimens, which Robert found to be very 
 rich in the carbonate of copper, running over sixty 
 per cent in that mineral, two hundred ounces in sil- 
 ver, and one hundred dollars in gold, the total 
 value being in the neighborhood of five hundred 
 dollars per ton! These results were so far above 
 what they had dared to expect that several assays 
 were run to avoid any possible mistakes that might 
 have been made, always with the same result. 
 
 With an immense body of pay rock in sight, and 
 out-croppings on the surface that could be traced 
 for several hundred feet, it was not strange that the 
 now-wealthy miners felt very much elated over their 
 find. Robert now made arrangements to visit the 
 nearest settlement, leaving Happy to protect the 
 property, which he assured him he would do at all
 
 66 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 hazards. Consequently, a few days after the dis- 
 covery, Robert was on his way to a small trading 
 post known as Grand Junction, located in the Grand 
 valley about one hundred miles to the north, form- 
 erly owned by the Indians, but recently opened to 
 settlement by the whites, where he hoped to interest 
 capitalists, and thereby secure means to develop the 
 property. 
 
 He was well aware that it would require con- 
 siderable means to build trails, erect smelters, and 
 otherwise put the mine in working condition, and 
 that they would then still be obliged to wait until 
 the railroad, which was at that time being extended 
 from the city of Denver, had reached the Grand val- 
 ley before they would be able to dispose of either 
 the mines or their products, it mattered little how 
 much they might be worth, as it would be entirely 
 out of the question to realize on them until they had 
 been sufficiently developed to fix their value, what- 
 ever that might be. 
 
 Being unacquainted with the country, and having 
 no guide but his own knowledge of geography, 
 Robert had to make his way as best he could. On 
 the second day out, when crossing the divide, he 
 saw in the distance a large mountain situated to- 
 ward the north and east, which, from its size and 
 shape, he was confident was Grand Mesa, as it tallied 
 exactly with the description given by Colonel Fre- 
 mont, which he had read. Robert was also con- 
 vinced that at or near its western base rolled the 
 Grand river, and that the new settlement for which 
 he was bound must be located near it. 
 
 He also reasoned from the lay of the country that 
 there must be another river between him and the
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 67 
 
 Grand, and that they probably formed a junction 
 not far from the new camp. On the next morning 
 he reached a river, which he afterwards learned was 
 the Dolores, then flooded to such a hejght that it 
 was necessary to build a raft in order to cross it. 
 While thus engaged, a half-breed Indian came into 
 his camp, who was acquainted with the country, and 
 volunteered to pilot him to the new settlement, which 
 they reached in safety on the evening of the fourth 
 day out from camp. 
 
 Although composed of but a few adobe huts and 
 a dozen or more tents, the new town was located in 
 a beautiful valley, through which flowed a mag- 
 nificent river, which was joined at this point by 
 the Gunnison, also a fine stream, but not so large. 
 Upon first sight of the valley, Robert predicted that 
 he was then gazing upon the site of a future great 
 city, arid the home of thousands of happy and pros- 
 perous people, as its commercial and geographical 
 position was such that, with the great natural ad- 
 vantages it possessed, and the commercial neces- 
 sity that existed for it, it must rapidly spring into 
 notice as an important trading center. 
 
 Having secured accommodations at the adobe 
 hostlery which served as a hotel, Robert started out 
 on the single street of the town in quest of some 
 one to assist him, but not knowing anyone, and hav- 
 ing little idea of the class of people he might meet, 
 he decided to say nothing for the night, but attend 
 to matters on the following morning. 
 
 On account of the hotel being crowded, Robert 
 was asked to share his room with a stranger from 
 the East, whom he found to be very agreeable, and 
 who informed him that he was making a tour of the
 
 68 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 West with the intention of investing in some busi- 
 ness venture ; that he was thinking of mining as the 
 most feasible project, if he could find something 
 that was all right. Robert then told him of the 
 business he was on, and invited him to go and ex- 
 amine the property. Mr. Lumsden, for such was 
 the man's name, replied that he would let him know 
 on the following evening, at which time his new- 
 found friend informed him that he would be ready 
 on the following morning to accompany him to the 
 mountains to investigate the property, and that if 
 it was as represented he would help to develop it. 
 
 Supplies having been purchased, the following 
 morning bright and early the couple were on their 
 way toward the La Salles. As they rode along 
 Robert related some of the experiences of his early 
 life; how he had been turned from his home; of his 
 experience with Mr. Moulton, and of the hardships 
 he had endured since he began the rough life of a 
 prospector. 
 
 Jack, which was the given name of his compan- 
 ion, seemed to be very much interested in his story, 
 and inquired particularly in regard to the discovery 
 of the property at which they were going to look, 
 all of which questions Robert answered as well as 
 he knew. Owing to the fact that he Had become 
 somewhat used to the trail, and that the river had 
 gone down, allowing them to ford it, the riders 
 made the distance in three days, reaching the camp 
 just at sundown, to find that Happy had prepared a 
 warm meal for them, as from his position the view 
 commanded a range of the valley for many miles 
 below, and he had been aware of their approach 
 for sometime. Happy made himself as agreeable
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 69 
 
 as possible, and soon the trio were on the best of 
 terms. 
 
 A few days were spent in examining the prop- 
 erty, which was more than satisfactory to the new- 
 comer, when Jack returned to the valley, and was 
 soon on his way to Denver for the purpose of in- 
 teresting others in the enterprise, while Robert and 
 Happy remained at the camp and proceeded to the 
 work of arranging for the coming of a number of 
 workmen, as there was a great deal to be done in 
 the way of building larger quarters for the men, 
 retimbering the old shaft, and generally rearrang- 
 ing matters. 
 
 About two weeks after his departure, and much 
 sooner than was expected, late one evening Happy 
 announced that there was a pack-train coming up 
 the trail, and within a short time Jack appeared at 
 the cabin door with two other men, who were to 
 become interested in the mine. One, a Mr. Benton, 
 who represented some extensive capitalists of Den- 
 ver, and another by the name of Waterman, besides 
 several laborers. 
 
 The owners now consisted of five men, all equally 
 interested. It was now agreed among the owners 
 that all profit from the mine should be divided 
 equally, and that the compact should exist during the 
 life of the partners. It was further agreed that 
 each and every member of the concern should pro- 
 tect the property with his life, if necessary. 
 
 -The first thing to be done was to prospect the 
 property; that is, sink shafts along the dyke at 
 short intervals until the ore body was struck, then 
 move. on to another place and sink again, until they 
 had prospected the entire length of the croppings.
 
 7O THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 Thus the winter was spent, and when spring came 
 the owners were well pleased with the result of their 
 labors, as the mine snowed a high grade of ore in 
 every shaft they had sunk. Provisions, however, 
 were beginning to run low, making it necessary for 
 the pack-train to be again dispatched to the valley for 
 more supplies. As the trail was out of repair in 
 many places, Erve, for such was Mr. Waterman's 
 name, was sent with a gang of laborers to repair the 
 trail and extend the road as far as practicable from 
 the river toward the mines. 
 
 During the winter the railroad had forced its way 
 over the Great Divide and was rapidly descending 
 the western slope. It was estimated that it would 
 reach Grand Junction by the middle of the summer, 
 and as this would bring their ore into market, it 
 was anticipated with a great deal of interest by the 
 miners, and they quickly saw that it was important 
 that the trail to the property be put into the best 
 possible condition. 
 
 Robert and Jack were delegated to make the trip 
 to Denver in the interest of the company, while Mr. 
 Benton was left in charge of the mines. The men, 
 though sometimes compelled to live on rather low 
 rations, found no fault, for they realized that when 
 the mines began to pay they would get all they had 
 earned, it mattered not how much that might be. 
 And although it sometimes taxed the cook to his 
 utmost to furnish a sufficient amount of meat, he 
 never returned to the camp from a hunting tour 
 without a sufficient quantity for at least the next 
 day's rations. Sometimes it would be deer or ante- 
 lope; at another time a young bear would be 
 stretched across his saddle, and occasionally a long
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 71 
 
 string of mountain trout or ruffled grouse were se- 
 cured, which furnished the only luxuries which 
 graced their table and strengthened the arm of the 
 weary toilers. 
 
 Although Robert and Jack were away over a 
 month, the time passed very quickly, and when the 
 train of pack animals was again sighted among the 
 rocks climbing up the rugged trail, Happy remarked 
 that it did not seem possible that they could have 
 made the trip in so short a time. But when Jack 
 assured them that they had not only made the 
 trip, but had been very successful, and that they 
 had secured sufficient means to continue the de- 
 velopment until the railroad should reach the valley, 
 Happy, unable to control himself longer, let out a 
 yell that would have done credit to a Piute Indian, 
 and might have been heard for miles, following 
 up his demonstration by hugging Robert and assur- 
 ing him that he had stopped drinking, and that he 
 had taken a pledge which would never be broken 
 during his life-time, at least. 
 
 Mr. Benton, who was never addressed by his 
 given name, looked at the enterprise in a business 
 light ,and remarked that it was highly probable that 
 they had a good thing, adding that it was not best 
 to get excited, as there was always a great amount 
 of risk to run in any mining scheme, and that they 
 might be compelled to wait a long time before they 
 enjoyed the possession of any extensive fortune. 
 
 A fresh supply of vegetables being a rarity at 
 camp, the cook laid himself out in preparing the 
 supper, which was, to say the least, a surprise to all 
 who had the pleasure of participating in it. 
 
 The work now progressed on a much larger scale.
 
 72 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 Water was brought through a tunnel from Rock 
 Creek, a mountain stream some two miles distant. 
 Powerful water-wheels were constructed to furnish 
 power for the great crushers, which were built by 
 Jack, who was now master mechanic of the mines. 
 These were soon followed by the erection of several 
 smelters, which were to be used in reducing the ore 
 to matt and black copper. Immense kilns were also 
 constructed for making charcoal, and when at night 
 their lurid glow lighted up the mountain peaks the 
 sight was one that was wierd in the extreme. 
 
 The splash of the great water-wheels, as the water 
 was forced through their paddles and scattered in 
 thousands of sparkling jets, produced a heavy rum- 
 ble, the concussion of which resounded through the 
 valley day and night, while the vibration of the 
 heavy machinery which was breaking into fragments 
 the ore, resulted in a babble which was entirely new 
 to this wild mountain country. 
 
 Still it did not detract in the least from the many 
 desirable features which the valley possessed, to the 
 miners at least, as the confusion of sounds was to 
 them the sweetest of music, as its "notes" were 
 "legal-tender," and the "denomination" a very high 
 one at that, while the "time" was comparatively 
 short. 
 
 To be sure, the antelope which had made his 
 home in the valley for years previously withdrew 
 to a more secluded spot, and the timid deer, taking 
 fright at the unusual sounds, had bounded away up 
 the canon; but this only made a little longer ride 
 for the camp-hunters, who still continued to furnish 
 those delicacies for the table as formerly. 
 
 Great pigs of ore and enormous piles of copper
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 73 
 
 matt were accumulating, while the amount of pay 
 rock in sight was rapidly increasing. Still, the 
 miners were not robbing the property; only remov- 
 ing what was necessary in order to carry on the 
 work of development as fast as possible, as it was 
 not deemed advisable to pile up large quantities of 
 ore until the railroad should have reached the val- 
 ley, as it would only increase the work by handling 
 the ore over many times. Tunnels had been driven 
 in several directions on spurs of the lead, which 
 showed up good bodies of ore, while levels extended 
 from the north end of the lead for several hundred 
 feet. These proved that the pay streak was rapidly 
 increasing in width, while assay returns were per- 
 sistently going up as the shaft went down. 
 
 Late one evening in early fall a courier reached 
 the camp with the glad news that the great iron 
 horse, crawling over the crooked road-bed of the 
 Rio Grande, had reached the lofty peaks of the Con- 
 tinental Divide, and with a wild screech of triumph 
 had come puffing and panting, with its mighty load 
 of provisions and people down the valley of the 
 Grand. 
 
 Upon receiving this news there arose from the 
 camp three mighty cheers for the dauntless com- 
 pany who had actually accomplished that which 
 had been declared impossible by many of the best 
 engineers of the world. Disregarding scientific 
 levelings and fearful altitudes, they had, by the 
 exercise of Yankee ingenuity and American push, 
 accomplished the impossible, and would in the near 
 future be the direct means of bringing wealth and 
 happiness, not only to themselves, but to the many 
 thousands who would ultimately flock to the Grand
 
 74 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 valley, which, surrounded by the mighty walls of 
 the everlasting hills, would soon become a second 
 Garden of Eden. 
 
 HOW THEY BUILT THE RIO GRANDE 
 
 The rails were laid across the plains 
 
 To where the Rockies rise 
 With hoary heads of glistening frost 
 
 Far toward the wintry skies ; 
 But at their feet the workmen paused ; 
 
 Could those great peaks be passed? 
 Could engines climb those rocky walls 
 
 Of mountains bleak and vast? 
 
 The line was staked to Marshall Pass 
 
 Twelve thousand feet it rose 
 Up rocky gorge and jagged wall, 
 
 Through ice and drifting snows. 
 'Twas said by those who run the line, 
 
 And sure they ought to know, 
 That cars could never roll across 
 
 Those wastes of drifting snow ! 
 
 That all such talk was idle tales ; 
 
 That steam was never made * 
 
 To haul a train above the clouds 
 
 Up such an awful grade! 
 To try to lay a single rail 
 
 Where burros scarce could climb, 
 Was little less than criminal 
 
 A useless loss of time. ' 
 
 The master listened to the end, 
 
 Then raised his daring eye : 
 "It matters not if all the world 
 
 Shall laugh to see us try, 
 We'll build the road at any grade 
 
 How great we will not mind, 
 Then if we cannot pull the train, 
 
 We'll push it from behind. 
 
 "And if these engines fail to hold 
 
 Upon the slanting rail, 
 We'll build some that can do the thing; 
 This project must not fail!"
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 75 
 
 So to their task they bravely went, 
 
 And soon above the plain 
 They slowly climbed the mountain side, 
 
 Close followed by the train. 
 
 Up roaring torrents choked with slide, 
 
 Through canons dark and deep, 
 Where loosened rocks with fearful force 
 
 Crash down the rugged steep; 
 Above the awful, yawning gulf, 
 
 Whose depths are dark as night, 
 They blast a way along the wall, 
 
 Far up the dizzy height! 
 
 With many a curve and winding loop, 
 
 They climb the Great Divide, 
 Until at last they reach the top, 
 
 Their nostrils parting wide. 
 With quickened breath and glowing cheek 
 
 They raise a joyous shout! 
 The line has passed the highest point, 
 
 And panting engines stout, 
 
 With trains of heavy-laden cars, 
 
 Are standing on the crest, 
 Two miles above the sobbing waves, 
 
 Far toward the golden West ! 
 In spite of all the proud abuse 
 
 Of English engineers, 
 The Rio Grande has crossed the range, 
 
 And all the nation cheers ! 
 
 For heroes always win the palm 
 
 In every age or land, 
 And sure no greater ever lived 
 
 Than those who built The Grande! 
 They faced the mountains and the storms, 
 
 While scorn was at them hurled, 
 And laid their tr^ck above the clouds 
 
 The pride of all the world! 
 
 To celebrate this grand accomplishment it was 
 decided to shut down all of the works, that the men 
 might visit the new city and participate in the gen- 
 eral celebration which was to take place on the fol- 
 lowing Friday.
 
 76 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 Accordingly, on the following morning, all of the 
 men having donned their best clothes and mounted 
 horses, rode down the valley at a leisure gait, await- 
 ing the approach of Happy, who had remained be- 
 hind to see that the fires were safely banked, as this 
 was the first time since their discovery that the mines 
 had been left entirely alone. As Happy joined his 
 companions he remarked that he, for one, would 
 not celebrate in his usual manner, but would act in 
 accordance with the pledge which he had taken when 
 they first located the mine. 
 
 Robert also believed that there was little danger 
 of his being led away by drink, as he had noticed 
 a marked change in him since his last debauch. As 
 they rode down the trail their faces beamed with 
 happy anticipation, that they were soon again to 
 participate in the pleasures of civilization, and to 
 enjoy a few days' rest and recreation among their 
 fellows. 
 
 The trail being greatly improved under the di- 
 rection of Erve and the continued wear to which it 
 had been subjected, made it possible to do a great 
 number of miles in a day, so that when the sun had 
 set in the west the party had covered half the jour- 
 ney, going into camp at the mouth of North Creek. 
 The men were now confident that if they met with 
 no accident, they would pass the next night among 
 the excited populace of the little town at the junc- 
 tion of the Grand. 
 
 Early again the next morning they were in their 
 saddles swinging along at a rapid gait, and before 
 the slanting rays of the sun announced the approach 
 of evening, and while they were descending from 
 a low mesa, they were startled by a blast from a
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 77 
 
 steam whistle, which was quickly followed by an- 
 other, and another. So long had these mountaineers 
 been removed from the sound of that most welcome 
 reminder of home, that involuntarily the tears 
 started from their eyes as they realized that the 
 further end of that long- line of glittering rails was 
 within sight of their homes and the dear ones in 
 the far East. 
 
 Hardly could they control themselves, so affect- 
 ing were the memories which welled up in their 
 minds, and, as if animated by the thoughts which 
 overwhelmed their masters, the horses dashed away 
 with such speed that the miners were soon .among 
 the mass of struggling humanity which made up the 
 population of the new city. The greatest confusion 
 reigned, but for all that the best of humor prevailed, 
 as everyone was on his good behavior. 
 
 Speeches were being made and guns fired, while 
 the air trembled with rousing cheers ; in fact, pan- 
 demonium reigned, but through it all there was a 
 Western expression of kind regard for others, which 
 modified the otherwise boisterous demonstrations. 
 
 Later in the day bonfires lighted up the approach- 
 ing darkness, that it might not be allowed to inter- 
 fere in any manner with the celebration, which was 
 continued through the night. Every newcomer was 
 seized by the hand as he stepped from the train, or 
 dismounted from his mustang, and made to feel that 
 he was indeed welcome, and that he was very much 
 needed to make the new country what it was intended 
 it should be. 
 
 As Robert surveyed the miles of fertile soil it 
 seemed to him that here, indeed, was the most 
 favored land upon which he had ever looked; that
 
 78 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 the Creator had indeed bestowed His most lavish 
 gifts upon it. Surrounded as it was by lofty moun- 
 tains, watered by great rivers, and fanned by soft 
 breezes wafted from the sunny shores of the Pa- 
 cific, and enjoying almost eternal sunshine, it pre- 
 sented a picture of loveliness which was the ad- 
 miration of all beholders, and it seemed strange to 
 Robert that so favored a land should have remained 
 so long the home of the savage and the dwelling- 
 place of wild beasts, and he resolved that, should 
 his fortune be such as he had now hope to expect, 
 he would one day return, with one whose memory 
 never left him, and here among nature's best gifts 
 to man, enjoy the remaining years of his life. 
 
 That there would soon spring up a metropolis 
 here, which would outrival the most favored spots 
 in the far-famed state of the Golden Gate, he was 
 certain, and he pictured to himself broad streets 
 lined with beautiful residences, nestled among the 
 prolific groves of fruit trees, surrounded by broad 
 acres of vineyards, and enlivened by the most ad- 
 vanced conditions of progressive civilization. 
 
 Although this ideal picture did not represent the 
 one he was actually looking at, his life had been 
 one of such great changes that it did not require 
 any unusual strain of his active imagination to place 
 in the valley the actual conditions which his mind 
 had created. 
 
 After a few days' recreation the men were again 
 summoned to duty, several others hired, extra pack 
 animals secured, and a large train fitted out to return 
 to the mines. And as it had previously been 
 planned, a pack-train was to make regular trips to 
 the post for the purpose of packing the bullion and
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 79 
 
 matt to the railroad, and returning with supplies 
 for the camp. 
 
 Several days were spent in securing the necessary 
 animals, purchasing saddles, and many other things 
 which were needed, and when finally the whole 
 train of nearly a hundred saddles, more than fifty 
 of which were packed, started across the ford which 
 led to the mountains, Robert could but contrast it 
 with the two lonely travelers, who so short a time 
 ago had been wandering among the mountains with 
 but light loads for the two burros which followed 
 them. 
 
 THE PROSPECTOR 
 
 Up among the mighty Rockies, 
 
 Where the waters fret and foam, 
 Where the bear in freedom wander, 
 
 Where the eagle makes his home; 
 Where the storm-cloud floats majestic 
 
 Through the light and chilly air, 
 And the wind sweeps down the canon 
 
 From the peaks so cold and bare; 
 
 Where the rocks are scarred and broken 
 
 In a thousand rugged forms 
 By the awful force of nature 
 
 And the wild and fearful storms 
 Where the walls are torn asunder 
 
 By the fissure veins of ore 
 Where the gold and shining silver 
 
 By the lead is held in store. 
 
 There among the wilds of nature 
 
 On the rugged mountain steep, 
 Toils the bold and lone prospector 
 
 Till the stars begin to peep 
 From the dark-blue vault above him 
 
 When to camp he, weary, turns 
 Where he eats his frugal supper 
 
 While the pinon fagot burns.
 
 8o THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 With his faithful dog and burro, 
 
 Far from home and lost to sight, 
 Days are spent in toil and silence ! 
 
 Dreams of wealth are his by night, 
 Dreams of wealth and future pleasure 
 
 In the land by nature blessed, 
 Where the Grand glides down the valley 
 
 Through the garden of the West ! 
 
 On through months and years he wanders, 
 
 Building castles in the air, 
 Dreaming dreams of endless riches 
 
 Of the one to him so fair, 
 Who shall share his hoarded riches, 
 
 Be to him a loving wife, 
 Rob the years of grief and sorrow, 
 
 And with joy complete his life ! 
 
 When at last he strikes the pay-streak, 
 
 Rich with glittering grains of gold, 
 Tis for her he cheers the loudest, 
 
 For his Jove has not grown cold, 
 But has ever gained in lustre, 
 
 Like a gem of precious worth, 
 Till to him she seems the dearest 
 
 Of the blessings of the earth ! 
 
 'Twas for her he dared the tempest, 
 
 And endured the lonely hours; 
 'Twas for her he sought the dangers 
 From the city's tempting bowers ; 
 Yes, 'twas love for her and others 
 That his noble mind controlled, 
 Urged him on through years of trial 
 To success and wealth untold !
 
 8i 
 
 CHAP TER IV 
 
 (s THE caravan wound among the draws 
 which reached from the river bottom to 
 the top of the mesa, and then stretched 
 away toward the distant hills, it reminded 
 Robert of the picture of the caravans on the 
 desert which he had seen in his mother's bible 
 when a child. Jack had charge of the train, 
 and as it was heavily loaded he thought best not to 
 attempt to reach the camp in less than four days, 
 knowing if he should undertake it, some of the 
 horses would be sure to play out, which would neces- 
 sitate a long rest for them, and thus they would lose 
 time. 
 
 Upon reaching the camp the machinery was again 
 set in motion, and the pack-train laden with bullion 
 given in charge of Erve, who was to be master of 
 transportation thereafter, which capacity he filled 
 with satisfaction to himself and with profit to the 
 company for many years. 
 
 So months came and went, and the pack-train con- 
 tinued to cross and recross the Divide; the wheels 
 groaned with their heavy task, the almost incessant 
 bcom of blasts was heard reverberating through the 
 canons, and the blue smoke continued to ascend 
 from the molten throats of the furnaces, while the 
 wealth which was the result of earnest labor contin- 
 ued to accumulate in the bank at Denver to the 
 credit of the Sinbad Mining and Milling Company. 
 
 6
 
 82 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 It had been frequently noticed by members of the 
 company that articles of value were constantly miss- 
 ing, and with such frequency that it became a matter 
 which required attention, as the thieving was being 
 carried on to an extent that was becoming alarming. 
 Horses were frequently missed, whole kits of pro- 
 visions, as well as implements and other things, 
 were being carried away. 
 
 Complaints had also been made by herders and 
 .cattlemen in and about that region that there was a 
 band of thieves who were committing depredations 
 on all . sides, driving away cattle and stampeding 
 horses, some of which would be returned to the 
 owner if he would pay a reward for them, such 
 propositions generally being made by an Indian, who 
 would say that he accidentally discovered them in 
 some out-of-the-way canon while hunting. This 
 thing had been tolerated until it had grown to pro- 
 portions which were unbearable, as valuable stock 
 was in danger all of the time, and the "reward" 
 business had become but little less than a forced tax. 
 
 While the management of the mines was consid- 
 ering plans for the apprehension of the robbers, but 
 before thev had formed any definite mode of pro- 
 cedure, they were surprised one evening to see a 
 part of the train coming up the trail with their 
 pack disarranged, others missing entirely, the horses 
 that retained them reeking with sweat, and galled in 
 a terrible manner. From the condition of the horses, 
 and the loss of the most valuable packs, Robert was 
 convinced that some accident had overtaken Erve. 
 
 Hastily summoning a party of men, and provid- 
 ing them with arms, they mounted fresh horses and 
 dashed down the valley, hoping that they might ren-
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 83 
 
 der some service to their faithful companion, who 
 was undoubtedly in need of assistance. As they 
 fairly flew over the trail they passed parcels of 
 packs, broken saddles, and a variety of supplies, 
 which had been torn from the horses in their wild 
 flight. 
 
 Excited more and more by these evidences . of 
 grave trouble, they lashed their horses to full speed, 
 and just as they were descending the draw into Dry 
 Gulch they came upon Erve, who, although he was 
 suffering from a severe wound of the shoulder, had 
 managed to remount, and was making for the camp 
 as fast as his condition would permit. Riding 
 along-side, Robert assisted him to dismount, and 
 procuring a roll of blankets, improvised a bunk on 
 which he might rest, after which he made a careful 
 examination of his wounds, and having found that 
 they were not fatal, inquired as to how he had been 
 attacked. 
 
 After having gained sufficient information he dis- 
 patched some of the party after the thieves and pro- 
 ceeded to dress his friend's wounds. Erve ex- 
 plained that he had been fired upon by five robbers, 
 who appeared on a little elevation just above him as 
 he was passing the mouth of Ute creek, and who 
 commanded him to throw up his hands, which he 
 instantly did, but at the same time drove his spurs 
 deep into his horse's flanks, which caused it to 
 plunge away with terrible strides, while the bandits 
 sent a round of bullets after- him, one of which took 
 effect in his horse's flank, bringing it to the ground 
 and throwing him over the bank into a deep aroya. 
 
 Regaining his feet as quickly as possible, he suc- 
 ceeded in seizing the lashings of one of the pack
 
 84 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 horses as it was passing him, and by an almost 
 superhuman effort, threw himself astride its back. 
 By this time the desperadoes had reached the oppo- 
 site side of the ravine, and again opened fire on 
 their fleeing victim, and although badly wounding 
 him, he succeeded in placing between himself and 
 them a large rock. 
 
 With this as a protection, he reached a deep pot- 
 hole in the rocks, where he was obliged to drop 
 from his horse on account of faintness induced by 
 the free hemorrhage from the wound. He further 
 said that he did not know how long he was uncon* 
 scious, but that it could not have been but a few 
 moments, as he revived just before the leader of the 
 outlaws reached the rim of the pot-hole. 
 
 Seizing his revolver he awaited his approach. He 
 was none too quick, for he had barely reached a 
 place of safety behind a projection in the wall when 
 the robber's head appeared above the sage-brush 
 which surrounded his hiding-place. A sharp crack 
 from his revolver rang out among the rocks, and 
 the desperado fell from his horse mortally wounded. 
 To recock his weapon was but the work of an in- 
 stant, but it was barely completed when a second 
 head appeared in almost the same position, and an 
 instant later met the same fate as its companion. 
 
 Erve further said that, although he was weak from 
 the loss of blood, after waiting a few moments he 
 crawled to the rim of the pot-hole, and peering 
 through the sage-brush and grease wood, surveyed 
 the country from the direction from which' he had 
 come, expecting to see the remainder of the out- 
 laws approaching in hot pursuit, but was somewhat 
 encouraged to see but one of them, and he appeared
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 85 
 
 to think his companions had overtaken their victim 
 and dispatched him, as he had undoubtedly heard the 
 shots and supposed that they were fired by his com- 
 panions. 
 
 "I remarked to myself that I would probably dis- 
 abuse the robber's mind of the belief that I was 
 dead, for he might find me very much alive if he 
 continued to come that way, as I had now secured 
 the rifle from my fallen victim, and was sure that 
 it was a dangerous weapon to run against, if it was 
 in the right hands. . 
 
 "Waiting until my enemy was in easy range, I 
 covered him with the piece and called out "hands 
 up!" but to my surprise, the robber wheeled his 
 horse, and throwing himself to the opposite side, 
 was about to leave the place in a most informal 
 manner when, with a well directed shot, I brought 
 his horse to the ground, and in its fall its rider was 
 caught under it and could not extricate himself. 
 
 "I again repeated my demand, which was an- 
 swered by a shot which flattened out on the rocks 
 uncomfortably near my head. This unexpected 
 action on the part of the robber decided me, and 
 drawing a fine sight, I breathed a short prayer for 
 him and sent a ball crashing through his miserable 
 head, adding as the smoke cleared away, a fervent 
 'Amen.' 
 
 "Being satisfied that the balance of the party had 
 made off with their booty, I crawled back, and se- 
 curing one of the robber's horses which had re- 
 mained by its dead master, it being much more de- 
 sirable than the pack horse, I painfully mounted and 
 made my way as fast as I could toward the camp,
 
 86 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 which I probably never would have reached had I 
 not been met by you and your companions." 
 
 The men who had been dispatched after the rob- 
 bers finally returned with the information that they 
 had taken to the hills, and that it would be worse 
 than useless to follow them, as it would only re- 
 sult in the loss of valuable lives, the robbers being 
 in a country every rod of which was as familiar 
 to them as the beaten trail to Erve. So it was de- 
 cided that they should return to camp, and having 
 constructed a rude ambulance and lashed it between 
 two horses, Robert and the men placed Erve upon it, 
 and leading the horses made their way up the trail. 
 
 The next morning an inventory was made of the 
 missing burdens, when it was found that all of the 
 most valuable packs had been taken, as well as ten 
 of the best horses, the remainder having been ren- 
 dered useless for a considerable time from the 
 wounds and galls from which they were suffering. 
 As a punishment to the robbers it was arrar*ged that 
 a large posse should be organized, and the country 
 scoured until it was completely freed from the gang 
 which had so long infested it. 
 
 Accordingly, on the following morning a party 
 was fitted out, armed to the teeth, determined to 
 exterminate the whole band. As they left the camp 
 they were joined by several cattlemen and herders. 
 The entire escort was formed into a vigilant com- 
 mittee, which was divided into squads of five or six. 
 These rode in different directions, thus being able 
 to cover the whole country for many miles around. 
 
 Several days were thus spent without locating the 
 thieves, but finally Happy, who was at the head of 
 the division which was scouting in the neighborhood
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 87 
 
 of the Blue Mountains, discovered them in their 
 rendezvous near the head of Pack-Saddle creek, (so 
 named from the fact that a party of Mormons who 
 were on their way to Salt Lake found it impossible 
 to get their wagons further, and were compelled 
 to unload them and construct pack-saddles from 
 their boxes, which enabled them to continue their 
 journey to the City of the Saints.) 
 
 After having located -them, Happy determined to 
 leave a guard to watch their movements while he 
 notified the remainder of the party, so that their 
 whole force could surround them, when they would 
 see that it would be useless to show resistance, as 
 they would be so largely outnumbered, and would 
 probably surrender without loss of life. Nor did 
 he wish to shoot them without a fair trial, and 
 after their having been proven guilty. 
 
 Before the second evening the whole party of 
 "vigilantes" had surrounded the robbers, who were 
 entirely ignorant of their dangerous position until 
 they were gazing into the muzzles of more than 
 forty Winchesters in the hands on an equal number 
 of determined-looking men. Seeing that the game 
 was up that they were hopelessly caught and that 
 any show of resistance would mean certain death, 
 they immediately complied with the invitation for 
 a show of hands, when they were promptly dis- 
 armed and marched into camp. 
 
 After confessing that they had been engaged in 
 professional robbery for several years, and two of 
 them having been recognized by Erve as among 
 those who attacked him, they were all taken to a 
 small cluster of trees near the scene of their last
 
 88 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 crime and compelled to witness the hanging of the 
 two principals. 
 
 The remainder of the gang were given a severe 
 chastisement in the form of a public flogging, when 
 they were escorted to the Utah line and ordered to 
 leave the country, at the same time being assured 
 that if they were ever found within the limits of the 
 territory again it would be at the risk of their worth- 
 less lives. 
 
 This terrible example had its effect, as there was 
 no more trouble of the kind in or about the valley 
 for many years thereafter. Indeed, it was perfectly 
 safe for life and property to be exposed in any part 
 of the valley or along the trail, as neither would 
 be molested unless by wild animals, which were 
 sometimes destructive to provisions, as well as stock, 
 and occasionally in the winter mountain lions were 
 known to attack human beings, if they met them 
 alone. 
 
 The following clippings are from the Sinbad 
 Regulator of that date : 
 
 THE REGULATOR wishes to call the attention of the gen- 
 tlemen of this camp to the fact that the wife of our esteemed 
 citizen, Colonel Poker Jim, J. P., who recently "went over 
 the range" from having been "leaded" in a misunderstand- 
 ing, is sorely in need of a little of your "dust." Now don't 
 rush in and frighten the little lady to death, but wash up 
 first, and change your shirts, then those among you who con- 
 sider themselves fit to call on "The Pride of the Camp," will 
 be permitted to do so after "grub" to-morrow evening. 
 
 ^Alkali Bill and Cactus Jim will "stand shift" during the 
 evening to see there is no profanity indulged in during the oc- 
 casion, and they are instructed to use their own judgment 
 and snooting irons as they see fit. We, therefore, suggest 
 that "quills" containing less than five dollars worth of the 
 "stuff" better not be offered, as the gentlemen in charge are 
 easily irritated, and they might misconstrue the intent of
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES OO, 
 
 the worthless thief who would thus steal from a helpless 
 widow. 
 
 All well-disposed persons will leave their "pops" with 
 One-Eyed Ike, who will be found at his cabin to receive them. 
 Others will leave them to their friends. 
 
 We are glad that the gentlemen who were selected to rid 
 these hills of the cowardly cut-throats who have for a long 
 time disturbed the quiet and peace of this camp, and who 
 last week held up the driver (one of the best shots in Colo- 
 rado) and robbed the supply train of the company, have 
 waited upon the renegades, surprised them in their rendez- 
 vous, and returned them to the scene of their last depreda- 
 tions, where they were hurriedly "suspended" from further 
 association with respectable people. 
 
 Surprise is still manifested upon their startled counte- 
 nances, which show very plainly as they dangle in the wind, 
 that they were finally brought to realize that they were mis- 
 taken in their efforts to acquire wealth which belonged to 
 others. Their guns were distributed among those who will 
 use them freely in case any of their friends make any un- 
 necessary criticism or attempt to remove their worthless 
 "decks," 
 
 Times are powerful brisk about these "diggins," although 
 news are as scarce as religion. We have to note, however, that 
 the "Bob Tail" has opened up a fine body of glance in the 
 fourth level. 
 
 Arizona Hank and Red River Ike got in a scrap over 
 a location last night. Hank got the "drop." Funeral from 
 the Miner's Rest Saloon this evening. 
 
 One of those ornery burros of Eph Smith's fell down 
 the 8o-foot shaft of the "Magnum-Bonum," striking Cuff 
 Blossom square on the ear. The brute was too dead to skin, 
 and Cuff complains of a stiff neck. 
 
 The powder house of the "Comstock" blew up this 
 morning at 6 o'clock, and the news spread through the camp 
 with alarming rapidity, being emphasized by a free distribu- 
 tion of scrap iron, billy-goats and profanity, the latter of 
 which is supposed to have been the cause of the great de- 
 struction of window glass. Two "dagoes" who were smoking 
 their pipes in the vicinity quit their jobs at the first dis- 
 turbance, and the coroner has refused to hold an inquest until 
 the remains can be definitely located. A train of pack ani- 
 mals which were waiting to be unloaded were blown through 
 their saddles and landed in the gulch below town. Undoubted- 
 ly thinking it was night, and the whistle had blown for
 
 90 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 supper, they quietly retuned and devoured a large quantity 
 of provisions which had been left by them in the hurry 
 of the moment. The shaft house is out of sight, and the 
 dump is scattered over several sections of the country. 
 
 Ute Pete, while doing the town of Grand Junction last 
 Thursday night, got "rolled" and relieved of his "wad" to 
 the tune of $2,000. He allows that any straight-haired gen- 
 tleman who does the most of his swearing in this beautiful 
 gulch ought to strike it "rocky" if .he allows himself to 
 drink with any chicken-hearted tenderfoot from the states. 
 
 It is learned that the bull-punchers who were advised 
 to leave the country for the benefit of their health took kindly 
 to the advice of the Committee, and "hit the high places" 
 between two days. 
 
 The following beautiful poem, for which we express 
 our sincere thanks, is from the quill of our esteemed towns- 
 man, "Circle Bar Bill." We were well aware of Bill's literary 
 ability from the extensive range of profanity in which he 
 frequently indulges, also that he now enjoys the honor of 
 being the handiest man with a rope that ever punched a 
 cow in the Rockies, but now we assert that he is destined 
 to become one of the most noted writers of this country, as 
 the present production bears all the ear-marks of a genius 
 of the highest order. His poem is of the kind that appeals 
 to the feelings of every true American of the style which 
 must live, and living must perpetuate the name of its 
 author : ED. 
 
 RENEGADE POINT 
 BY "CIRCLE BAR BILL." 
 
 The Pinon Ridge round-up was just about wound up; 
 
 We'd ridden the draws and the mesas between. 
 The range north of Deer Creek as far west as Clear Creek 
 
 Was carefully worked and the country was clean. 
 
 'Twas late in September. How well I remember 
 The last camp we made near the S Cross corral ! 
 
 The night-herder's singing, the cool night-wind bringing 
 The distance-dimmed "tunk" of the cavey yard bell. 
 
 The boys round the wagon talked loud of the "jag on" 
 They hoped to acquire when they struck town with "dough." 
 
 The Cross cook was vainly and very profanely 
 Adjuring the fire when its flame flickered low.
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES QI 
 
 To bed 'mongst the bushes sound sleep comes and hushes 
 The laughter, and joking dies out by degrees. 
 
 A lost yearling's bawling, or lone coyote's calling 
 Remains the sole sound save the sigh of the breeze! 
 
 At dawn out we tumble when roused by the rumble 
 Or whoop, as the horse herd comes in at a trot, 
 
 And round the fire cluster with crowding and bluster 
 To scramble for "tools" when the cook says "red-hot!" 
 
 The pipes being lighted, and beds rolled and righted, 
 Uncoiling our ropes we stroll down to the "pen ;" 
 
 'Mid clouds of dust flying and good-natured guying 
 Each man picks his mount from his own string of ten. 
 
 With saddles adjusted the buckers are busted, 
 And then spoke the "boss" in a manner not gay, 
 
 "If you don't want a dead horse you'd best take a "lead horse," 
 For Renegade Point is the ride for to-day !" 
 
 So each roped another without any further 
 Remark, for the Captain we knew had not lied, 
 
 For no undertaking is half so heart-breaking 
 As spurring fagged stock near the end of a ride. 
 
 Five miles o'er the mesa we jogged at the pace a 
 
 Cow-pony strikes ere the riding's begun. 
 The lead stock we picket beside a tall thicket 
 
 Of aspen, to wait our return from the run. 
 
 Its "center fines cinch up, while double rings pinch up 
 And light cigarettes." Thus the chaff flies about, 
 
 Till all being mounted, the riders are counted 
 And told off in squads, and their work pointed out. 
 
 Joe S-elby on Sailor, and five men, with Taylor, 
 Were given the high parks below the bald hill. 
 
 The force under Hanlon drew Maverick canon, 
 And burnt Cedar Hill fell to Circle Bar Bill. 
 
 His gang were brush-splitters and wide and deep sitters, 
 For Ladigo Sam and Phil Pace rode with him. 
 
 Truss Blair on Squirrel, with Dick and Matt Merrill 
 Went south to Grass Gulch, led by Arkansaw Jim. 
 
 "We'll bunch in Buck Basin," said range boss Mack Mason, 
 As off through the oak brush we rode at a run ; 
 
 Behind him was Shorty, and Wilson on Warty; 
 I brought up the rear riding Sun of a Gun.
 
 92 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 Right quickly we headed some cows we found bedded 
 Near Alkali Springs in the big sage-brush flat, 
 
 And when he had bunched them, we pointed and punched them 
 Straight over the hill to be picked up by Matt. 
 
 We carefully covered the hill slopes, where hovered 
 The blue grouse that, flushing, flew off one by one. 
 
 A buck, surprised sleeping, bewildered, quit leaping 
 Within fifty yards, but none cocked a gun ; 
 
 For renegade cattle will slope when the rattle 
 
 Of ready revolver is heard from afar; 
 Great caution is needed the wind must be heeded 
 
 Unless the success of the ride you would mar. 
 
 We saw nothing "snaky" and felt rather shaky 
 
 About the result of the gather that day; 
 The whole bunch was hiding in spite of close riding. 
 
 No hoof could be seen, though we looked every way. 
 
 Old Mack fell to fussing and Shorty to "cussing" 
 And damming our luck that no cattle we'd spied ; 
 
 Hie swore like the devil ! and say, on the level, 
 I scarce could reprove him. It iwas a bad ride. 
 
 Just then a yell sounding set every heart bounding! 
 
 We looked to the left, and a glance was enough 
 To start us all swearing and quirting and tearing, 
 
 For there came the wild bunch straight over the bluff ! 
 
 Truss Blair, who had jumped them, had pretty well pumped 
 them, 
 
 So, flying the oak brush, we soon got in front, 
 But "Old Shaggy," leading, kept on, never heeding 
 
 The six guns that popped like a buffalo hunt ! 
 
 The moss-headed leaders got into the cedars 
 And run down the draws where the bushes were low ; 
 
 All hell couldn't turn 'em, though sure we did burn 'em, 
 For none to his mount ever dared to say "whoa !" 
 
 Should they reach the low hollow 'twere useless to follow ; 
 
 So loosing our rope straps we took down our strings, 
 And with a hard blessing we gave them a dressing, 
 
 And then fell upon them like imps without wings. 
 
 Mack picked a "bar 'leven," a quarter bred Devon, 
 With horns like a Tex, ever ready to fight. 
 
 Ten jumps he was on him and smeared it upon him, 
 And tangled and threw him and hog-tied him tight.
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES Q3 
 
 A "fourteen slash forty" engaged little Shorty 
 And led him a chase over boulders and brush, 
 
 Till Warty out-loped him, then Shorty soon roped him, 
 And went hard against him and stopped his mad rush. 
 
 A maverick yearling was rapidly nearing 
 The safety he sought in the scrub cedar shade, 
 
 When Wilson entwined him, and threw and side-lined him, 
 While I caught a heifer, fat, full-eared and spayed. 
 
 The rest with tails swinging, the dust wildly flinging, 
 Flew on toward the winter-range yet lying bare ; 
 
 No horse could o'ertake them ; compelled to forsake them, 
 Dejected, defeated, we fervently swear. 
 
 With ponies all lathered, at last we are gathered 
 About the bunch ground, and the branding is done. 
 
 With cut-out we ride down to let up the tied down, 
 Who now seem to fancy they've had enough run. 
 
 The sun finally setting, and finding we're getting 
 
 As thin as a rail, beside sore in each joint, 
 We turn loose our critters and strike for our bitters. 
 
 For done is a hard ride on Renegade Point! 
 
 The stock of the Sinbad Mining Company has advanced 
 five per cent since the last issue of this paper, and there 
 is very little of it on the market. We learn that the presi- 
 dent, Mr. Robert Smith, contemplates a trip to the East to 
 visit old acquaintances and especially his aged father, whom 
 he has not seen for many years. All right Bob ; things will 
 run tight along while you are away, as the men know who 
 they are working for. 
 
 We sre sorry to learn that Mother Upham is ill with 
 fever, and we wish to request her to draw on our credit 
 at the Company's store until she is well. Co., please take 
 notice. 
 
 SPECIAL NOTICE 
 
 Father Gardner will preach from the old location dump 
 next Sunday, Providence permitting, and there being a suf- 
 ficient turnout. His text will be, "The Gold that Perisheth 
 Not," of which the old gentleman has laid in a good supply, 
 and is anxious to divide with the rest of us ; but as he is in 
 need of some of the miserable stuff for which we are all 
 scrambling, be sure to have at least six-bits in your belt, as 
 winter is coming on, and our old friend needs some new
 
 94 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 togs. All come out, for you are sure to strike it rich, as 
 the old man knows his ground and will pan out big. Some- 
 time, when you least expect it, you will be called over the 
 Divide, and the trail will be a great deal smoother if Father 
 Gardner has been up the slope on his knees before you. 
 
 Erve rapidly recovered from his injuries and was 
 soon again conducting- the pack train, but he never 
 passed the mouth of Ute creek without feeling the 
 cold chills creeping up his back, as he remembered 
 the close call he had experienced there, which re- 
 sulted in lessening the bad men of the mountains by 
 just the fourth of a dozen. When he looked at 
 the trees from which had dangled the two corpses 
 he remembered the quotation which he had so often 
 heard the pastor repeat : 
 
 "Verily, verily, the way of the transgressor is 
 hard." 
 
 The pot-hole which had served to shield him from 
 his enemies on that occasion frequently protected 
 him in after years from storms, and the scar on the 
 rocks inflicted by the robber's bullet was often 
 pointed out to strangers by him as the place where 
 he "didn't get killed," although he had deliberately 
 disobeyed a request which is generally respected by 
 even the oldest residents of the Rockies, as most of 
 those who dared to do otherwise have long ago 
 "gone over the range," having finally "got it through 
 their heads." 
 
 DREAMS OF MY CHILDHOOD 
 
 There's a cool and shady nook on the banks of a brook 
 
 That glides to the distant river, 
 Where oft in my dream I stand by the stream, 
 
 While shadows about me quiver. 
 With the grass for my bed and the boughs overhead, 
 
 When a child I often did tarry, 
 Through the long, dreamy hours I gathered wild-flowers 
 
 And watched for the mythical fairy.
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 95 
 
 Though the elves never came, I believed just the same 
 
 That oft they saw the fair spot, 
 And with goblets of dew the flowers filled, new 
 
 Fair daisies and forget-me-not. 
 
 By the path in the wood where the hobgoblin stood, 
 , When the shadows crept over the land, 
 I hastened with dread, scarce daring to tread. 
 
 For fear of his black, scrawny hand! 
 
 Then, in crossing the marsh, I'd hear voices harsh, 
 
 Which grated so rough on my ear 
 That I'd hasten along to forget the strange song, 
 
 While I trembled with pardonable fear. 
 When I got into bed I'd cover my head 
 
 To shut out the spooks from my sight, 
 Till I saw in my dreams the flowers and streams 
 
 Till the morning dispelled the long night. 
 
 O, I long for those days and the cool grassy ways, 
 
 For the song of the birds in the tree, 
 For the croak of the frogs among the . rush bogs, 
 
 For they all would be music to me. 
 The goblins and spooks with their terrible looks 
 
 Would lull me to quiet and rest. 
 O, the days when a child and all nature smiled, 
 
 Of all my life were the best !
 
 96 THE SINBAD MINES 
 
 CHAPTER V 
 
 [FTER making the necessary arrangements, 
 Robert decided to return to the East 
 and keep his promise to his father, 
 if he was still alive, and although he 
 had not heard from him for several years, he be- 
 lieved that he still remained on the old farm. So 
 leaving the business in charge of the other members 
 of the firm, who had not only proven themselves 
 competent, but worthy of the greatest trust, he re- 
 turned to Grand Junction and was soon on board 
 the cars which were steaming up the grade toward 
 Denver, where he arrived the next morning. 
 
 After spending a few days in attending to busi- 
 ness pertaining to the company, he left for Chicago, 
 which was reached the third day out, to find that it 
 had grown out of all recollection to him, for when 
 he left it twelve years before it was little more than 
 a trading post'. In fact, it was only a rude Western 
 city composed largely of depots, warehouses, and 
 one-story buildings backed by stockyards and front- 
 ed by saloons ; but now it was a metropolitan city, 
 with immense blocks, great mercantile houses and 
 busy wharves, with a commerce that was second 
 to very few cities in the United States. 
 
 Robert would have liked to remain there for a 
 few days, but the desire to see his aged father, and 
 the memory of his childhood's home hurried him on, 
 and having purchased a ticket, he was soon rapidly
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES Q7 
 
 moving around the lower end of the lake on his 
 way to the East. 
 
 The second morning out after leaving Chicago 
 he found himself in his native town. How it, too, 
 had changed since, the bleak winter morning when 
 'he left it, hardly knowing in what direction to turn. 
 Casting his eye toward the south, he recognized the 
 hills which formed the horizon ; they appeared quite 
 natural to him, but much nearer than they used 
 to. Stepping into the depot, he asked the agent if 
 he knew whether Mr. Frank Smith of South Hill 
 was still alive. The agent replied that he believed 
 there was an old man up there by that name. 
 
 Thinking that the walk would do him good, Rob- 
 ert started up the road toward his old home, pass- 
 ing many of his former acquaintances, whom he 
 knew at once, but who did not recognize him, as 
 he had been forgotten long ago. Upon reaching 
 the top of the hill, Robert stopped to take in the 
 view which was so indelibly stamped upon his mem- 
 ory, when years before he stood in the same spot, 
 but with his face turned in the opposite direction, 
 without home, money or prospects in life. 
 
 Then he was going into the world, he knew not 
 whither, in search of a living and a fortune, or to 
 drift on through life as circumstances misfht dictate. 
 'Now he was returning to the same old home with 
 wealth, honor and prospects of a useful life before 
 him, with hope strong in his mind, and with ill 
 wishes toward none. 
 
 Yes, there was the old home among the trees 
 looking much as when he left it, but more shabby. 
 There was the brook which flowed through the 
 fields, in which he used to wade and build minature
 
 98 THE SIN BAD MINES: 
 
 dams. There was the orchard, and there was the 
 tree that drooped over his mother's grave. How 
 the memories of the past rushed through his brain 
 as these old, familiar sights came back before his 
 vision. It did not seem possible that he had been 
 away so long as he really had, but the memories 
 were as fresh as they could have been had it been but 
 yesterday when he last beheld these scenes. 
 
 A column of thin smoke was ascending from the 
 throat of the dilapidated chimney, and the unhinged 
 door of the kitchen stood slightly ajar. Thus as- 
 sured, Robert quickened his step and hastened to 
 the gate, where he stopped to inspect the mound 
 under the trees. The snow had gone months be- 
 fore, and the tall grass had completely covered the 
 spot with its soft waving mantle. The limbs of the 
 old tree, knotty and gnarled, hung lower than when 
 he had last looked upon them, while there seemed to 
 rest a sacred stillness about the spot which rendered 
 him oblivious to all that was going on around him. 
 
 Stepping quickly forward and dropping on his 
 knees, Robert returned thanks to the God of his 
 mother, who had kept him from the many dangers 
 which had beset him, permitting him to again re- 
 turn to his home in safety, with abundant means 
 to provide for the comfort of his aged father. Just 
 as he was about pronouncing the last words he 
 felt a hand laid upon his head, and the voice of his 
 father falling on his ears. Looking around, Robert 
 beheld an old man whose locks were white with the 
 snows of many winters, and whose frame trembled 
 with emotion, standing before him, and although he 
 recognized the voice, it seemed to him impossible 
 that this was indeed his father.
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 99 
 
 The old man clasped Robert in his arms, while 
 the tears ran down his withered cheeks as he recited 
 to Robert how terrible had been his sufferings, and 
 with what remorse he had sorrowed day and night 
 since he had driven him from his home. Then in a 
 faltering voice he asked God to forgive him for 
 the crime which he had committed, adding that it 
 was the influence of the curse of drink which 
 had induced him to do it, and that he had not 
 drunk a drop since the morning Robert left home, 
 but that he had spent all these years in trying to 
 atone for his unfatherly crime, and in praying that 
 some day before he died his son might return to for- 
 give him. 
 
 Robert rose to his feet, and taking his father's 
 hand, assured him that he had forgiven him long 
 ago, even before he left the village. His father re- 
 plied that if he could have known he was forgiven 
 it would have saved him many years of the most 
 intense suffering, but that he well deserved all of the 
 punishment which he had received. 
 
 On the way to the house Robert informed his 
 father of the fortune which had come to him, and 
 that he had returned to make the remaining years 
 of his life as comfortable as possible, which he 
 hoped would help to wipe out the bitter memories 
 of the past. 
 
 During the next few days Robert visited among 
 the neighbors, renewing old acquaintances and en- 
 tertaining them with reminiscences of the great 
 West, and some of his experiences during the years 
 which had elapsed since he left them. 
 
 Securing the services of several carpenters and 
 other workmen, he then proceeded to renovate and
 
 100 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 repair the old homestead. The house was newly 
 shingled and clapboarded, also being adorned with 
 a fresh coat of paint. New furniture was bought, 
 and everything repaired in the most substantial man- 
 ner. A new iron fence enclosed his mother's grave, 
 while a white marble shaft marked her resting place 
 and bore the inscription, "Blessed are they who die 
 in the Lord, for their works do follow them." 
 
 While all these improvements were going on 
 Robert's father looked on in amazement at the 
 transformation, seeming to be unable to realize that 
 so much good could possibly come to him, and fre- 
 quently repeating to himself, "It is too good to be 
 true." In less than a month one would not have 
 known the place. 
 
 After completing all the improvements in and 
 about the place, and securing the services of an 
 aunt of his mother's to oversee the servants and 
 take care of the household, Robert informed his 
 father that he intended to make a trip to the East, 
 and incidentally mentioned the name of the little 
 girl .who had given him the Bible, and that he was 
 going to Boston to learn of her whereabouts, if pos- 
 sible, as well as to see her father his early bene- 
 factor. 
 
 So bidding his father farewell, he soon arrived 
 in Syracuse, and securing a ticket to Boston over 
 the New York Central and the Boston and Albany 
 railroads, he arrived in that city on the following 
 day. As Robert had little idea as to what Mr. 
 Moulton's business was, if indeed he was still alive, 
 it was a very difficult undertaking which he had 
 begun, but he was in hopes, with the assistance of 
 the great city's directory, which he at once consulted,
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES IOI 
 
 that he might succeed. But in perusing it he was 
 very much surprised to find that there were a great 
 many Moultons in the city. 
 
 He also learned that it was the custom of many 
 of the Eastern people who reside in the suburban 
 towns near Boston frequently to give their addresses 
 when traveling, as Boston, Mass. It was more than 
 probable that his old friend might have done this 
 or, if he had actually lived there at the time of his 
 acquaintance with him, he might have removed to 
 other parts ere this. 
 
 However, in accordance with the first proposition, 
 not having found him in Boston, Robert visited the 
 adjoining towns of Summerville, Brooklyne, Mel- 
 rose, Newton, Waltham and several others, con- 
 sulting all of their directories. He also followed up 
 many clews, to find that he was either misinformed 
 or that he was not pursuing the right man. He 
 continued his search for several weeks, and finally 
 became satisfied that the family for whom he was 
 looking had gone abroad for a tour of the con- 
 tinent. 
 
 As soon as he was convinced of this fact Robert 
 concluded to follow them, and after a little corres- 
 pondence succeeded in securing a state-room on the 
 steamship "Workingdam" of the Netherland- 
 American line, bound for Amsterdam, Holland, 
 and as the ship would sail from New York, he im- 
 mediately proceeded to that city over the Short Line 
 to New London, Conn., where he took passage on 
 the steamship, "City of New York," arriving there 
 in time for a good view of the Brooklyn Bridge and 
 an early breakfast. 
 
 As the ship did not sail until the next morning,
 
 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 Robert spent the day in sight-seeing, going on board 
 at night in time to fix up his state-rooms, making 
 them look tidy and homelike. 
 
 During the night the noise produced by the great 
 cranes and hoisting engines which were lowering 
 great quantities of freight into the hold of the ves- 
 sel, added to the confusion and babble of voices in 
 and about the wharves near where the ship lay, and 
 the groaning and puffing of steam barges, which 
 were continually passing and repassing, prevented 
 Robert from getting much sleep. This, however, 
 did not disturb him, as he was enabled to learn con- 
 siderable in regard to the capacity of an ocean 
 steamer, as he gazed with awe and amazement at the 
 enormous amount of merchandise which was being 
 stowed away in its capacious interior. 
 
 He arose very early in the morning to find that 
 the roustabouts were still as busy as on the previous 
 evening, and that the hoisting machinery was yet 
 hard at work lowering bags of flour into the hold, 
 which it seemed to him would never be filled. Soon 
 after daylight the last of the cargo was stowed 
 away and the hatchways closed, the decks scrubbed 
 down, and all made ready for sea. 
 
 The passengers now began to arrive, creating the 
 greatest confusion as they hurried about attending 
 to the disposal of their baggage, or seeking friends 
 with whom they had important business which must 
 be attended to at once, as in a few hours they would 
 be out of reach of any message which might be 
 intended for them. Just as the confusion was at its 
 height the warning cry of "all ashore !" sounds over 
 the decks, and the friends hardly have time to reach 
 the pier before the gang-plank is hauled in, the lines
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES IO3 
 
 thrown off, and the boat swings out into the stream. 
 
 It is towed to a safe distance from the shore, 
 when its great heart begins to pulsate, and the pas- 
 sengers realize that they have really started on their 
 long journey. As Robert casts his eye about him, 
 he sees the Battery to his left, the Jersey banks to 
 the right, and the Statute of Liberty a little in front 
 of him. Breakfast is announced and they all go 
 below to partake of a sumptous meal in the grand 
 dining room. When they again reach the deck they 
 are opposite Far Rockaway and Coney Island, with 
 Sandy Hook stretching away to the southwest. 
 
 The passengers begin to make acquaintances; 
 small knots of people cluster about each other on the 
 promenade deck and try to become interested in con- 
 versation in order to drive away sad thoughts of 
 home and friends. Hundreds of birds are seen flit- 
 ting about in the wake of the boat, while happy 
 children romp the decks. The boat begins to rise 
 and fall with a lazy motion, which impresses Robert 
 with the fact that they have left "terra firma," and 
 are out of sight of land, but there are a great many 
 other crafts in sight, and he does not mind it so 
 long as there is plenty of company. 
 
 Dinner is announced, but Robert is so much in- 
 terested in the study of the passengers that he re- 
 mains on deck. All of the different characters are 
 among the list; the tourist who has "been there," 
 it matters not what part of the world you may men- 
 tion; the business man who is completely absorbed 
 in his schemes ; the granger from Vermont, who 
 has recently mortgaged his farm in order that he 
 may see the sights ; and the verdant youth from the
 
 IO4 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 country who has but just started out to seek his 
 fortune. 
 
 The "sharper" is along, to gull the unwary 
 and become the trusted friend of the wise old maid 
 who is not to be fooled not she! The innocent 
 young girl who has recently lost her parents and is 
 on her way to distant relatives in the Old Country, 
 and the cynic who cares for no one but himself. The 
 ministerial-looking gentleman from the city, and 
 the all-around hustler from the busy West ; yes, all 
 are well represented, and Robert becomes aware that 
 a great ocean steamship at sea is a world in itself. 
 
 His thoughts, however, are suddenly interrupted 
 by the appearance of one character which he had 
 entirely overlooked yes, it is a real live dude! As 
 Robert surveys him with unfeigned curiosity he re- 
 marks to himself, "It is well we are all here!" 
 
 His meditations are suddenly interrupted by a 
 lurch of the ship which calls his attention to the fact 
 that there is quite a sea on, which is more apparent 
 when he attempts to descend the cabin stairs on his 
 way to the supper table, which he finally reaches, 
 to find that the dishes are "fenced" on the table, 
 while the soup and coffee are dispensed quite 
 promiscuously by the waiters, who are unable to 
 keep their balance. Although he is not sea-sick 
 of course not he is not landlubber enough for that, 
 he does not feel as though he wished for any sup- 
 per. The fact is, he has been having trouble with 
 his stomach for sometime; a sort of a bilious spell 
 which has induced a sick-headache, or something 
 that is a great deal worse. But of course he does 
 not mention the fact that he is awfully sea-sick. 
 
 By the next morning a storm has overtaken them,
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES IO5 
 
 and the good ship is rolling and pitching in a man- 
 ner that precludes all out-of-door exercise, and the 
 day is spent in spinning yarns and playing cards. 
 During the night it grows very cold, and a dense 
 fog settling down, it is necessary to keep the fog- 
 whistle blowing almost constantly, while the speed 
 of the engine is reduced one-half. 
 
 Just as the day is breaking they enter an immense 
 field of ice, which subsequently proves to be as large 
 as the state of New York. A sharp lookout is nec- 
 essary to prevent a collision with the icebergs, as 
 the sea is very rough, and many times they are 
 in a dangerous position; but by the narrowest 
 chances they escape all harm, and by noon are out 
 of the ice and have reached smooth water, thankful 
 that the danger is passed. 
 
 The next day they are visited by a fine pair of 
 whales, who come alongside and seem to eye the 
 passengers with as much curiosity and surprise as 
 is manifested by the people themselves. Dolphins 
 and porpoises are often seen, and at night especially, 
 if quite dark and calm, Robert loves to lean over 
 the side of the ship and watch the phosphorescence 
 of the water, caused by the myriads of small animal 
 life which have been disturbed by the passage of 
 the boat as it cuts through the water. Sometimes 
 this phenomenon extends for several hundred yards 
 from the boat, and lights up the water's surface 
 with a strange and unearthly glow. 
 
 So days and nights pass rapidly away with noth- 
 ing of importance to mar their happiness until, as 
 the ship is entering the English Channel, they are 
 apprised that one of the passengers has died of 
 typhoid fever, and that on account of the rigid quar-
 
 IC)6 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 antine at the port to which they are bound, they 
 will be compelled to bury the remains at sea. The 
 coffin is inclosed in the grave box, which has pre- 
 viously been weighted so that it will sink, the flag 
 is lowered, the engines stopped, and the box raised 
 to the gunwale of the ship, where, after a short 
 prayer by the chaplain, it is dropped into the sea to 
 sink out of sight. The flag is raised, the engines 
 started, and they proceed on their way, leaving the 
 once fair form to the tender care of Him who fash- 
 ioned it. 
 
 Just before dinner their dismal thoughts are in- 
 terrupted by the cry of the forward watch, who sings 
 out, "land ho!" and away toward the northeast can 
 be seen rising from the water the rocky reefs of the 
 Sicilly Island and the massive tower of the Eddy- 
 stone lighthouse, and a little later in the day, to the 
 north of their track, looms up the immense chalk 
 banks of the south shores of England, while to the 
 southeast appears the bold promontories of the head- 
 lands of sunny France. Immediately in front of 
 them, nestled in a niche of the bluff, lies the ancient 
 city of Boulogne. 
 
 As they approach the harbor a steam launch deco- 
 rated with the "Stars and Stripes," together with 
 the flag of France, puts out from the shore, and as 
 they drop anchor, comes along-side with passengers 
 for northern ports, who exchange places with those 
 who are bound for the French capital. The view 
 along the shores of the Straits of Dover, lighted up 
 by a glorious sunset which gilds the wings of the 
 lazy wind-mills, and casts dark shadows athwart the 
 deep ravines, presents a picture of loveliness entirely
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES l&J 
 
 new to Robert, and one which will be long remem- 
 bered. 
 
 As the full moon rises, suspended in a halo of mist, 
 over the ancient city of Calais, a soft breeze is 
 wafted across to them from the green fields of 
 "merry old England," laden with the perfume of 
 new-mown hay and fragrant flowers, which ripples 
 the quiet waters of the bay, and filling the sails of 
 passing ships, sends them forward as though ani- 
 mated by the grandeur of the scene. 
 
 ON A MOON-LIT SEA 
 
 The good ship ploughs the restless waves, 
 
 Which dance about in glee, 
 As like a phantom of the night, 
 
 She rides the moon-lit sea. 
 
 Her sails all set like angel's wings 
 
 Entrap the evening breeze, 
 Which wafts her on to distant ports 
 
 In storm-tossed northern seas. 
 
 The sailor, treading slow her decks, 
 
 Or swinging down below, 
 Is painting pictures of the past, 
 
 Of scenes of long ago: 
 
 When mother kissed her sailor boy 
 
 And bade his safe return; 
 When in another's weeping eyes 
 
 He saw love's passion burn. 
 
 And as he dreams he seems to feel 
 
 The pressure of their lips 
 Upon his hot and throbbing brow ; 
 
 Love's joy he freely sips ! 
 
 Sail on, good ship, with all thy speed, 
 
 And bear thy sailor boys 
 To meet with those of whom you dream, 
 
 With love and all its joys !
 
 IO8 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 As Robert gazes at the innumerable lights spark- 
 ling along the distant shores, defended by massive 
 fortresses, and guarded by plumed knights, connect- 
 ing them with ancient legends of chivalry, he for- 
 gets the many anxieties of his long journey, feeling 
 that the realization of such an hour is ample remun- 
 eration for many of its hardships. It is with a feel- 
 ing of gratitude that he reluctantly goes below to 
 dream of valaint knights, ancient romance, and his 
 beautiful Alice. 
 
 Early the next morning all is astir as they are 
 nearing the end of their journey. A line of surf is 
 dimly seen through the morning mist. Passengers 
 by twos and threes are straggling on deck, fresh 
 from their cozy berths. They eye with pity the few 
 who, still swarthed in rugs, found sufficient charm in 
 the beauties of the night to remain on deck. The 
 sleepers, chirrupy and in the best of humor, are in- 
 clined to talk, while the watchers nodding and out 
 of temper are inclined to silence. The sleepers are 
 anxious to know where they are ; the watchers, tired 
 and curt, want to sleep. 
 
 "By jove! Look there!" cries the last arrival on 
 deck. 
 
 Eyes are turned and glasses leveled with the 
 speaker's, who flourishes his binocular and looks 
 excited. 
 
 " A reef! Isn't it?" he inquires of a be-rugged 
 watcher, pointing to a distant line of broken surf. 
 
 "No sir. That is not a reef," in a distinctly un- 
 communicative voice. 
 
 "Oh! A sand-bank, perhaps? 
 
 "No, sir ! That is not a sand-bank."
 
 A TALE OF THE P. C X I E 8 100 
 
 "Dear me !" exclaims the questioner turning pale. 
 "Then perhaps " 
 
 "That, sir, is Holland." 
 
 Beyond the line of broken surf he of the binocular 
 can see nothing on the horizon but a blood-red spot 
 and a bank of grey clouds fleeced with crimson. 
 The haze clears a little as the spot spreads into a 
 flood of golden flame, which deluges the world of 
 sea and sky with its warm, cheery light. 
 
 Morning has come and its effect is magical. The 
 be-rugged watchers throw away their wraps; tiny 
 feet come tripping up the gangway, while the un- 
 settled owner of the binocular forgets to wonder 
 over this invisible country with its imperceptible 
 coast line. Only a little obstinate cloud of mist, 
 which the bright sun has failed to scatter, still hangs 
 sullenly over the sea. 
 
 "S-t-Or-r-b-o-a-r-d!" cries a hoarse voice from the 
 bridge. 
 
 "S-t-a-r-b-o-a-r-d!" sings the helmsman, steering 
 for the patch of haze. 
 
 The transparent green of the water has now 
 changed to a muddy brown, owing to the fact that 
 it is contaminated with the mud which is drifting 
 out to sea from the rivers which enter from the land. 
 Where the mist rests there is a break in the surf, and 
 'mid a flutter of excitement, the erratic owner of 
 the binocular hysterically announces "land!" which 
 at last can be made out stretching away on either 
 hand, a flat, shallow, shining strand, boasting inci- 
 pient sand-hills, and in the haze where the line of 
 foam is broken can be seen the mouth of a canal. 
 
 On one side juts out a ragged ridge of sand, 
 forming a breakwater, and nearby is a clump of
 
 IIO THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 wooden huts, which look piratical, but which turn 
 out to be the coast guard. On the opposite bank 
 another spit of land on which is seen the shadowy 
 outline of a wind-mill swinging its great arms about 
 in its unwieldly bulk, like some floundering giant 
 taking his swimming lesson before breakfast. 
 
 As they approach the dykes their immense valves 
 swing open, and the ship enters the mouth of the 
 canal. Robert can see below him the red roofs of 
 the houses, and the sensation is a strange one as the 
 water is let off, and the vessel sinks down to the 
 level of the surrounding country. They are but 
 fairly inside the lock when they are met by a crowd 
 of old women who run along the pier with long 
 poles, from the ends of which are suspended small 
 baskets of strawberries, which they offer for the low 
 price of five cents a basket. Robert secures some 
 of the berries for the little ones on board, who en- 
 jov them very much. 
 
 The great ship is now down to the level of the 
 country, and is winding its way among most beau- 
 tiful and picturesque scenery. To the southeast of 
 them lies the old cities of Elkmar and Edham, 
 famous for their cheese, while toward the south 
 arise the spires of the city from which come the 
 Skedam schnaps, which the Hollander loves so well. 
 
 Toward the northeast, blazing under the noonday 
 sun, is the beautiful Zuider Zee, with its ancient sub- 
 merged cities, while nearly in front of them looms 
 up the metropolis of Holland, Amsterdam, which 
 presents a misty vision of trees, tall and overshad- 
 owing the water's edsre ; of gabled houses, still taller, 
 and those topped with great spires ; masts and wind- 
 mills in the distance and steamers in the foreground,
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES III 
 
 slowly winding- their way through a multitude of 
 strangely shaped boats and barges. The whistle 
 sounds a farewell blast, and the "Workingdam" is 
 lying along her quay in the river Y. 
 
 The inhabitants of Amsterdam, like rooks, live in 
 the tops of trees, all of their buildings being erected 
 on a large number of piles which are driven into 
 the soft mud of the Amsdell river flats. Thus one 
 of the finest cities of the world, with its three hun- 
 dred thousand people, rests on the tops of trees. 
 After the quiet and repose of their long journey, its 
 feverish new-world life in its quaint old-world 
 frame, comes to them with a pleasant shock. 
 
 HOLLAND 
 
 A line of surf that scarce divides 
 The blue of sea from blue of sky; 
 
 A spot of land that bears aloft 
 A rugged tower with blazing eye 
 
 That peers across the murky deep 
 When angry storms the waters sweep. 
 
 Great dykes to keep the ocean back 
 From rushing o'er the fertile plain, 
 
 Where pampered cattle listless feed, 
 Or waves the slowly ripening grain, 
 
 Near homes long wrested from the sea 
 Beside the dancing Zuider Zee ! 
 
 Gigantic wind-mills spread their arms 
 
 Above the placid water ways, 
 Where boatmen guide their clumsy crafts 
 
 Through the long, bright summer days, 
 Or skim the frozen surface o'er 
 
 When winds of winter loudly roar. 
 
 Where graceful spires in grandeur rfse 
 Like incense from a saint at prayer, 
 
 And chiming bells in mellow tones 
 Ring out upon the balmy air; 
 
 Where all who tread this fallen sphere 
 May worship God devoid of fear.
 
 112 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 Such is the land of which I sing, 
 A land where peace and comfort dwell, 
 
 Once rescued from old Neptune's wave 
 By those who guard its sea-walls well. 
 
 Such may it be when years are old, 
 Nor may its homes e'en then grow cold ! 
 
 Amsterdam derives its name from the fact that its 
 dykes here form a dam to the Amsdell river. The 
 streets are generally represented by canals, which 
 are crowded at all times by the queerest looking 
 crafts, nearly square and very abrupt at the ends, 
 scrubbed until the decks are immaculate, and loaded 
 with products which have come from all parts of 
 the country. Consequently, their owners, which 
 generally include a whole Dutch family, represent 
 all of the different characters and all of the different 
 styles of dress of the Dutch nation, those from the 
 north of Holland being the most strangely dressed. 
 
 These boats are usually propelled by the aid of 
 poles in the hands of portly-looking women, who 
 manage them so nicely that they glide along among 
 their neighbors without ever scratching them in the 
 least, as gracefully as swans. All streets in the city 
 of any importance lead to the Dam, a large public 
 square which is the most important part of the city, 
 and where is located the Bourse, the Exchange, the 
 Marble Hall, and many other beautiful edifices. 
 
 The Marble Hall has done service both as City 
 Hall and as a royal residence, as it was occupied 
 at times by Napoleon when he laid claims to Hol- 
 land on the ground that it belonged to him, as it 
 had been formed from mud which floated down 
 from French rivers, a claim that was considered 
 at that time by other nations as literally "far-
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 113 
 
 fetched." This is a wonderful building, resting 
 upon six thousand five hundred piles, and composed 
 of the finest marble, the original cost of the building 
 exceeding one million pounds sterling. 
 
 Robert never seemed to tire of the soft and mel- 
 low music which every quarter hour floated down 
 from the belfry towers of the grand old churches, 
 some of which are renowned the world over. These 
 chimes are kept in perfect repair, and their mellow 
 strains linger with one for years after. 
 
 As he wandered through the aisles of Riyjks 
 Museum and beheld the master-pieces of the old 
 painters, his mind was filled with wonder and awe 
 at the beauties which he saw depicted upon the can- 
 vas, which had been made famous by the masterly 
 hand of Van Dyck or Rembrandt, and he asked him- 
 self the question which many have done before, 
 "Is the world progressing in the arts?" If, so, 
 why cannot these paintings be duplicated at the 
 present day ? One of the many pictures of the young 
 wife of Rembrandt particularly struck his fancy, 
 and he immediately arranged with one of the best 
 painters of the city for a copy, which he still prizes 
 very much. 
 
 "Cleanliness is next to godliness" with the Dutch ; 
 in fact it is godliness with them, as one of their 
 most observed mottoes, represented by two capital 
 S's (which is the plural for scrub), is observed with 
 most scrupulous exactness. Honesty is everywhere 
 apparent. All articles offered for sale are just what 
 they are represented to be, the price being marked in 
 the plainest manner. There is no "jewing," al- 
 though most of the merchants are Jews, and you may
 
 114 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 be sure that all articles purchased in Amsterdam will 
 be exactly what you pay for. 
 
 Robert found the hotels to be models of perfec- 
 tion, although they lacked the comfortable appear- 
 ance of the better class of American houses on ac- 
 count of the want of upholstering. 
 
 Holland is a beautiful country and the Dutch 
 a most hospitable people, and when Robert con- 
 cluded to leave them, owing to the fact that he had 
 become convinced that the Moultons, although hav- 
 ing been there, had left for Berlin, he felt as though 
 he was leaving many new but warm friends. 
 
 One pleasant evening he made his way to the Cen- 
 tral Station, where he was disappointed to find that 
 his baggage had been returned to the Custom House. 
 A few "gilders," however, induced the very oblig- 
 ing official to send for it, and Robert was soon on 
 his way to Hanover, which he reached the following 
 day, only to stop over night, as he was informed that 
 those for whom he was looking had gone directly to 
 the German capital, and he was very anxious 
 to know whether the friendship which had sprung 
 up between them so many years before still existed. 
 
 When he awoke the next morning the train was 
 approaching some large city, the spires of which he 
 could see from his window as the train rounded the 
 Y to make into the depot. This practice is common 
 in the old country where the land is too valuable 
 for the railroads to obtain a right-of-way directly 
 through the city. Robert could see the roofs of the 
 houses as well as large business squares below him, 
 and he was informed by the porter that in Berlin 
 all steam cars were elevated above the business
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 115 
 
 blocks, while stores of all kinds were located under- 
 neath the great iron trestles. 
 
 Suddenly the train came out over a beautiful gar- 
 den, in the midst of which stood the Circus Renz, 
 and a little in front and to the right, the "Thier 
 Gartens," or deer park, with its fresh, green grass 
 and beautiful shrubbery, through which extended 
 many delightful bridle paths, often frequented by 
 tame deer and other petted animals; while nearly 
 opposite, is the Column of Liberty, erected in honor 
 of the victory gained over the French in the Franco- 
 Prussian war, composed entirely from cannon cap- 
 tured during that campaign. 
 
 While Robert was still musing over these tragic 
 events, the guard unlocked his apartment and 
 shouted "Alexanderplatz !" whereupon he stepped 
 out upon the platform, and after consulting his 
 "Baedeker," or guide book, ordered a "drosky" and 
 was driven to the Grand Central Hotel, which he 
 afterwards learned was located on the square, the 
 name of which had sounded so strange when shouted 
 by the guard. It was Alexander Platz, or Alexan- 
 der Square, the name of which was also applied to 
 the railroad station. 
 
 Here he secured some pleasant rooms and set to 
 work to make himself at home, but not being ac- 
 quainted with the customs of the country, he made 
 several odd mistakes, and was finally obliged to 
 ask assistance of the porter, who spoke English very 
 well, and who succeeded in remedying them. Be- 
 lieving that the object of his search was within the 
 limits of the great city, he began to mature plans to 
 locate them if possible. He reasoned that if they 
 were stopping in the city for any great length of time
 
 Il6 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 they would probably be domiciled at some of the 
 great pensions. 
 
 Consequently he set out to visit them, and had 
 nearly made the rounds of the most pretentious 
 when he was informed that a party with his wife 
 and three children had been stopping at the Keiser- 
 hoff, having left but a few days before, for what 
 parts the steward did not know, but thought they 
 had not left the city. 
 
 One day while Robert was strolling along "Unter 
 Den Linden" he fell in with an American dentist, 
 who was a resident of the city and well acquainted 
 with many of the society people. From him Rob- 
 ert learned more in relation to the people for whom 
 he was looking; that they were to be at a grand 
 party which was to be given in "Kroll's Garden" 
 the following evening, and to which his new-found 
 friend gave him an invitation, which he very gladly 
 accepted. 
 
 Having entered the grounds a little early, they 
 took a seat near the entrance, keeping a sharp look- 
 out for the expected Americans. After waiting for 
 a long time, and when he had nearly given up hopes 
 of seeing them, his friend called his attention to a 
 group who were just entering the gate a man, per- 
 haps sixty-five years old, escorting a lady not over 
 twenty. Robert was not certain as to whether he 
 recognized them or not, as he was some distance 
 away, and there was such a crowd in the garden 
 that he only caught a glimpse of them. 
 
 Moving closer to where they were seated, he learn- 
 that they were Americans, that they were from 
 Boston, and that their name was Moulton. Then, 
 as the old gentleman turned his face in such a posi-
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES II? 
 
 tion that the light fell upon it, Robert recognized 
 his old friend, and the lady beside him as the little 
 Alice who had given him the Bible, the woman 
 he had come so far to see. 
 
 His first impulse was to at once present himself, 
 but upon further consideration he concluded to wait 
 a little and ascertain, if he could, more about them. 
 He concluded to follow them to their stopping place 
 when they retired, and the next day call and see 
 them, avoiding introducing himself except as an 
 American who was doing the continent as they were, 
 and in this way learn something of their plans, and 
 whether Miss Alice had forgotten him. Or if she 
 was still free to accept his love? 
 
 When the party broke up Robert and his friend 
 leisurely strolled along behind the MouJtons until 
 they entered a fashionable hotel in Frederick 
 Strausse, when Robert hastened to his room to pon- 
 der over the matter until the following forenoon. 
 The more he thought of it the more probable it 
 seemed to him that Alice had forgotten him during 
 the long interim. Even if she had not, it was pre- 
 sumptuous in him to imagine that she would care 
 for him now, as he was entirely unknown to her ex- 
 cept as a servant in her father's family for a short 
 time, and a very dependent one at that. Then he 
 thought what a foolish idea it was in him to suppose 
 for a moment that, because he had made her his 
 ideal, she would be at all likely to even care to know 
 that he was in existence. 
 
 As he sat and thought the matter over he became 
 entirely disgusted with himself, and finally formed 
 the determination to immediately return to his 
 home and begin to live a rational life again. Be-
 
 Il8 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 rating himself for the unreasonable idea which he 
 now accused himself of entertaining, he fell finally 
 into a troubled sleep, from which he was awakened 
 by the passing of a company of soldiers, to find 
 that it was very late, and with a feeling that he had 
 endured some terrible nightmare. 
 
 After a hasty toilet he descended to the office 
 and was busily engaged in perusing a time table of 
 transatlantic steamships when he was approached by 
 an elderly gentleman whom he at once recognized 
 as Mr. Moulton. But as he was sure he did not rec- 
 ognize him, Robert answered his salutation in a 
 somewhat reserved manner, although courteous. 
 Mr. Moulton said he had been pointed out to him 
 as an American who was traveling, like himself, 
 and that he was an entire stranger in the country 
 doing the continent for his wife's health, and had 
 called to learn what was the best route to take, fin- 
 ishing his remark by inviting Robert to call upon 
 them. 
 
 After Mr. Moulton had gone it seemed to Robert 
 that there must be some providence which had 
 brought about the meeting, and throwing the guide- 
 book on the counter, he stepped to the cafe and 
 ordered a light breakfast. He was unable to eat it, 
 however, when it was brought, as his mind was too 
 much occupied with his anticipated evening call. It 
 seemed to him that the day would never wear away, 
 notwithstanding the fact that he had risen so un- 
 commonly late. 
 
 The next problem to be solved was as to whether 
 he had better inform them as to his identity, or 
 would it be better to allow them to think of him 
 simply as one of their own countrymen, and in that
 
 TALE OF THE ROCKIES 
 
 capacity offer them any assistance which they might 
 need. Still undecided as to the best course to pur- 
 sue, Robert ordered a drosky and was driven to the 
 door of the apartments occupied by the Moultons. 
 
 In answer to the bell Miss Alice came to admit 
 him, and received his card, which she carried to her 
 father, who soon appeared and invited him to join 
 them in the sitting room, where he introduced him 
 to Mrs. Moulton, Miss Alice and Master Charles. 
 Robert was soon interested in conversation with 
 Mr. Moulton, and as he watched the features of 
 Miss Alice, he was certain that she did not remem- 
 ber his name, or if she did, did not connect it with 
 the boy whom she used to follow about the car. 
 
 He also observed that she had developed into a 
 beautiful woman, with dark-brown hair lightly 
 combed back from a beautiful forehead, dark- 
 brown eyes which shown with an intelligent and 
 healthy lustre, rounded features, and a voice which 
 was soft and melodious, and as he compared her 
 with the ideal which he had formed in his imagi- 
 nation, he realized that she was much the superior 
 of his most exalted conception ; in fact, that she 
 was truly the most desirable and accomplished wo- 
 man whom he had ever met. 
 
 So profoundly did Robert lose himself in admira- 
 tion that he actually forgot to continue the conversa- 
 tion with Mr. Moulton. 
 
 Then the blighting thought struck him that she 
 might be affianced to another, and he realized if 
 such should be the case, his acquired wealth would 
 be of little use to him, for it was her bright form 
 which had been the light of his life for many years, 
 some of them containing so many hardships and so
 
 J20 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 much suffering that, had it not been for the recol- 
 lection of her and the anticipation of a bright future, 
 which were strengthened by the presence of a well- 
 worn Bible, he would never have tried to overcome 
 or endure them. 
 
 While Robert was thus engaged in meditation, 
 Mr. Moulton asked him from what part of the coun- 
 try he had come; to which Robert replied, "From 
 Colorado." This was repeated by Mr. Moulton very 
 slowly, when Alice asked her father if that was not 
 where they had last heard from Robert. He replied 
 that it was, and turning to Robert, inquired if he 
 was much acquainted in the mining camps of his 
 own state. Robert replied that he was, and that 
 mining was the business which he had been follow- 
 ing for several years. 
 
 Mr. Moulton went on to explain that they had 
 known a boy who had worked for them several 
 years before, but who went to California, and that 
 the last they had heard from him was from a mining 
 town in Colorado ; that they had frequently written 
 to him, but had received no reply ; that they had felt 
 a good deal of interest in him, as he seemed to be a 
 bright lad who had been illy treated by his father. 
 
 Robert inquired if he thought he would recognize 
 the lad if he should meet him. Mr. Moulton an-* 
 swered that he thought he would, but that of course 
 he must have changed a great deal, and that it 
 might be possible he would not. Alice answered her 
 father that she would know him anywhere; that 
 she believed he had grown to be a noble and good 
 man. 
 
 Whereupon Robert drew from his pocket a small 
 package, and handing it to her, asked if she remem-
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 121 
 
 bered having seen it before. Unrolling the parcel, 
 there dropped from the covering a little Bible. With 
 an exclamation of surprise Alice handed it to her 
 mother with the assertion that it was the Bible she 
 had given to Robert. Then turning to her visitor, 
 she extended her hand and exclaimed : 
 
 "Why, Robert How did you come here?" 
 
 With the greatest of difficulty Robert restrained 
 himself from embracing her, so great was his emo- 
 tion, but he finally answered that he had come all the 
 way from the great West with the single purpose of 
 finding his benefactor and his beautiful daughter, 
 the little girl to whom he used to tell stories while act- 
 ing as porter on the emigrant train in the long-ago. 
 Then he recited to them the many unsuccessful at- 
 tempts which he had made to find them and the res- 
 olutions he had formed the night before after see- 
 ing them in "Kroll's Garden." 
 
 Alice inquired if he could really have been so un- 
 kind as to thus leave them without their knowledge, 
 after all they had done for him, adding that if he 
 thought so little of them as that she would not re- 
 turn the keepsake at all. Robert replied that he had 
 no reason to think that she would care to see him, 
 and that he was afraid it might make them both un- 
 happy to meet, as he had thought of her, he sup- 
 posed, a great deal more than she was aware of, as 
 the Bible would show by the well worn finger-marks. 
 Robert was sure by the flush which passed over 
 Alice's face that she had also thought of him, and 
 that he had not made the long journey without hope 
 of reward. 
 
 Mr. Moulton was so affected by the meeting with 
 his young friend that he was unable to hide his feel-
 
 122 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 ings, and stepping to his side, assured him in a 
 trembling voice that this was the happiest day of 
 many years to him, and that he sincerely hoped the 
 little assistance which he had rendered him had been 
 the means of doing him as much good as it had him- 
 self, adding a pressing invitation to Robert to ac- 
 company them on their tour. 
 
 Robert assured him of his willingness to accept 
 the offer, and after a pleasant afternoon spent with 
 his late friends, he returned to his apartments, ac- 
 companied by Charles Moulton, Alice's brother, 
 some sixteen years of age, who was to assist him 
 in packing his effects. 
 
 Ordering a "gepackmann," they were soon on 
 their way to the pension for his belongings, as Rob- 
 ert was to become one of the Moulton party. In 
 the evening Robert proposed that they all attend the 
 play which was to be given in the "Circus Rentz." 
 Mr. Moulton excused himself on the plea that his 
 wife was not able to be out evenings, and that he did 
 not wish to leave her alone, but that he presumed 
 Alice and the children would accompany him, which 
 she blushingly admitted, adding that her brother 
 and sister were always happy when they were to be 
 taken out, as Charles and Made were very much 
 interested in the play, which was a representation of 
 the fall of Babylon, exciting in the extreme, and giv- 
 ing an opportunity for the use of a great amount of 
 pyrotechnics. 
 
 This gave Robert the opportunity of spending the 
 evening practically alone with Miss Alice. Although 
 he could give but a meager description of the play 
 the following morning, he assured the elder Moul- 
 tons that he had enjoyed the evening very much]
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 123 
 
 Whereupon Matie volunteered the information that 
 she was afraid he had not liked it, as she had noticed 
 him several times, and he seemed to be thinking of 
 something else all the time, adding that she supposed 
 he was very tired, and that he had seen so many 
 plays that he did not care for them any more. 
 
 Robert blushingly answered that he was some- 
 what tired, but that the play was a very nice one. 
 While at the opera Robert told Alice the purpose of 
 his journey ; that he had taken her at her word when 
 she gave him the token, and asked if -he was to be 
 permitted to continue to think of her now that she 
 had retained the gift. Alice, although she did hot 
 answer directly, said she was in hopes their friend- 
 ship might continue; that she had often thought of 
 him and desired to see him again, and that she was 
 very happy to have the pleasure of his company, as 
 it would very much add to her enjoyment. 
 
 It was planned that their first move should be to 
 Dresden, where they would establish headquarters 
 and make short journeys to surrounding places of 
 interest, most important of which was to be Oberam- 
 mergau, where they were to witness the renowned 
 Passion Play. Robert was invited to take the po- 
 sition of manager of the expedition, which he was 
 glad to do, as it gave him an opportunity of becom- 
 ing familiar with the manner of doing business in 
 that country, and of becoming acquainted with their 
 customs. 
 
 At Dresden he secured suitable rooms at the hotel 
 "Stadt de Rome," situated in the most central part 
 of the "Alt Stadt," or oldest part of the city, located 
 but a short distance from the Art Gallery and many 
 of the most fashionable boulevards. Charles was
 
 124 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 his most constant companion, and seemed intensely 
 interested in all of the business affairs as well as the 
 pleasure excursions, while the younger sister, 
 Matie, was allowed the privilege of occupying much 
 of Robert's time during the evening, listening to 
 stories of Western life and adventure. 
 
 Dresden they found to be one of the finest cities 
 in the empire, both in respect to its architecture, 
 the beautiful appearance of the shop windows, and 
 the magnificence of its gardens and wonderful art 
 galleries, many of which they frequently visited. A 
 day was also spent among the china factories, where 
 thousands of the most beautiful sets of that highly 
 prized ware were to be seen, of which Robert se- 
 cured a complete pattern, having them shipped direct 
 to New York to await his arrival. 
 
 Many of the churches of the city were of interest 
 to them, especially so the one nearly opposite their 
 hotel, built in honor of Martin Luther's wife, and 
 called the "Frauenkirke," which is composed entirely 
 of stone, even the roof being formed of that material. 
 
 Following up their original intention, they secured 
 tickets for the quaint old town of Oberammergau, 
 a part of their journey being made by diligence, as 
 the railroad is not allowed to enter that sacred town ; 
 at least this was the reason given, but Robert was 
 of the opinion that it would be very difficult to con- 
 struct a railroad over the route, and simply impos- 
 sible to move trains along it when it was constructed, 
 on account of the grade. 
 
 If it had been impossible for them to have reached 
 the town at all it would have suited him quite as 
 well, as he really dreaded to witness the play, as 
 it seemed to him, who had been brought up in the
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 12$ 
 
 firm faith of the Christian religion, that it must be 
 worse than sacrilegious, and he had a mind to ask 
 the Moultons to excuse him from witnessing it ; but 
 when the diligence came to a stop in the little Ger- 
 man town, and they were pleasantly received at the 
 home of John the Baptist, where they were to share 
 the hospitality of that sacred character, and he saw 
 the extreme simplicity of the peasants who were 
 among the most important players, and their rever- 
 ence for the work they were engaged in, Robert 
 began to think he must have misjudged them as 
 well as their motives, for they indeed appeared to 
 live the lives of those whom they represented. 
 
 Their hostess, who represented John the Baptist, 
 was a young woman about twenty-two years of age, 
 and it seemed to the Moultons that there was little 
 need of "make-up" for her to represent that charac- 
 ter, except to dress in the ancient garb of Galilee, 
 as she was the personification of a lovable disposi- 
 tion, naturally meek and unassuming. 
 
 The morning of the rehearsal dawned dark and 
 gloomy, but by eleven o'clock the clouds cleared 
 away, the sun shone out, and nature put on her most 
 pleasant smile. The play was out-of-doors, only the 
 seats being covered, and though it lasted from ten 
 o'clock in the forenoon to near sundown, with but 
 a short intermission for lunch, which the people had 
 brought with them for fear of losing their seats if 
 they retired, the time passed very quickly. Indeed, 
 it did not seem possible that a whole day could have 
 passed in apparently so short a time. 
 
 But so true to life were the characters represented 
 that one forgot he was living in the nineteenth cen- 
 tury, instead of witnessing the portrayal of a tragedy
 
 126 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 which took place nearly two thousand years ago, by 
 the order of Pontius Pilate, a tragedy the most 
 awful which had ever been enacted. Just as Christ 
 was being nailed to the cross a dark cloud over- 
 shadowed the sun, and a few drops of rain descended 
 from the heavens, as though all nature were affected 
 by the solemnity of the scene. It seemed utterly im- 
 possible, so true to life were all the scenes, that any- 
 thing less than a murder could have been committed, 
 and that right before their eyes. And Robert was 
 not surprised that at the close, and when they were 
 returning to their stopping place, Matie looked 
 up into her mother's face and asked if that was the 
 same Christ of which she had read from her Bible 
 at home, adding that if it was they all must be ter- 
 rible people to sit there and allow that good man to 
 be crucified in that terrible manner. She also 
 wanted to know if he could arise again from the 
 dead. Her mother tried to answer the questions as 
 best she could, but did not succeed in convincing the 
 little miss that they had done right in allowing the 
 performance to go on. 
 
 All actors who are ever to take part in this play, 
 which is repeated every five years, are dedicated to 
 the service by their parents when they are quite 
 young, and they seem to live only to that end. After 
 representing one character and becoming too old for 
 it, they are passed on to another, so that their entire 
 lives and energies are concentrated in rendering dif- 
 ferent parts of this play. As Robert left the place, 
 instead of regarding it as sacrilegious, he felt that 
 it was one of the most impressive and sacred scenes 
 which he had ever witnessed, and one that must 
 have a marked tendency to impress upon the minds
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 127 
 
 of all beholders the truth of the Sacred Word, and 
 that Jesus Christ was the Son of God. 
 
 From here they go to Frankfort on their way to 
 Switzerland. A short day's ride and their train 
 comes to a stop in the great central station in the 
 city of Frankfort, which enjoys the distinction of 
 being a free city, the seat of a great university, and 
 the birth-place of the renowned historian and poet, 
 Goethe, whose former home was visited by the tour- 
 ists ; also the university, which is the most extensive 
 and scholarly institution in the empire. A drive 
 through the broad streets of the city and an after- 
 noon spent in the "Palm Gartens," which are the 
 most elaborate of any in the world situated so far 
 north, and they are again on the road with tickets 
 for the old, walled city of Strasburg, with a stop- 
 over at Monheim, which is also located near the 
 Rhine. 
 
 As they proceed south, the products of the coun- 
 try rapidly change from artichokes and tobacco to 
 grapes, which are raised in such quantities that for 
 many hours before they reach their destination there 
 is little to be seen except vineyards of these wine- 
 producing berries. Their attention is so completely 
 absorbed by the beauty of the scenery that they are 
 unaware of the flight of time until their apartments 
 are thrown open and the guard shouts "Strasburg !" 
 
 They hurry out, where their luggage is grasped 
 by several porters, who quarrel over its possession, . 
 but a few "marks" quiet them, and the party reach 
 their hotel, which stands in a great court surrounded 
 by linden trees, in safety, and partake of their first 
 meal in the strongest fortified city of Germany. And 
 although it belonged to France for many years, it
 
 128 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 is to-day as markedly German as is Berlin itself, and 
 from the enormous amount of fortifications which 
 have been added since the Franco-Prussian war, it 
 is evident to the traveler that it will remain a Ger- 
 man city for the next hundred years at least. 
 
 Strasburg, the capital of Alsace and Lorraine, is 
 the proud possessor of the wonderful cathedral, with 
 its astronomical clock, the wonder of all who behold 
 it, and a monument to its inventor, who was con- 
 demned to the loss of both eyes by the tyrant for 
 whom it was constructed. Just before the execution 
 of this terrible sentence the inventor was allowed to 
 visit it, after which it soon stopped, and although 
 the greatest experts of both France and Germany 
 were employed to repair it, it was found impossible 
 to do so, or to even start it. Finally, many years 
 after, the obstacle was found and removed, when 
 its wonderful machinery was again set in motion. 
 
 After a good night's rest the whole family was 
 seated in a comfortable carriage, and Robert, taking 
 his seat with the driver, undertook to point out to 
 them the many objects of interest as he remembered 
 them from his mother's description, listened to many 
 years before when he was a small child. Especially 
 did he remember the story of the storks, and how 
 they built their nests on the top of the great chimney 
 flues. 
 
 Hardly had he finished the recital when, far up on 
 top of a towering chimney, which rose above the 
 gables of an old house near the cathedral, there 
 perched a pair of those ungainly birds, and beside 
 them was their nest, composed of coarse branches 
 of trees fastened together with bits of twine and 
 grass. This seemed to be a very appropriate place
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES I2Q 
 
 for them to nest, as they are regarded throughout 
 Germany, and in fact all over the continent, as being 
 little less than sacred. 
 
 After entering the portals of the great cathedral, 
 which is composed of red sandstone, they were con- 
 ducted by their guide to the high altar, where mass 
 was being said. Moving a little around to the right 
 nave, the oldest part of the edifice, they came in 
 full view of the clock, which is at the point of strik- 
 ing the hour. The machinery begins to whir-r-r-r-r, 
 a small door about half way up the side opens, and 
 the apostles march out in a semi-circle before Christ, 
 who is seated on a throne in the center of the plat- 
 form. 
 
 All of the apostles except Judas turn and salute 
 their master, who recognizes them, whereupon they 
 turn to the left and disappear through a door. Judas, 
 after having been beckoned by the devil, who ap- 
 pears on the balcony above, nods his head in sub- 
 mission to his satanic majesty, gives his master a 
 sardonic grin, and hastens on with the disappearing 
 apostles. A rooster on the adjoining tower flaps 
 his wings and crows lustily; a bell strikes the hour, 
 the door closes and the devil disappears, chuckling 
 to himself over his conquest. 
 
 At the base of the clock are several dials which 
 show the time of day, day of the week, day of the 
 month, the day of the year, the condition of the 
 tides, phases of the moon, and many other astrono- 
 mical data. This cathedral, like many others, is 
 built in the form of a cross, and it is embellished 
 with some of the most wonderful carvings known, 
 representing hundreds of saints and many mytholog- 
 ical beings.
 
 I<O THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 823 - .- 
 
 All except Mr. and Mrs. Moulton ascend the bel- 
 fry tower and look down upon the beautiful land- 
 scape covered with vines, and threaded by the his- 
 toric Rhine, which is here spanned by two immense 
 bridges. The railroad bridge is constructed of tu- 
 bular steel, the trusses of which are charged with 
 dynamite, so that in case of war with France it 
 may be instantly blown to atoms. The wagon bridge 
 is a pontoon chained together and locked to the 
 pier. These may be readily set adrift, when they 
 would float away, destroying all communication 
 with the opposite bank. 
 
 A visit to the old fortifications occupies another 
 day. They are found to be the most extensive and 
 impenetrable by far of any which they have seen. 
 They consist of four rows of breastworks and three 
 moats, or canals, in addition to the old city walls, 
 which are very thick and high. These, as well as 
 the redoubts, are literally covered with huge cannon. 
 
 The Kaiser seems to be very proud of this city, 
 as he maintains a large garrison of soldiers in its 
 barracks all of the time. He is also building a royal 
 palace here, which he will visit several times a year. 
 The streets are full of soldiers from morning until 
 night. The sound of martial music and the rattle 
 of musketry is so continuous that one soon becomes 
 accustomed to it. 
 
 Robert and Alice were fond of rising early in the 
 morning and visiting the markets, where they could 
 study the customs of the people as well as admire 
 their picturesque costumes. The characteristic dress 
 of the peasant girls, who were attired in the bright- 
 est of colors, while the dark and lusterless shades 
 of the farmer's frocks and pantaloons, composed
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 13! 
 
 entirely of the coarsest home-spun linen, filled up the 
 background of a picture which was fascinating in 
 the extreme. 
 
 The strangest of vehicles might be seen drawn by 
 the strangest combinations of teams. Sometimes it 
 consisted of a pair of dogs, at another time a yoke of 
 steers, while it was not infrequent to see an assort- 
 ment of these animals hitched together. Occasion- 
 ally a heavy cart would trundle along through the 
 market drawn by an old woman assisted by a 
 scrawny-looking cur hitched to the axle under the 
 load. On several occasions they were almost hor- 
 rified to see a haggard-looking old crone harnessed 
 up with a dog or cow, as the fancy or ability of the 
 owner might dictate. 
 
 Of course these sights were the exception in the 
 cities, but it was not at all uncommon in the country 
 to see a cow and a woman dragging at a plow while 
 a second woman manipulated the handles. Flowers 
 were to be seen everywhere, and they were bought 
 by even the poorest, who spent the larger half of 
 the sum allowed for their day's expenses in the grati- 
 fication of their desire for them. 
 
 The journey up the Rhine was a most delightful 
 one, and the natural pictures presented to the eye 
 extremely varied. Small villages, of perhaps a hun- 
 dred houses, with their red-tiled roofs glimmering in 
 the sun, and distant castles perched on the top of 
 rugged cliffs, represented the dwelling places of the 
 two classes of people; the farmers living in the vil- 
 lages and tilling the lands surrounding them, pay- 
 ing taxes to the lords who reside in the castles, and 
 never dreaming that their lot is a hard one, or that 
 they are oppressed.
 
 132 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 As the train nears the manufacturing town of 
 Basle the snow-clad Alps rear their hoary heads in 
 the distance, apprising them that they are approach- 
 ing the home of good Saint Nicholas, and the land 
 of William Tell. 
 
 The city of Basle contains about seventy-five 
 thousand people, and is the most American-looking 
 of any they have seen. Here are enormous factories 
 where thousands of girls are employed, who weave 
 the greater part of the beautiful ribbons which sup- 
 ply the markets of the world. 
 
 The hotel at which they stopped was kept by an 
 American, on the American plan, and it seemed to 
 the travelers as though they had suddenly returned 
 to their own land. And when Robert, wishing to 
 secure accommodations at Lucerne, was directed to 
 the office where his message was transmitted by an 
 American Bell telephone, the impression was all the 
 more real. 
 
 This place deserves a longer stop-over than is 
 generally given it, as it is a most beautiful Swiss 
 city, and that is equivalent to saying that it is a 
 most delightful place to spend a couple of weeks, 
 instead of as many days. However, the Moultons 
 were obliged to leave, as they had engagements 
 ahead. 
 
 Again boarding the cars, they proceeded on their 
 way. As they ascended the valley it gradually be- 
 came narrower, until the train entered a deep canon 
 walled in on the west, while the rushing Ruse roars 
 and frets on the opposite side. As their train 
 rounded a sharp curve the limpid water was seen 
 dashing over the rugged rocks, scattering myriads 
 of sparkling diamonds in the sunlight, and sending
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 133 
 
 forth a dreamy murmur which lulled them to sleep 
 and imparted to their overstrained nervous systems 
 a feeling of quiet and repose which would have al- 
 lowed them to dream on for hours had not their 
 train suddenly come to a stop, rudely awakening 
 them to inquire as to its meaning. 
 
 Robert was informed that the stop was in defer- 
 ence to the law which compels all trains entering 
 a walled city to come to a full stop just outside the 
 gates, and although a greater portion of the fortifi- 
 cations of the city of Lucerne have long ago 
 crumbled away, the law is still in force and its ob- 
 servance maintained. The train slowly moves along 
 and they alight at the platform of the depot of the 
 capital of that canton. The party is at once recog- 
 nized by the "cabby" who has been sent for them, 
 and they are rapidly driven to the Hotel Des Bal- 
 lances, situated in a picturesque position on the bank 
 of that most beautiful lake, Lucerne, where, after a 
 hasty toilet, they do ample justice to the sumptuous, 
 "table d'hote," which is served while they gaze out 
 upon the glittering waters and watch the movements 
 of hundreds of sporting water-fowls which are 
 silently gliding about over its glassy surface. 
 
 In the dim distance towers the grand old glaciers 
 of Uri and Engleberg, while overhead is arched the 
 azure blue of a perfect Swiss sky. Far toward the 
 East, arising apparently from the surface of the lake, 
 is seen the most populous mountain in the known 
 world, Mount Rega, dotted with its great hotels, 
 the outline of which may be dimly made out by the 
 aid of glasses. These hotels may be reached by 
 means of the "Rega Bon," while to the west stands 
 the legendary cone of Mount Pilatus, where it is
 
 134 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 said that Pontius Pilate went and drowned himself 
 after delivering Christ to be crucified. 
 
 MOUNT PILATUS 
 
 Where lake Lucerne reflects the crags 
 
 That far above it rise, 
 And hoary summits tower aloft 
 
 As though to pierce the skies, 
 Stands Mount Pilatus, grim and bare, 
 
 Once wet with bitter tears 
 By him who sold his Master's life 
 
 Because of selfish fears. 
 
 Far up its rugged, barren side 
 
 Did Pilate wend his way 
 To leave behind his load of sin 
 
 And find a place to pray. 
 His soul was loaded down with guilt; 
 
 It bore the crimson stain 
 Of Him who died upon the cross 
 
 In agonizing pain ! 
 
 Like many another guilty soul, 
 
 In vain he tried to plead 
 That he was innocent of crime ; 
 
 But still he on did speed. 
 He oft repeated to himself 
 
 That he had washed his hands, 
 But yet his weary feet kept on 
 
 Through strange and rugged lands. 
 
 Till, like the weary, "wandering Jew," 
 
 He sought and prayed for death, 
 Then cursed the power that drove him on, 
 
 And hissed beneath his breath : 
 " 'Twas they who did the bloody deed, 
 
 And now in quiet rest, 
 While I am driven to despair 
 
 By demons in my breast !" 
 
 Through night and day he hurries on, 
 
 A lake he finally spies, 
 That seems to rest upon the earth, 
 
 Though near the azure skies,
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 135 
 
 He stands a moment on its brink, 
 
 Then boldly plunges in 
 To free his soul from guilty flesh, 
 
 And thus atone for sin! 
 
 The lake reflects the morning sun, 
 
 The soft breeze whispers by, 
 And drives the waves across its breast. 
 
 But not one kindly sigh 
 Is ever heard for him who rests 
 
 Beneath the crystal wave, 
 Who died the death he well had earned, 
 
 To selfishness a slave.
 
 136 THE SINBAD MINES 
 
 CHAPTER VI 
 
 HE city of Lucerne contains about twenty 
 thousand inhabitants. It is about four 
 thousand feet above the sea. level, and 
 has the further distinction of being one 
 of the three capitals of the Swiss nation. 
 Among its many attractions are its numerous hotels, 
 exceeding in size and elaborate furnishings anything 
 they had ever seen, a fine opera house and several 
 historical bridges, one of which is known as the 
 "Kappelbrucke," contains many fine scenes from 
 Swiss history, while a quarter of a mile down the 
 river is the "Mulebruke," upon the inside of which 
 is painted scenes from the "Dance of Death." 
 
 Near the quay is the "Hofkirke," with its tall 
 spires, built in 1506, the first church erected upon its 
 site having been completed A. D. 65. The exterior 
 of the church is decorated with many fine pieces of 
 sculpture, and it contains the best organ in all 
 Europe. 
 
 A short distance to the left of the church may be 
 seen the most interesting object, to the Swiss at 
 least The Lion of Lucerne. This celebrated mon- 
 ument is cut in high relief in the face of a perpen- 
 dicular rock of dark-grey sandstone. It is twenty- 
 eight by eighteen feet in size, and represents a lion 
 in the agonies of death. A broken lance pierces his 
 side, while his paws are resting on the Bourbon
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 137 
 
 coat-of-arms, showing that even in death he is true 
 to his trust. 
 
 This monument is intended to commorate the 
 fidelity of the Swiss guards, twenty-six officers and 
 seven hundred soldiers who fell fighting in defense 
 of the royal family of France against the attack of 
 the revolutionists in 1792. It was moulded by 
 Thorsdwalden, and is equal to anything of its kind 
 in any land. Above it is inscribed, "Helvetiorum 
 Fideli et Virtuiti," and below the names of the dif- 
 ferent officers who fell. Nearby stands a chapel ded- 
 icated to the slain soldiers, bearing the inscription, 
 "In Victus Pax," the sentiment of which is certainly 
 subscribed to by all who recall the bloody and brave 
 battle. 
 
 One bright morning Mr. Moulton ordered a car- 
 riage and took the whole family for a drive in the 
 country. The weather was fine and the road led 
 them among prosperous homes surrounded by well 
 tilled farms, which furnished the city with vege- 
 tables of many varieties as well as fruits, the greater 
 part of which consisted of pears, apples and grapes. 
 Honey is also produced in abundance, and of the best 
 quality, being much more bland than that of most 
 countries. It matters not where one may breakfast 
 in Switzerland, he is sure to find a liberal dish of 
 honey near his plate, of which he may eat with 
 impunity. 
 
 As they rode along they were astonished at the 
 crude methods employed and the clumsy utensils 
 which were in use, some of them unwieldly in the 
 extreme, everything being done in the clumsiest 
 way, and in a manner which would require the 
 greatest number of hands, who seemed to see how
 
 138 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 little they could do and still keep moving. The 
 houses are of one story, frequently sheltering not 
 only the family, but the domestic animals as well. 
 For all this, however, the well thatched roofs and 
 air of comfort and happiness which pervaded them, 
 made them look homelike and desirable as places 
 of abode. 
 
 Every little nook was tilled to its utmost capacity ; 
 the steep sides of the foot-hills, and even the lower 
 parts of the great mountains, being terraced so as 
 to make it possible to till them. The hardier va- 
 rieties of grapes, occupying the lower levels, yield 
 a sufficient remuneration to more than pay for their 
 cultivation in Switzerland, where labor commands 
 but little, the people being contented with the plain- 
 est of clothes and food. 
 
 The next excursion was to Vitzneu, and it is the 
 one "par-excellence" of the Alps. The journey from 
 the city was made on a fine American steamer which 
 makes the round trip every day during the season. 
 The view of the lake is beautiful in the extreme. 
 On the right bank could be seen a curious railroad 
 extending from the water's edge up the almost per- 
 pendicular cliff of rock to the edge of a gigantic 
 glacier. A diminutive engine, with its precious load 
 of human freight, could be made out slowly crawl- 
 ing up the grade, puffing and panting as though it 
 realized the great responsibility with which it was 
 entrusted, never missing a stroke or slipping a cog; 
 in fact, it had performed this incredible task for 
 many years without injury to a single person. 
 
 As the steamer winds its way along the crooked 
 lake the scenery continually changes, producing a 
 panorama of dissolving pictures which outrival the
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES IJQ 
 
 effect of the most complicated kaleidoscope. The 
 tranquil waters, nearly as transparent as the atmos- 
 phere, reflect the jagged outlines of the towering 
 Alps and tint the glistening glaciers with the most 
 vivid colors. Innumerable numbers of fine fish are 
 to be seen gliding about beneath them, while wild 
 ducks of several varieties are lazily floating about 
 so near at hand that Matie and Charles amuse them- 
 selves by throwing crumbs to them, which they 
 greedily devour. As they approach Vitzneu they are 
 shown the rocks where Willian Tell jumped from 
 the boat and escaped from the hands of the tyrant 
 Gessler. 
 
 Vitzneu is a beautiful little hamlet, situated at the 
 foot of an enormous mountain of conglomerate 
 formation, which looks as though it might topple 
 over and bury the little town at its feet at any mo- 
 ment. Here they picked the most delicate roses and 
 ate delicious figs from trees which remain out-of- 
 doors the entire year while they gazed with awe 
 at the great glaciers on the opposite side of the lake, 
 but far above it, the ice of which measures from 
 five to seven hundred feet in thickness ; truly a won- 
 derful sight! 
 
 From Vitzneu the railroad extends to Rega Culm, 
 the top of the mountain. The car is pushed up the 
 mountain at the rate of eight miles per hour over a 
 maximum grade of twenty-five per cent. As they 
 leave the fig gardens and ascend the mountain the 
 air becomes chilly, and by the time the top is 
 reached the heaviest wraps are required to keep 
 them comfortable. 
 
 This was an experience novel to the Moultons, 
 but very common to Robert, who explained to them
 
 140 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 that such changes were every-day occurrences among 
 the Rockies in Colorado; that he had frequently 
 eaten his breakfast among scenes that were semi- 
 tropical, his dinner among peaks where eternal win- 
 ter reigned, to descend at night to his former camp- 
 ing ground, all this change with meagre clothing 
 and scanty food. Alice remarked that no one ought 
 to expose themselves to such severe changes, and 
 that she was sorry he had been reckless enough to 
 do so. To which Robert answered that if he had 
 at all times considered his own safety he probably 
 never would have returned to participate in the 
 pleasures of the present trip and its associations. 
 
 Their conversation was interrupted at this point 
 by the train entering a dark tunnel, which caused 
 the younger members of the party to nestle closer 
 to their protectors. When the engine emerged it 
 was to crawl upon a trestle which spanned a chasm, 
 and which Charles declared "hadn't any bottom!" 
 Indeed, so deep was it that it appeared to be thous- 
 ands of feet to the small stream which trickled along 
 its bed. 
 
 As they proceeded along their way the scene be- 
 low them appeared to recede as the field of vision 
 was enlarged, so that it took in a greater expanse of 
 country. Beautiful hamlets, shining lakes and 
 rivers, glistening glaciers and rugged mountains 
 were spread out to their vision, presenting a picture 
 too beautiful to describe with pen or pencil. At the 
 first stopping place, "Calt Bad," they were met by 
 flower girls who were offering for sale Alpine roses. 
 of which Alice bought a supply to send home to her 
 friends. 
 
 As they proceed the character of the vegetation
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 14! 
 
 changes. The pine is replaced by the tamarack, 
 which finally gives way to the aspen, which extends 
 to timber line, where the mosses and lichens begin. 
 These gradually become dwarfed as they ascend the 
 mountain, until they find themselves above all vege- 
 tation. 
 
 Arriving at the hotel, they prepare for a hearty 
 meal, which is in waiting for them, and which is a 
 great novelty to the Moultons on account of its being 
 their first meal above the clouds. 
 
 After dinner they climbed to the observatory and 
 looked out upon a picture which many travelers 
 from all nations make pilgrimages to behold. Far 
 below them, and a little to the left, nestled amid 
 a patch of green, is seen the Tell Chapel, beyond 
 which at different points may be caught a glimpse 
 of the Ruse as it glides by well-thatched cottages 
 and winds through laden vineyards, again to appear 
 like a sparkling thread of pure silver, uniting the 
 mountain spring with the mirror-like lake. To the 
 right may be seen the peaks of the Bernese Alps, 
 which form the watershed of the Rhine, and which 
 extend as far as the eye can reach toward the east. 
 
 Against the southern sky, in majestic files, rise 
 the Brunen Alps, their hoary heads covered with the 
 frost of centuries, while their feet are bathed in the 
 sunny smiles of an Italian climate! Through gaps 
 in the great ranges may be seen at intervals spark- 
 ling sheets of emerald water, the placid surface of 
 which reflects the sublime pictures which tower 
 above them, and which leave off at the water's edge, 
 where the picture begins. After they have looked 
 and looked, until their eyes are tired and their in- 
 telligence gorged with the pleasure of the scene,
 
 142 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 they return to the hotel, heartily regretting that they 
 spent so much time in other lands, thereby short- 
 ening the days allowed to them here. 
 
 They reach the depot just in time to secure com- 
 fortable seats in the diminutive car which is soon 
 to return them to the base of the mountain. The 
 situation is not wholly enjoyable as they are let 
 down the grade, for the mind is kept busy guessing 
 what would be the result if an accident should occur 
 to the train, which is slowly but surely retracing its 
 way. The more timid, however, are reassured as 
 they pass at short intervals a guard who stands with 
 his hands on the lever of a safety switch, and who 
 salutes them as they pass with "Bon Voyage!" 
 
 Upon reaching the quay they find the steamer in 
 waiting for them, and as it glides out into the lake 
 under the mellow rays of a harvest moon, the band 
 strikes up the very appropriate air of "Moonlight on 
 the Lake," which is re-echoed from the sombre cliffs 
 in a softened and melodious tone, producing almost 
 magical effects. 
 
 Their route from Lucerne to Interlocken is by 
 way of the Bernese Alps, through the Saint Goth- 
 ard tunnel, by the road which occupies for a part of 
 the way the famous "way" built by Napoleon during 
 his conquest of Spain. Some of the views from the 
 carriage windows are indeed wonderful, both as re- 
 gard their magnificence of scenery and on account 
 of the almost impossible feats of engineering which 
 have been accomplished. Sometmes the train rounds 
 a curve on an imperceptible shelf which overhangs an 
 abyss that is well nigh bottomless; at another time 
 it penetrates the heart of an enormous mountain
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 143 
 
 whose peak towers out of sight in everlasting 
 winter. 
 
 After the divide is passed they rapidly descend 
 into the beautiful valley of the Brunen Alps, glid- 
 ing down a grade which is following a rapid moun- 
 tain torrent that may be seen fuming and fretting 
 its way through the rocky gorge, finally reaching 
 the valley below, which is partially occupied by the 
 flourishing and beautiful city of Interlocken, a city 
 made famous by reason of its being the stopping 
 place for all tourists on their way to visit the "Jung- 
 frau," the maiden of the Alps. 
 
 After a day of eventful sight-seeing, the party 
 reach their hotel and are soon cozily resting under 
 the most exquisite and downy spreads, anticipating 
 the morrow, when at early dawn they are to enjoy 
 one of the grandest and most sublime spectacles 
 which it is the privilege of mortals to behold the 
 wonderful avalanches which are precipitated from 
 the ice-clad summit of the grand and sublime moun- 
 tain the queen of the Alps. 
 
 Morning has come and they are in the most 
 sightly position. Looking up toward the top they 
 see projecting from its crest an immense field of ice, 
 glittering like burnished gold in the rising sun, in 
 itself a mountain and apparently quite close to them, 
 but which they know to be thousands of feet away, 
 as a deep ravine separates them from the Jung- 
 frau, which rises in an abrupt precipice of many 
 thousand feet, somewhat broken in terraces, down 
 which the avalanche from the higher beds of un- 
 trodden snow goes plunging and thundering into the 
 uninhabitable abyss below. 
 
 Perhaps there is not another mountain in all
 
 144 THE SINE AD MINES: 
 
 Switzerland which one can look so near and full in 
 the face, as you stand on the edge of the dark ra- 
 vine, out of which it rises more than eleven thous- 
 and feet perpendicularly, and down which vast 
 avalanches sweep with their incredible weight of ice 
 and snow from the very topmost summit. 
 
 Standing far below, gazing up to where the great 
 disk of the glittering Alp cuts the heavens, drink- 
 ing in the influence of the silent scene around them, 
 suddenly an enormous mass of ice and snow, acres 
 in extent and hundreds of feet in thickness, is seen 
 to move. It breaks from the tottering ridge, and 
 in its first fall of two thousand feet is broken into 
 millions of fragments. A dense cloud of snow rises 
 in the air from the concussion, producing a white 
 column of fleecy smoke which gives off a greyish 
 light, and from the bosom of which thunders forth 
 the icy torrent in its second prodigious fall over the 
 rocky battlement. 
 
 Plunging through the path which preceding aval- 
 anches have formed, it reaches the brink of a bare 
 ridge of rock, perhaps more than two thousand feet 
 perpendicular, then pours the whole cataract over 
 the gulf with a much louder concussion of re-echo- 
 ing thunder, to which nothing but the roar of Niag- 
 ara is comparable in its sublimity, when a fall to a 
 greater depth ensues, from which the torrent rushes 
 on until at length it reaches a mighty groove of ice 
 and snow, which have been driven together by the 
 tremendous blows until it is almost as hard as 
 adamantine rock. Here its course is somewhat re- 
 tarded, but it finally reaches the edge, and they 
 listen to the muffled reverberations of the falling
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 145 
 
 fragments as they plunge out of sight into the dark 
 abyss to rest forever. 
 
 As one contemplates the awful forces which are 
 in motion here, the immovable resistance which 
 it overcomes, rocks rent and crushed as though they 
 were egg shells; as one beholds the thousands of 
 feet of perpendicular wall towering for miles toward 
 the heavens, or gazes with sickening dread into the 
 dark abyss which yawns at his feet, whose depths 
 seem fathomless, he asks himself, "What is man, O 
 Lord, that Thou art mindful of him, or the children 
 of men, that Thou carest for them ?" 
 
 Of whatever importance he has previously con- 
 sidered himself, in the presence of the powers which 
 the great Creator uses in the machinery of the uni- 
 verse, he sinks away into nothingness and is really 
 alarmed at his own insignificance, wondering that 
 he has ever been allowed to exist at all. 
 
 Then as his mind reaches on from the works of 
 nature to their Creator, his soul rises in admiration 
 of Him who formed the mountains; who created the 
 universe; the Creator of all good, who even takes 
 cognizance of the sparrows of the air, that not one 
 of them may fall without His notice; to Him who 
 created man "but a little lower than the angels," 
 adopted him as His own son, and gave him dominion 
 and possession over all that He had created, until 
 from the humble and dependent position to which 
 the observer is forced, he is raised to the exalted 
 heights of the noblest creation of his Heavenly 
 father, but with the knowledge that all of his great- 
 ness and abilitv is given him by "The giver of every 
 good and perfect gift."
 
 146 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 GOD IS GOOD 
 
 All the world is full of beauty, 
 
 Full of love and kindly care; 
 Full of hope that makes our trials 
 
 Less severe and hard to bear. 
 Flowers cast their balmy fragrance 
 
 Free, upon the summer air, 
 While the glistening frosts of winter 
 
 Hold the rainbow's color there. 
 
 Glows the morn with regal splendor ; 
 
 Sunshine kisses all the land, 
 While at noon the heat is tempered 
 
 By the breeze, so gently fanned. 
 In the west, with silver lining, 
 
 Storm clouds rest with sombre hue, 
 And the night, all set with diamonds, 
 
 Fills our hearts with praises new. 
 
 God is good to gild the sunset, 
 
 Fill the sky with pictures grand, 
 Send the breezes soft and mellow, 
 
 Strew with flowers the fertile land ; 
 Paint his promise in the tempest, 
 
 Even while they thunder loud ; 
 Deck the night with wondrous beauty 
 
 And the morn with glory proud ! 
 
 From Interlaken they retrace their steps down 
 the Rhine to Monheim, where they embark for a 
 trip down that beautiful river. The current is very 
 rapid, and their boat glides along so quietly, in- 
 tensely interested as they are in the scenery, which 
 is the illustration of many a story of mailed knights, 
 ancient castles and terraced vineyards, that before 
 they are aware of it they are confronted by the fly- 
 ing bridge, which periodically establishes communi- 
 cation between its frowning fortress and the seat 
 of government of the Rhinish province, the capital 
 of which is Coblentz. This city is of more than 
 prdinary importance in a great many ways. It is
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 147 
 
 located on the Rhine at the junction of that famous 
 river with the Moselle. 
 
 The view from the quay, as one gazes at the 
 beautifully terraced fields, the fruit of which may 
 be seen hanging over the rocks in great purple 
 clusters, foretelling future hours of happiness, when 
 their rich blood shall sparkle in the crystal cup in 
 the hands of beauty at the marriage feast, or turn 
 the thoughts of the devoted toward eternity, as they 
 taste its limpid nectar while on their knees at the 
 sacred altar in memory of the last supper ; while the 
 rippling waters beneath gurgle over the highly-col- 
 ored stones, or quietly repose in some placid pool to 
 reflect back the image of many a crumbling castle, 
 whose walls are decaying from the ravages of time, 
 causing the memory to go back to the days of the 
 Crusaders, to acts of bravery and daring, where 
 the mind catches glimpses of coats of mail, and 
 hand to hand combats which took place on these 
 very grounds hundreds of years ago that immortal- 
 ized the memory of those who participated in them. 
 
 By special request of Robert the party are induced 
 to stop off here and make a short trip up the won- 
 derful Moselle, a trip which is not on the regular 
 tour, but one that is well worth the time and trouble 
 of the traveler, if he is not in too great a hurry, and 
 wishes to see some of the grandest views of virgin 
 nature. 
 
 The morning is a typical one and the mellow 
 breath of the mountain breezes fans the cheek of the 
 travelers as the little boat steams up the limpid 
 stream. Robert and Alice, seated in the bow of the 
 boat, entirely lose themselves in the beauty of the 
 scene as they pass luxuriant groves fringing the
 
 148 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 borders of the stream, in the midst of which are 
 nestled quiet farm-houses, sheltering those who ap- 
 peared to be the personification of perfect hap- 
 piness; past roaring cataracts leaping into the sun- 
 light from some crystal spring, to be shattered into 
 thousands of resplendent jewels upon the projecting 
 rocks from which they are precipitated to the placid 
 pool below, to reflect back the graceful image of 
 some thirsty deer. 
 
 All nature seems at peace with mankind, and the 
 holy calm which pervades the scene so impressed 
 the young lovers that they sat for hours drinking in 
 the sublime inspiration. It seemed to them that 
 words would be useless, if, indeed, not out of place, 
 here, where soul communes with soul, and where 
 all nature is resonant with musical anthems which 
 permeated their entire beings, causing every chord 
 of sympathy, humanity and love to vibrate in uni- 
 son with Him whose being is but love. 
 
 Pure love is a heavenly flower 
 
 Which was sown in the first human heart 
 By Him who was love's incarnation ; 
 
 'Twas of Him the noblest part, 
 For man without love would be lacking 
 
 In all which most truly pertains 
 To make him the lord of creation ; 
 
 But with it, how nobly he reigns ! 
 
 For nowhere in all His creation 
 
 Did God plant the seed of pure love 
 Except in the hearts of His children. 
 
 To fit them to meet Him above ; 
 To make this life well worth the living, 
 
 And relieve it from anguish and pain, 
 That we, by the glow of His beauty, 
 
 A glance of His glory might gain.
 
 A TALK OF THE ROCKIES 149 
 
 As the first ray of light on the mountain 
 
 Proclaims the approach of day, 
 So love on this earth points to Heaven, 
 
 Where peace will forever hold sway. 
 Where, after a life spent in loving 
 
 The children of men here below, 
 Our hearts will be cleansed from all envy, 
 
 And we will more beautiful grow. 
 
 Tis the jewel of all the most costly; 
 
 Its virtues cannot be denied, 
 As 'twas for love of His wayward children 
 
 That the King of eternity died. 
 Then we who are saved by His mercy 
 
 Should each to his fellow extend 
 The love we receive from our Maker, 
 
 Who, for love, was His enemy's friend. 
 
 Shortly after noon the head of navigation is 
 reached, and they go ashore to discuss the contents 
 of the basket which they have brought with them, 
 after which they gather flowers and climb the green 
 hillsides until they are tired and foot-sore, when they 
 return to the boat, which quietly floats out on the 
 stream, to be borne away on the surface of its tran- 
 quil waters, as they onward flow to mingle with 
 those of "Father Rhine." 
 
 While gazing into its liquid depths Alice is re- 
 minded of the tuneful little poem by Sir Edwin Ar- 
 nold, descriptive of their meeting, which she very 
 impressively recites as she stands with her loving 
 eyes fixed upon Robert, who appears to be lost in 
 his own thoughts, but who is deeply affected by his 
 emotions, which he, however, succeeds in controll- 
 ing to the end.
 
 ISO THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 THE MEETING OF THE RHINE AND THE MOSELLE 
 
 As the glory of the sun, 
 
 When the dismal day is done, 
 Leaps upward in the summer-blue to shine, 
 
 So gloriously flows 
 
 From his cradle rn the snows 
 The king of all the river floods the Rhine! 
 
 As a mailed and sceptered king 
 
 Sweeps onward triumphing, 
 With waves of helmets flashing in his line ; 
 
 As a drinker past control, 
 
 With the red wine on his soul, 
 So flashes through his vintages, the Rhine! 
 
 As a lady who would speak 
 
 What is written on her cheek, 
 If her heart would give her tongue the leave to tell, 
 
 Who fears and follows still, 
 
 But dares not trust her will, 
 So follows all her windings, the Moselle. 
 
 Like the silence which is broken 
 
 When the wished-for word is spoken. 
 And the heart hath a home where it may dwell, 
 
 Like the sense of sudden bliss, 
 
 And the first long, loving kiss, 
 Is the meeting of the Rhine and the Moselle ! 
 
 Like the two lives that are blended 
 
 When the loneliness is ended, 
 The loneliness each heart has known so well ; 
 
 Like the sun and moon together 
 
 In a sky of splendid weather, 
 Is the marriage of the Rhine and the Moselle ! 
 
 Unable to longer restrain himself, Robert clasped 
 her in his arms and asked if she did not think that 
 he had endured the loneliness sufficiently long; if she 
 was not willing to occupy his heart the remainder 
 of their lives, as it was hers, and had been from the 
 time he had left her when but a child in that West- 
 ern city years ago ; that in all of his wanderings the
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 151 
 
 thought of her had always been uppermost in his 
 mind, and that but for her he must have certainly 
 yielded to some of the many temptations to which 
 he was so often exposed; that his happiness, yea, 
 even life itself, was at her disposal, for without her 
 love the future was void and worse than useless 
 to him. 
 
 As Robert gazed into her eyes he was sure that 
 his love was reciprocated ; that he was the possessor 
 of the most priceless jewel in the world, and which 
 was to bless his life with unalloyed happiness. Then, 
 tenderly pressing his lips to her upturned face, 
 while her arms encircled his neck, he heard fall from 
 her lips : 
 
 "Yes, dear Robert, I am thine forever, and may 
 God grant that the time may never come when there 
 shall be anything to mar or chill our love." 
 
 So oblivious had they become to their surround- 
 ings that it had not occurred to them that they might 
 be observed by others, nor that the deck of a tour- 
 ist's boat, even though it was a small one with but 
 few passengers, might not be exactly the propel place 
 for love-making. Indeed, their thoughts were so 
 confined to themselves and their happiness so in- 
 tense that they did not realize, for a moment at 
 least, that there were others in the world, as it was 
 enough for them to know that they were at least as 
 happy as it was possible for mortals to be. 
 
 When the mouth of the river was reached and 
 their boat glided out into the historic waters of the 
 Rhine, where it was buoyed up by both rivers, they 
 felt that from that moment their lives had become 
 inseperable as were the commingled waters of the 
 two streams, and that each one's individual happi-
 
 152 T HE SINBAD MINES! 
 
 ness depended upon the other as much as did their 
 boat upon the united flood upon which it was so 
 gracefully floating, and Robert silently prayed that 
 their lives, which from that day were to be as one, 
 might be as tranquil, strong and majestic as the 
 beautiful stream which is the result of the union of 
 both the beautiful and noble in nature, which flows 
 by the ancient city of Coblentz. 
 
 Feeling that no secrecy was necessary, and that it 
 was better to advise her parents, Alice requested 
 Robert to inform them. Going to the forward deck, 
 where Mr. and Mrs. Moulton were engaged in con- 
 versation, Robert frankly told them of the great 
 happiness which had come to him, and begged that, 
 though he was unable to prove to them at the pres- 
 ent time that he was at all worthy of their daughter's 
 love, he would endeavor to do so, to their satisfac- 
 tion, before their marriage. 
 
 Mr. Moulton listened to end, when he extended 
 his hand, assuring Robert that they were willing to 
 trust their daughter to his care, and that they were 
 happy to call him their son; that since their first 
 meeting they had been deeply interested in him, and 
 that at that time they had predicted that he would 
 become a man who would be an honor to himself 
 and a blessing to his many friends. Mrs. Moulton 
 also added: 
 
 "I was sure at the time you left us that some day 
 you would return to repay me for those socks which 
 I bought for you, but now I see that you wish me 
 to furnish you, not only with socks, but with some- 
 one to mend them as well !" 
 
 Robert replied that he was well aware of the 
 great value of the gift for which he was asking, but
 
 A TALE OK THE ROCKIES 153 
 
 that he would try to live such a life that neither of 
 them would ever regret having granted it. To 
 which Mrs. Moulton replied : 
 
 "God bless you, my children!" 
 
 Robert could hardly realize that so much happi- 
 ness, wealth, honor, and last, but greatest of all, the 
 love of a noble and pure woman, could really be 
 his and after so much suffering and disappoint- 
 ment. It seemed to him it was too good to be true. 
 Life had suddenly changed from the condition of a 
 prolonged dream of future happiness to the acquisi- 
 tion of so much enjoyment that he often wondered 
 that it had, at times, seemed so hard for him to wait 
 and suffer, for he now realized that the reward was 
 great in comparison with the trials, even if they had 
 been severe, and lasted for many years. 
 
 MY LOVE IS A JEWEL 
 
 My love is a jewel, a diamond most rare, 
 A gem above value and most wondrous fair. 
 A form that is faultless, a soul full of mirth, 
 She's a vision of beauty, an angel on earth ! 
 
 Her lips are as sweet as the rose to the bee, 
 Her eyes like the stars o'er a mid-summer sea, 
 Her cheeks like the morn or the blush in the west 
 When kissed by the sun as he sinks to his rest. 
 
 Her voice is as clear as the voice of a bird, 
 Her laugh like the falling of water is heard; 
 Like the down of a thistle her tresses are blown, 
 And her love, like the blessing of Heaven, I own ! 
 
 Like the blessing of Heaven ! The acme of bliss 
 Is the love of my darling when sealed by a kiss! 
 Should fortune and friends forsake and depart, 
 I still would be happy with thy loving heart; 
 
 I still would be happy and most richly blessed 
 With thy love in my heart and thy head on my breast. 
 We soon would forget all the trials we'd passed, 
 And live for each other and love to the last !
 
 154 THE SINBAD MINES 
 
 CHAPTER VII 
 
 JFTER this the lovers were seldom sep- 
 arated for long at a time, as many 
 plans were to be developed in regard 
 to their future movements. It was fin- 
 illy decided that they would somewhat shorten their 
 intended tour of the continent. Robert was anx- 
 ious to return to the states as soon as possible, being 
 unwilling to leave the entire burden of conducting 
 the business of the company too long upon his 
 friends at the mines. 
 
 There were many questions which had to be set- 
 tled: Where were they to be married? Where 
 were they to live? Other questions naturally pre- 
 sented themselves. The second was answered by 
 Robert as soon at it was asked at Grand Junction. 
 The first question was, of course, left to Miss Alice 
 and her parents, who decided that the ceremony 
 had better take place in their country home in Need- 
 ham, near Boston. 
 
 But when Robert told them of the plans which 
 he had recently formed of celebrating the event 
 where his former associates might enjoy the festi- 
 val as well, and asked Mrs. Moulton for the privi- 
 lege of naming the place, she readily consented, when 
 Robert answered : 
 
 "In our oivn home in Colorado," adding that it 
 would make him happy indeed to be surrounded at
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 155 
 
 that time by those who had endured the trials and 
 hardships with him, and that they ought certainly 
 to share in his happiness as well. 
 
 It was further agreed that he should return to 
 the West sufficiently in advance of the remainder 
 of the family that he might prepare a home for 
 them, and where the wedding might take place. 
 After these arrangements were. decided upon, and 
 many other details disposed of, the party renewed 
 their sight-seeing, which had for several days been 
 entirely forgotten. 
 
 Coblentz, a quaint, old, guarded city, is the cen- 
 ter of many beautiful rambles by the Rhine, as can 
 be testified to by Miss Alice as well as many other 
 young people who have been so fortunate as to have 
 spent considerable time along its many shady walks: 
 And it is none the less interesting, to the English- 
 speaking public at least, because Tom Hood spent 
 several of his most happy days here. 
 
 In the warped and narrow streets nearest the Mo- 
 selle are the principal buildings of the city, the an- 
 cient church of St. Castor, which dates from the 
 twelfth century, and near it the "Koffhaus" (Cus- 
 tom House) with its quaint figure connected with 
 the machinery of the clock, rolling its goggled eyes 
 with every beat of the pendulum and opening its 
 great mouth every quarter hour. This figure is 
 known all through the country as "The man in the 
 Custom House," and when a friend from the coun- 
 try meets one in the city, instead of asking, "How 
 are all the good people of Coblentz? he inquires, 
 "How is the man in the Custom House ?" A strong 
 fortress at this point has been called "The Gib- 
 ralter of the Rhine."
 
 *5< THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 The trip down the river to Cologne is one full 
 of interest to the student and historian, as well as 
 the ordinary sight-seer, and one's attention is ab- 
 sorbed in the many monuments upon its banks, 
 the great universities, crumbling castles and historic 
 towns fringing the water's front, many of which 
 figured in the history of the ancient wars during 
 the feudal days. In all of these our tourists are in- 
 teiested until, before they are aware of it, there 
 looms up in the gathering twilight directly in their 
 course the great stone bridge built by Napoleon on 
 his disastrous march to Moscow. This is a mas- 
 sive structure, with huge battlements towering above 
 its seven piers, built so solid that it seems as though 
 it must be a natural formation, and that even time 
 itself could produce but little effect upon it. 
 
 With many resounding blasts from the whistle 
 and the greatest exertion from the engines, which 
 have been reversed on account of the velocity of the 
 current, the boat is brought within a safe distance 
 of the pier, a line heaved, the plank run out and 
 they walk ashore. Rooms are secured at one of the 
 great hotels, looking for all the world like a gigan- 
 tic dry-goods box, but which proves to be very hab- 
 itable indeed. 
 
 Cologne, as is well known, manufactures great 
 quantities of the refreshing toilet article bearing 
 its name, and it has the somewhat unenviable repu- 
 tation of being the foulest smelling city in the civ- 
 ilized world. Upon inquiring of a perfumer for 
 the cause of the legion of smells and their unac- 
 countable repugnancy, Charles was informed that 
 it was due to the fact that all the pleasant odors 
 which naturally existed in the atmosphere of that
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 157 
 
 region were continually being extricated and used 
 in the manufacture of cologne, which is shipped to 
 all parts of the world, leaving only the noxious 
 gases for the philanthropic citizens of that gracious 
 city to respire. Be that as it might, it seemed at 
 least plausible to Charles, and not being able to get 
 any better solution of the problem, it was duly ac- 
 cepted by him. 
 
 The streets are narrow, uneven in grade, and very 
 irregular. Accumulations of all kinds of filth, 
 which appeared to have remained there for ages, 
 were strewn promiscuously about. This, added to 
 the divers odors which assailed one's nostrils, was 
 of itself sufficient to create disgust, and very much 
 abbreviate one's stay in the city. 
 
 The main cause of their stop here was, of course, 
 to visit the great cathedral, which they all admitted 
 to be a wonderful edifice. One cannot appreciate 
 its colossal proportions until he begins to compare 
 it with the standard foot and yard, as everything is 
 on such an immense scale, and such harmony in 
 proportion is maintained, that the eye is deceived. 
 Objects which appear to be but a few feet in height 
 or diameter are, upon measurement, found to be 
 as many yards, while statuary which appears to be 
 only life size, upon application of the tape line is 
 found to be gigantic. 
 
 While the party were busily engaged in viewing 
 the many features of interest in and about the great 
 edifice they were approached by a guide, who ser- 
 iously informed them that they could see nothing 
 of interest unless they employed him to point it out 
 to them, and that his fee for such services would be 
 four marks in advance. Whereupon Robert im-
 
 158 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 mediately produced the required amount, as he 
 wished, with his friends, to see it all, and for the 
 further reason that he was an American and ad- 
 mired "cheek." 
 
 The guide very gravely told them that the origi- 
 nal designs for the cathedral were drawn by the 
 devil, and that the architect who constructed it bar- 
 tered his soul for the possession of the wonderful 
 plans and specifications, and that the priests and 
 nuns in the adjoining monastery were still praying 
 for the delivery of his soul from purgatory. Charles 
 remarked that if the poor fellow's soul had been in 
 that infernal place for all the years since the erec- 
 tion of the church, it seemed to him there would 
 be but little use of trying to get it out, as by this 
 time it would be so wrinkled and dried up that even 
 its original owner would not recognize it. 
 
 This cathedral is the largest and most costly of 
 any in the world, the carvings alone representing the 
 life-work of hundreds of the most famous sculptors. 
 It is built in the Gothic style, and adorned with as 
 many stone crosses as there are years in the Chris- 
 tian era, a new cross being added at the beginning 
 of each year. One of its towers contains the largest 
 swinging bell in the world. It is known as the 
 Kaiser bell. It is r.ung but once a year on the 
 birthday of the Emperor. It was cast from cannon 
 taken from the French during the last war with that 
 country, and it requires twenty-seven men to ring it. 
 
 The view from the belfry is an extensive one, as 
 the surrounding country is comparatively level, and 
 the height of the tower very great. Descending 
 to the auditorium the travelers attended vespers in 
 its sacred aisles and listened to the wonderful
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 159 
 
 chorus, which seemed to float down from Heaven, 
 so far away were the singers and so wonderful the 
 acoustic properties. 
 
 From here to Rotterdam the journey was made 
 by rail through a fine farming country occupied 
 largely by wealthy landlords, the possessors of many 
 fine old country seats, in the background of which 
 are clusters of small houses occupied by the laborers, 
 reminding one of the great plantations in the South 
 before the war. 
 
 As the company was desirous of reaching France 
 as soon as practicable, and as their course thither 
 was by way of the British Isles, they made no stops 
 until they reached the commercial port of Holland 
 Rotterdam at which place they arrived late at 
 night, stopping at the hotel Wymer where several 
 days were spent in recuperating and looking up the 
 history of this old seaport. 
 
 Here lived and worked some of the greatest paint- 
 ers the world has ever known, and here may be seen 
 some of the masterpieces of the great Van Dyck; 
 paintings which are actually priceless, commanding 
 the most profound respect of the most exacting 
 critics, and which are as carefully guarded as are 
 the treasures of the Bourse. The squares are 
 adorned with statuary, while at almost every turn 
 one is confronted by some relic which speaks of 
 their cherished artist. 
 
 The city, being traversed by the two great estuar- 
 ies of the Rhine, is splendidly located for commer- 
 cial transactions, and is the gateway for American 
 and English commerce. Rotterdam is a typical 
 Dutch city, and its most important port of entry. 
 The extensive warehouses situated at this point,
 
 l6o THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 the Custom House, and the great amount of ship- 
 ping, riding in the rivers, demonstrates that the 
 Dutch are great navigators, and when a visitor learns 
 that the merchants of this city are importing their 
 own wares in their own ships, not only from adja- 
 cent countries, but from the most remote as well, the 
 fact is forced upon one that although the country is 
 small, its importance is great. 
 
 Then when it is remembered that three-fourths of 
 the surface of Holland has been reclaimed from the 
 bottom of the ocean, and that even after its inhabi- 
 tants had accomplished this wonderful feat to se- 
 cure the limited domain which they now have, they 
 were obliged to defend it many times against fear- 
 ful odds, being besieged on all sides, and their coun- 
 try invaded by the French, Spanish, Austrians and 
 English, all of whom were defeated, and in some 
 instances annihilated, he begins to appreciate the 
 force of the old standing joke, that "The Dutch have 
 taken Holland." They not only took it, but have 
 continued to hold it for hundreds of years, prov- 
 ing themselves capable of governing themselves as 
 well as resisting invasion. 
 
 The Hollanders are the most daring of navigators, 
 as many geographical points and landmarks con- 
 clusively prove, bearing the imprint of their dis- 
 coveries. New Zealand was settled by the Dutch ; 
 they first rounded the Horn, it being so named from 
 one of their own cities, and they have also located 
 colonies in Africa, and in fact nearly all over the 
 world. 
 
 It was the Dutch who established the first perman- 
 ent settlement on the bleak and uninviting coast of 
 the Atlantic at what they named New Amsterdam.
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES l6t 
 
 now New York. It was the Dutch who, leaving 
 their own country, and entrusting their lives to the 
 care of the deep, came safely over to land on our 
 eastern shores, there to commence the laborious task 
 of forming the most powerful and enlightened nation 
 the world has ever known a fitting reward for so 
 brave an undertaking, and the natural results of 
 their exalted and devoted lives. 
 
 After refreshing his memory on the history of 
 the country and personally studying the people, their 
 customs and religion, and their honorable way of 
 doing business, Robert concluded that there were 
 few nations who could be so justly proud of their 
 country when abroad as the Dutch, and he vowed 
 that from that time on they would always occupy 
 a warm place in his heart. 
 
 From Rotterdam they go by way of Flushing to 
 Queensborough, England. Reaching the quay, they 
 find their boat, the Kaiser William, in waiting. It 
 is a magnificent, side-wheeled steamer, with the 
 most perfect machinery and elaborate decorations 
 of any of the North Sea fleet. It is, in fact, a float- 
 ing palace, and the acme of mechanical and archi- 
 tectural perfection. Having secured their berths, 
 they turn their attention to the grand dining room, 
 which proves the ideal of the epicure's dream, as the 
 tables are loaded with the most tempting wines and 
 appetizing relishes. 
 
 As soon as the boat leaves the mouth of the Maas 
 it is struck by a stiff breeze, and begins to roll in a 
 manner which precludes any enjoyment on deck, and 
 they are forced to go below, and finally to their state- 
 rooms, which they find great difficulty in reaching 
 on account of the unsteadiness of the boat, which is
 
 162 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 being thrown about in a most violent manner by the 
 boisterous sea. It was normal channel weather, 
 which has the reputation the world over of being 
 the "nastiest" of all, never twice alike, and it soon 
 has its effect upon the passengers, who may be seen 
 scattered about the saloons and passage-ways groan- 
 ing with the agonies of sea-sickness, some shrieking 
 from fear that they are about to sink, while others 
 wish they might go to the bottom and be out of their 
 agony. 
 
 The Moultons are no exception to the rule, but 
 they all take the matter as good-naturedly as pos- 
 sible under the circumstances, most of them being 
 too sick to complain very much. Mr. Moulton and 
 Robert try to keep about to take care of the more 
 delicate ones, but they soon find it utterly impossible 
 to do so, and are obliged to crawl into their berths 
 and await the morning, which finds them skirting 
 along the shores of England near the mouth of the 
 harbor. They soon enter the harbor, and running 
 alongside the pier, they are moored at their docks; 
 board the train and are rolling toward the largest 
 city in the world. 
 
 London, great on account of its vastness, and 
 monotonous on account of its greatness, with much 
 of its activity under ground, the result of an ex- 
 tensive system of subterranean belt railroads, seems 
 quiet compared with other great cities, where all of 
 the business may be seen going on above ground. 
 This, of course, is a typical English city, and it 
 does not strike the average American as a desirable 
 place to live. The street cars are represented by the 
 continental van and the omnipresent cab. 
 
 The customs are formal and reserved, which give
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 163 
 
 the impression, to an American at least, of superior 
 importance. This is more apparent, however, than 
 real, as our visitors soon find out. Dinners are 
 served with much less display than on the continent, 
 and with comparatively few courses. Street man- 
 ners are abrupt, and total indifference to the pres- 
 ence of others is very marked. This, however, is 
 more the result of custom than intention, as informa- 
 tion on almost any subject is freely given upon re- 
 quest. 
 
 At receptions and social gatherings the Ameri- 
 cans were received with the warmest welcome, and 
 they were gratified to find that what a man was 
 worth in stocks and bonds cut no figure in the num- 
 ber of his dinners out, or to the respect which was 
 paid him by the best class. What he had done in 
 the arts and sciences, or to better the condtion of 
 humanity, were the criterions by which he was meas- 
 ured. This being so in contrast with the deplorable 
 practice in vogue in the United States of estimating 
 a man by what he is worth, was a very agreeable 
 surprise to the Moultons, teaching them a lesson not 
 easily forgotten. 
 
 Alice and Mrs. Moulton found the ladies to be 
 well informed and remarkably good conversational- 
 ists, and much less inclined to frivolity than their 
 brothers, many of them seeming to be greatly in- 
 terested in the acquirement of general knowledge, 
 some of which is considered in America as unnec- 
 essary. 
 
 By the assistance of recommendations, Robert se- 
 cured accommodations with an attache of the gov- 
 ernment in Earl's Court, near Victoria Station, 
 places made familiar to the public on account of
 
 164 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 their being associated with the stories of Charles 
 Dickens. Here they remain for several weeks, wan- 
 dering through the parks, gazing at the shop win- 
 dows, or floating upon the Thames. Long rides 
 were also taken through the suburbs and surround- 
 ing country on the tops of the great vans which are 
 continually rolling through the thoroughfares, and 
 sometimes by steam cars, all of which pass through 
 Victoria Station. 
 
 Long walks were frequently enjoyed, especially 
 by the young people of the party, extending to Hyde 
 Park or down the river front, of which they never 
 seemed to tire. On a pleasant afternoon they might 
 have been seen elbowing their way along the Strand, 
 or gazing at the signs in Picadilly, stopping to ad- 
 mire the beautiful proportions of St. Paul's, or won- 
 dering at the strange motto over the door of the 
 Stock Exchange: "The earth is the Lord's and the 
 fullness thereof." How these words could possibly 
 have any relation either to that edifice or to the busi- 
 ness conducted there was a conundrum to Charles, 
 which even Mr. Moulton and Robert failed to sat- 
 isfactorily explain. 
 
 They visited Westminster Abbey and bowed their 
 heads in reverence in its sacred aisles, under the 
 pavement of which sleep the most illustrious of the 
 world's heroes, and as they read the names of some 
 from their own land they feel that the influence of 
 the great and good is not measured by the length of 
 their lives, and that they "would humbly sit and 
 hold high communion with the mighty dead." 
 
 The Tower of London and Windsor Castle were 
 both of interest from the fact that, as Charles ex- 
 pressed it, "they both had the distinction of having
 
 A TALfi Of THE ROCKIES 16$ 
 
 been royal residences," although of a somewhat dif- 
 ferent character, the former generally being occu- 
 pied by a sovereign during the latter part of his life, 
 which was usually short on account of the extreme 
 unhealthiness of the locality. At the castle they 
 were not admitted on account of Her Majesty's ab- 
 sence, she being on a visit to her grandson, the Em- 
 peror of Germany. 
 
 Charles remarked that it would undoubtedly be 
 a great disappointment to the queen, as she would 
 no doubt very much regret her absence and conse- 
 quent inability to meet her distinguished visitors, 
 but as they could not take the trouble to call again, 
 she would necessarily be deprived of the pleasure of 
 entertaining them. 
 
 In the Tower they were shown the ax and block 
 which severed the head from the body of Mary, 
 Queen of Scots, Anne Boleyn, and several other 
 members of the royal family. The walls of some 
 of the dungeons are disfigured by the names of some 
 of those who were allowed to starve to death within 
 their dark confines, and it seemed strange to the 
 Americans that the government would allow the 
 guard to show these terrible places to the public, 
 when it is well known at the present day that many 
 of the executions which took place there were crimes 
 of the darkest dye, and that they were generally the 
 result of political rivalry or religious jealousy, and 
 not as a punishment of any real violation of the law. 
 
 A visit to the "Temple," in Temple Bar, was of 
 a very different character and of great interest to 
 Mr. Moulton and Robert, as they were both Knights 
 Templar. All of the memories of the past were of a 
 character to excite admiration instead of disgust.
 
 l66 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 The temple was built by the Crusaders of the thir- 
 teenth century as a stronghold against the Gauls, 
 who invaded England at that time with the intent 
 of destroying the Masonic order and of annihilating 
 the Holy Bible, in accordance with a decree of the 
 pope. 
 
 It was used both as a lodge room and as a church, 
 besides serving as a fortress where the members of 
 the order could assemble in safety and protect them- 
 selves against their enemies. Its walls are over five 
 feet in thickness, which are protected by an outer 
 rampart surrounded by parapets. It also contains 
 some columns from the Temple of King Solomon 
 at Jerusalem, two of the oldest glass windows known 
 to exist in the world, brought from Damascus; the 
 bodies of several embalmed knights, who died dur- 
 ing their campaign to the Holy Land, as well as the 
 finest organ in England. The Temple is an il- 
 lustrated history of Masonry from the time of the 
 Crusaders down to the present day. It is still used 
 for Masonic meetings, over which the Prince of 
 Wales frequently presides. 
 
 Robert was informed by the warden that when 
 the original builders attempted to erect the columns 
 in their present position, which had previously been 
 brought from the Holy Land, it was found impos- 
 sible to use both of the capitals which had origi- 
 nally adorned the columns, and that consequently 
 the super of upper capitals were buried in the earth 
 under the floor of the Temple until its remodeling, 
 when they were dug up, from which small pieces 
 have been distributed to commanderies throughout 
 all parts of the world. Ascertaining that it was 
 possible to secure one of these precious stones, Rob-
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 167 
 
 ert immediately set to work to obtain it, and suc- 
 ceeded in securing a fine specimen, which he broke 
 from the original capital with his own hand. 
 
 Thinking there would come a time when there 
 would be instituted a commandery in the far-west- 
 ern city upon which he had set his heart, he de- 
 termined to preserve it to present to such command- 
 ery, with the request that in receiving it the name of 
 "Temple Commandery" be conferred upon the body. 
 Little did he dream that his hopes would so soon 
 be realized, but within four years from that day 
 "Temple Commandery" had received its charter and 
 the stone was safely deposited in its sacred asylum. 
 
 Although their time was becoming limited, they 
 considered it would not do to leave London without 
 having seen the Crystal Palace, a wonderful build- 
 ing with magnificent grounds, situated some distance 
 from the center of the city, and surrounded by a for- 
 est of beautiful trees. This is a magnificent build- 
 ing, and the grounds are a picture in art and nature, 
 furnishing a wonderful opportunity for the scholar 
 in botany to pursue his studies, as here are aggre- 
 gated thousands of rare plants and trees, many of 
 which require an artificial climate for their propa- 
 gation, as the cold, rough air of the British Isles is 
 far too rigorous for their delicate natures. 
 
 But to be appreciated, Crystal Palace must be 
 seen at night, when its thousands of lights flame 
 forth, reflecting from myriads of prisms the de- 
 composed rays which fall upon the foliage, painting 
 them with all the tints of the rainbow, and produc- 
 ing an effect which is little less than marvelous. 
 
 Robert was curious to see London Bridge, which 
 has for the past two hundred years sustained the
 
 i68 TH SIN BAD MINES: 
 
 reputation of being the most crowded thoroughfare 
 in the world, and as one stands and beholds the sea 
 of humanity which is constantly surging across its 
 broad way from morning until night, and from night 
 until morning, he is willing to concede the truth of 
 the assertion. Black friars and the Egyptian obe- 
 lisks were features which attracted the attention of 
 the travelers, as their situation is such as to provide 
 a pleasant walk while a useful lesson is learned, even 
 if the text is more than two thousand years old, and 
 its author long ago consigned to the" mystical care 
 of the Egyptian embalmer. 
 
 Having exhausted the time allotted them, tickets 
 are secured for the city of Calais, which read "via 
 Dover," and bear a red stamp upon which is printed 
 in glaring letters, "Tidal train." Bundles and pack- 
 ages are hurried together, and the Moulton party 
 are soon on their way to meet the tide which comes 
 in when the train does, or to meet the boat which 
 brings the tide in, or the tide which brings the boat 
 in, they don't know which, and they don't care to 
 ask the guard, as "hit is quite English, don't you 
 know." 
 
 The trip across the channel is a very fine one, as 
 the weather is all that one could desire. They reach 
 their destination in time for the regular table d'hote, 
 and go sight-seeing in the evening. The most pow- 
 erful electric light in the world is doing service here 
 as a beacon light. The structure is composed en- 
 tirely of steel, the lamp being situated at an eleva- 
 tion of five hundred feet, the beams from which can 
 be seen a long distance up the North Sea. 
 
 The city belonged to the English for many years, 
 finally being wrested from them by Napoleon, and
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES IO9 
 
 held in spite of the most determined efforts on the 
 part of the English. Calais is a most beautiful sea- 
 port with a commodious harbor, and it is not strange 
 that the different powers wished to possess it. 
 
 From here they go to Paris, a point of interest 
 to all tourists, as the great French capital has the 
 reputation of being the gayest and most attractive 
 of any of the European centers. They reached their 
 rooms in the hotel "Anglo-Francais" in the early 
 morning. This hotel is situated in the Rue de Re- 
 voli, near the Place de la Concorde. Here they re- 
 main for several weeks, sauntering through the great 
 boulevards, visiting the numerous architectural struc- 
 tures with which the city abounds, and in enjoying 
 many pleasant excursions. 
 
 The extensive art galleries of The Louvre are a 
 never-failing source of enjoyment to Robert, who 
 has never had the pleasure of gratifying his taste 
 for the beautiful in art, and although he spent many 
 days in these immense galleries, he did not tire of 
 looking at some of the great masterpieces. One 
 which especially interested him was entitled "Life 
 and Death," representing a young girl reclining in 
 a cave attentively studying a skull. These galleries 
 are the most extensive of any in Europe, and one 
 can profitably spend months within their salles. 
 
 The Grand Opera, the Madeline, and the Hotel 
 des Invalids, are all beautiful pictures in stone, the 
 latter being of importance from the fact that it is 
 the last resting place of the great French Emperor 
 Napoleon. The casket is of Russian granite, and 
 its weight is over six tons, while all of the sur- 
 roundings are of the most costly material. The 
 casket rests in the center of a circular pit, and
 
 170 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 around it are figures of saints extending in their 
 outstretched arms garlands of immortelles. The 
 opening is guarded by a balustrade, above which is 
 inscribed the following: 
 
 "I desire that my ashes may rest on the banks of 
 the Seine, among the French nation I loved so 
 much." 
 
 The Place de la Concorde, with its beautiful 
 walks, dazzling fountains, and grand statuary, en- 
 closed by the most costly buildings in the world, is 
 traversed by the grand Allies of the Tuilleries, over 
 which the Arc de Triompe solemnly keeps guard. 
 It is a wonderful place, and the observer is not sur- 
 prised that it was the ambition of the "Conqueror 
 of the World" to make here the realization of the 
 fabled Elysian Fields, where there should be no 
 signs of suffering or sorrow ; nothing but the beauti- 
 ful and the acme of happiness. 
 
 As Robert sauntered through the beautiful scen- 
 ery, his senses regaled with the perfume of thous- 
 ands of the most exquisite flowers, and leaning upon 
 his arm his accomplished and lovable Alice, who had 
 promised to become his bride, he was sure that if the 
 great Emperor had not succeeded in accomplishing 
 all that he had attempted at that time, he had cer- 
 tainly been rewarded, long after his death, by hav- 
 ing his gardens visited by one whose circumstances 
 had combined to make a living example of the found- 
 er's idea; for Robert was happy, much beyond his 
 fondest expectations, and rightly so. 
 
 Just beyond the arch, and outside the city walls, 
 is the Bois de Boulogne with its thousands of acres 
 of shady woods, beautiful gardens, artificial lakes, 
 wonderful cascades, crystal pagodas, arcades of
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 17! 
 
 flowers, and magnificent drives, which are thronged 
 with elegant equipages, occupied by stylishly attired 
 ladies and gentlemen, and driven by uniformed 
 lackies, while mellow strains of martial music float 
 out upon the air. 
 
 The promenaders wind their way among the mar- 
 velous artificial creations of shrubbery, representing 
 nature so exactly as to deceive the most practiced 
 eye. Add to all of this the perfect freedom of the 
 place ; no restraint being imposed, as one may gather 
 flowers at pleasure, and you behold a scene which 
 outrivals the pictures of the Arabian Nights, and 
 one which you will dream of for years to come. 
 
 The river Seine, with its seven bridges, the build- 
 ers of which tried to out-do each other in architec- 
 tural beauty, the banks of which are terraced with 
 granite, and upon whose placid waters float the 
 quaint wash-houses, with their busy occupants and 
 long lines of white linen, presents another picture 
 which has an Eastern tinge to it that is exceedingly 
 attractive to the Western beholder. 
 
 By previous arrangement of Robert, one morn- 
 ing a "tally-ho" rolled up to the hotel door, and help- 
 ing his party aboard, they were soon enjoying a ride 
 on one of those famous vehicles, which are distinct- 
 ively an American institution, but one which is 
 acutely enjoyed by the live Frenchman. 
 
 Their destination was Versailles, and the royal 
 palace of that suburb, which was built to please the 
 vanity of the scheming Pompodore, who was the 
 direct cause of the fall of that wonderful man, who 
 was foolish enough to listen to her deceitful tongue, 
 and who suffered severely for his indiscretion on 
 the lone Isle of St. Helena. Here are many grand
 
 172 THE SINBAD MiNESl 
 
 fountains and basins, with beautiful groves and 
 lawns, while miniature canals, carpeted to the wa- 
 ter's brink, stretch away down the shady lane, 
 which is fronted by palaces and statuary, calling viv- 
 idly to mind sketches of scenery in ancient Venice. 
 
 Upon their return they attend the play at the 
 Grand Opera, where, although he had read of the 
 marvelous beauty of the palatial play-house, Robert 
 was astounded at its resplendent grandeur, the re- 
 sult of the most elaborate carving and beautiful dec- 
 orations known to the arts. There is not a square 
 corner in the whole edifice, and the lines are drawn 
 with such exquisite taste that one is bewildered with 
 the gorgeous effect. 
 
 Shopping excursions were made through the 
 grand magazine, where presents were procured for 
 the friends at home, the low price of which was a 
 revelation to all the Moultons. One morning after 
 a shopping excursion Alice requested Robert to ac- 
 company the children to the park under the pre- 
 tense that they were in the way, and that they very 
 much wanted to see the boat race which was adver- 
 tised to take place in the grand basin of the Tuiller- 
 ies. Robert half imagined there was some privacy 
 going on, but did not wish to appear inquisitive, nor 
 did he care to disappoint Alice in any little surprise 
 which she might wish to make him. 
 
 So, pretending that he did not mind the forced 
 absence from his betrothed for a few hours, he led 
 the children to the boating ground, which was al- 
 ready filled with an excited crowd of happy chil- 
 dren, engaged in sailing miniature boats upon the 
 surface of the pond surrounding the great fountain. 
 These boats were provided with loaded rudders, and
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 173 
 
 by careful manipulation were capable of being 
 steered from a quartering wind quite accurately. 
 Several of them were frequently started at the same 
 time, wagers being made by the parents or friends 
 of the owner on the favorite boat. 
 
 Robert purchased a couple of little yachts, and 
 after naming them they were started in the race, to 
 the immense delight of the young folks. Robert 
 was surprised to find himself hurrahing in an ex- 
 cited manner when Matie's boat touched on the op- 
 posite curb first, winning twenty francs for its young 
 mistress. So the day was spent, the children enjoy- 
 ing it to its fullest extent until it began to rain, 
 when they returned to their hotel to find their rooms 
 nearly filled with bundles. 
 
 Robert was informed that he had been sent away 
 during the day because Mr. Moulton wished to pro- 
 cure the trousseau for his daughter without having 
 it seen by him until the wedding, as he desired to 
 surprise him. Robert noticed that some of the pack- 
 ages bore the name of "Worth," which satisfied him 
 that their contents would be fully up to the latest in 
 style. 
 
 After spending double the time which they had in- 
 tended, they reluctantly left the French capital, feel- 
 ing that they had seen but a small part of the beau- 
 tiful in the many branches of art which are to be 
 found in that wonderful country and still more won- 
 derful city. True, they had seen gardens and flow- 
 ers before; they had admired paintings in a great 
 many galleries, and sculpture in a great many coun- 
 tries; they had seen statuary before; stately edi- 
 fices and grand boulevards ; they had seen beautiful 
 ladies and elegant costumes, and they had enjoyed
 
 174 THE SINBAD MINES 
 
 the grandeur of other cities, but they had never 
 seen anything like this before, for there is but one 
 Paris! 
 
 While it has nothing like the Crystal Palace, like 
 Rijks Museum, or "Under den Linden," it has hun- 
 dreds of acres of gardens filled with plants and 
 blossoms of the richest hues, great boulevards, mag- 
 nificent palaces, artistic picture galleries, beautiful 
 statuary, palatial churches, immense government 
 buildings, wonderful monuments, a superb Opera 
 House, delightfully polite people, and to crown it 
 all, it has its gigantic Eiffel tower nearly one thou- 
 sand feet in height, from the top of which our friends 
 had looked down upon the most beautiful city in all 
 the world. 
 
 As Robert and Alice strolled along the Italian 
 boulevard on the evening before their departure from 
 the city, and beheld a throng of gaily dressed ladies 
 and gentlemen, who appeared to have nothing in 
 the world to wish for, Robert wondered to himself 
 if such people, brought up among all the luxuries of 
 the most luxurious city of the present day, had any 
 conception of what life really was ; if they really 
 did enjoy the blessings which had come to them, 
 they knew not how, which they were born to, and 
 which had cost them nothing; or did they con- 
 sider it as simply a show, for it seemed impossible 
 to him that they should know what life's real pleas- 
 ures were, and he congratulated himself on the fact 
 that he had seen the roughest side of the roughest 
 kind of life, that he had lived the "other side of 
 life," and believed that he was now in a position to 
 appreciate all of the blessings which might be be- 
 stowed upon him. 
 
 Indeed, he felt that the trials which he had en-
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 175 
 
 dured had but fitted him to more acutely appreciate 
 the great happiness which was now his, and that the 
 lessons which he had so dearly learned would in the 
 future assist him in exhibiting a kindly love for his 
 fellow man in whatever position he might find him, 
 and that should misfortune ever frown upon his 
 pathway, he would be the better enabled to endure its 
 trials. 
 
 With a feeling of sadness they began to make 
 preparations for their long return journey toward 
 home and the many dear ones who were waiting 
 for them far across the stormy ocean. The task 
 completed, they boarded the train and were rapidly 
 borne along toward the old seaport town of Bou- 
 logne. A few hours' ride, and they were landed at 
 that French port situated upon the English Chan- 
 nel, which Robert had seen before from the deck 
 of the steamer on that beautiful star-lit night when 
 he was alone in the world, that world which seemed 
 to him so hard and remorseless, and which he 
 thought cared for no one. 
 
 Now, as he gazed upon the same picture, he saw 
 it in softer shades and with more kindly feelings; 
 he saw kind friends and loving hearts, and his mind 
 was at rest at peace with all mankind! Had the 
 world changed and mankind developed into beings 
 with loving natures, or was it the change within 
 himself? Was it possible that reciprocated love 
 could have wrought this great change transformed 
 him to a degree that he could scarcely comprehend ? 
 
 Yes, such was the case, and Robert felt as though 
 he had reason to be the most thankful of all the 
 children of men for the kind Providence which had 
 led him to realize his most cherished hopes ; for a 
 love which satisfied his inmost soul, the reward, as
 
 176 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 he believed, of an earnest endeavor to lead a pure 
 and worthy life. 
 
 BOULOGNE-SUR-MER 
 
 Where sporting sunbeams fair enhance 
 The waving fields of sunny France, 
 Beside the sea, with crumbling gates, 
 In peaceful dreams she smiling waits, 
 Close nestling 'neath the vine-clad hills 
 Where towers the form of ancient mills, 
 Whose arms are floundering in the breeze 
 Like giants challenging the seas ! 
 
 Above, the sky of deepest hue ; 
 Below, the waters dark and blue, 
 While onward toward the west there floats 
 The black-sailed fleet of fishing boats, 
 Bearing a prayer from many a breast 
 For those who toil, nor seek their rest 
 Through storms that sweep the angry main, 
 Until it bears them home again. 
 
 With massive forts, whose blackened throats 
 Still yawn above their sluggish moats 
 As though to whisper from the past 
 Of battles fought until the last! 
 Of deadly conflicts, war and strife, 
 That woke the echoes loud to life, 
 When Bretons strove against the Gauls 
 And crimson dyed thy trembling walls ! 
 
 Beside the sea where navies ride 
 The ever-restless, changing tide, 
 And ships with gallants proudly furled 
 Return from cruises o'er the world, 
 Upon thy beach, in beauty fair, 
 Thy daughters breathe the balmy air, 
 While bells from out thy towers high 
 Ring out their anthems to the sky. 
 
 I love to dream of days with thee, 
 The moon o'erhead, the laughing sea; 
 Of strolls within thy market place, 
 Where gather those who love thy race. 
 Farewell to sunny France's shore! 
 And, though I see thee nevermore, 
 I'll try the starting tear to dry 
 With au revoir and not good bye!
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 177 
 
 CHAP T ER VIII 
 
 ouLOGNE-SuR-MER is defended by some 
 of the oldest fortifications in Europe, 
 many of them being so worn by the 
 elements that they are little more than 
 heaps of rubbish. Some of the older ones were 
 built by the Gauls during the Dark Ages, and 
 afterwards repaired by the Romans when they took 
 possession of the country. All the older parts of 
 the city are built entirely of stone, causing the homes 
 to look much more like fortresses than dwellings. 
 Some of the churches are fine edifices, and the arch- 
 itecture, although of the earliest type, is still beau- 
 tiful and majestic. 
 
 The markets are also excellent, being conducted in 
 the neatest manner and supplied with the finest 
 fruits and vegetables. In the new part of the city 
 are several large hotels, a fine opera house, and a 
 long line of bathing pavilions, which are models of 
 neatness, besides beautiful residences built in the 
 most modern style. The city is the watering-place 
 of the wealthy families of Paris, snd during the 
 season it presents a most picturesque and animated 
 scene of beauty and wealth, both of which are dis- 
 played in a most lavish manner. 
 
 As the season was at its height when the Moul- 
 tons arrived, they were glad to find that a few days 
 would intervene before the sailing of their ship, 
 which they enjoyed in climbing over the fortifica-
 
 178 THESINBADMIl.'ES: 
 
 tions, gazing at the thousands of bathers, dressed 
 in the most brilliant of colors, either sporting in the 
 surf or reclining in the comfortable sedan chairs, 
 a luxury which the average American has never en- 
 joyed, nor is he liable to, as they are altogether too 
 unwieldy for a Yankee to think of moving about, 
 and as he is generally too independent to have ser- 
 vants assist him, they will probably remain, to him, 
 an unsolved mystery. 
 
 The marine view from the boulevard is one of 
 the grandest, as the straits are covered with all kinds 
 of craft, from the hundreds of black-sailed fishing 
 boats, hurrying home from a successful cruise or 
 speeding away in the gathering gloom, bearing the 
 hopes and prayers of wives and sweethearts, to the 
 great ocean steamers which are bearing their prec- 
 ious loads of human freight, numbered by hundreds 
 and thousands, far from their homes, or bringing 
 wandering children back to the parental roof and 
 the arms of loved ones. 
 
 Here, too, are hundreds of slaughter houses, which 
 flank the sea, in which are manufactured in great 
 quantities the delicious sausage which bears the 
 city's name, and is eaten by all the world, and which, 
 like its noble creator, "is fearfully and wonderfully 
 made." 
 
 It is morning, and at the rooms of the Moultons 
 all is confusion. Packages and bundles are con- 
 stantly arriving, and all must be packed and in readi- 
 ness for the baggageman, who is to call for them 
 soon after dinner. Mr. Moulton and Robert find 
 their hands full, and are rushing about re-packing 
 boxes and securing trunks and valises. Alice and 
 her mother are kept busy attending to the invoices
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 1/9 
 
 and seeing that all of their purchases have arrived, 
 while the children are in the market selecting fruit 
 for the voyage, which may be very acceptable to 
 those who will suffer from sea-sickness. 
 
 Just as dinner is announced the last package is 
 labled and sent to the quay, where they are to be 
 stowed in the hold of the lighter, which is to meet 
 the great ship as it comes down the channel. The 
 ship is expected in the evening, but a dispatch is 
 received from the company's office announcing that, 
 owing to a dense fog which has hung over the North 
 Sea all day, their ship has not yet passed Calais 
 Point, and that it will probably be late at night be- 
 fore it will reach the port. 
 
 After partaking of their last meal upon the land, 
 the Moultons return to the quay and gaze out upon 
 the broad expanse of water, where "The stately 
 ships go on to their haven under the hill," and as 
 they recall those touching lines from Tennyson they 
 almost seem to grasp the inspiration which caused 
 him to write them. As darkness settles over the 
 scene the wind begins to rise and a dismal rain sets 
 in, which causes the hours to drag heavily, and they 
 begin to wish for the cozy berths and welcome lights 
 of the great steamship which is lingering some- 
 where out in the darkness. Although they have 
 enjoyed their rambles very much, the thought of 
 home and friends makes them somewhat impatient 
 for its appearance. 
 
 Hours drag by on leaden wings, and long after 
 they have become tired of waiting they are ordered 
 to go aboard the lighter, and the little craft makes 
 out of her docks into the great ocean in search of 
 the steamer which is supposed to be in waiting
 
 l8o THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 somewhere in the impenetrable mist which has set- 
 tled down on all sides, and as the Channel is very 
 rough, the small boat is pitched about in a fearful 
 manner, and as it has become exceedingly dark, it 
 is difficult for Robert and Mr. Moulton to prevent 
 the children from being thrown against the gun- 
 wale of the boat, or even into the sea. It seems 
 almost a hopeless task for the pilot to make out the 
 location of the ship, as the wind has risen to a gale, 
 and the darkness has become so dense that lights 
 but a short distance away would not be discernible. 
 
 Just as the captain of the lighter is about to give 
 up the search, the sound of a fog whistle is heard 
 in the distance. This is recognized as a signal for 
 them, and a few minutes later a long row of port 
 lights is dimly seen a short distance ahead, and they 
 are soon lashed alongside the great floating palace 
 which looms up in the night like some huge lev- 
 iathan swarming with lilliputian life. All are soon 
 safely aboard, and after considerable delay Robert 
 succeeds in getting their baggage booked and stored 
 away, after which they retire to their state-rooms 
 and are soon wrapped in slumber. 
 
 The night passes so quickly that it seems to Rob- 
 ert he has but just retired when it is morning, and 
 making a hasty toilet, he hastens to the deck to find 
 it deserted. The sun is just rising from its watery 
 couch, and it is surrounded with a halo of haze and 
 banks of fleecy clouds, which betoken the near ap- 
 proach of a storm. In the west may be seen great 
 masses of dark clouds which, even at that distance, 
 produce a heavy swell, causing the ship to roll 
 with a slow, heavy motion, as if she already realized
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES l8l 
 
 the need of nerving herself for the approaching con- 
 test. 
 
 Storm petrels are hovering about the masthead, 
 while numbers of sea-gulls are circling about with 
 a frightened air, uttering shrill notes as though 
 in warning of approaching danger. Great schools 
 of dolphins and porpoises are sporting through the 
 crest of the waves and plunging about in the most 
 frolicsome manner, evidently greatly enjoying the 
 sport. 
 
 Officers are on the alert for any weakened cord- 
 age or other needed repairs, and are giving orders 
 in regard to furling of sails, which are promptly 
 executed by the nimble tars, who are skipping about 
 through the top in the most fearless manner. Life- 
 boats are supplied with fresh casks of water and 
 large drums of dry bread everything is done to 
 prepare for any emergency. 
 
 The breakfast gong sounds and Robert goes be- 
 low, to find Alice and her father at breakfast, the 
 remainder of the company not yet having arisen, 
 owing to the fact that they had been out so late the 
 previous night. The remainder of the passengers 
 are also enjoying the morning by a late nap, which 
 they very much need after the severe mental strain 
 to which they have been subjected for the past two 
 weeks in traveling and sightseeing. 
 
 As the day advances the passengers reach the deck, 
 to find a heavy sea on, which drenches the deck with 
 great volumes of water so frequently as to render 
 promenading almost equal to a full bath. This has 
 the effect of soon forcing all hands to the saloons 
 and cabins, where the day is spent in relating inci- 
 dents of travel and exchanging bits of bric-a-brac
 
 182 
 
 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 which have been collected from many foreign shores, 
 while in the smoker's cabin some traveler is relating 
 the latest anecdote, probably at the expense of a 
 most interested listener, while the greater part of 
 the enjoyment is had by the on-lookers. 
 
 The evening's entertainment is entered into with 
 unusual zest, the grand saloon being crowded to its 
 utmost, and although it requires the assistance of 
 several gentlemen for the performer to maintain 
 her position at the piano, she succeeds in rendering 
 some very creditable music. At its conclusion Rob- 
 ert escorts Miss Alice to the instrument, when she 
 accompanies him in rendering the following selec- 
 tion : 
 
 ONLY A DREAM OF LONG AGO. 
 
 I am dreaming to-night of my childhood's happy home ; 
 
 Of its waving fields and meadows, through which we used to 
 
 roam, 
 
 Where the daisies nodded gaily beside the dancing stream; 
 I can smell their fragrant odors ; I can see them in my dream. 
 
 Chorus: 
 
 Only a scene from my childhood's happy days 
 Only a chord from those many joyous lays 
 Only a name that I used so well to know 
 Only a dream of long, long ago! 
 
 I am dreaming to-night of the songs we used to sing 
 
 With the birds among the branches in the early morn of 
 
 spring, 
 When they filled the air with music from their tiny golden 
 
 throats ; 
 I can hear those echoes ringing; I can hear their silv'ry notes. 
 
 I am dreaming to-night of an angel's smiling face, 
 As she pressed me to her bosom in a mother's fond embrace ; 
 I can hear her treasured blessing as I heard it oft for years ; 
 I can see her smiling on me, even through my falling tears.
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 13 
 
 Readings, recitations and speeches were the 
 further order of exercises, and the evening passed 
 swiftly by until the sound of the ship's bell was 
 heard striking the first quarter of the first watch, 
 reminding them that the wee small hours had ar- 
 rived, when they repaired to their berths and were 
 soon lost in dreams which strangely commingled 
 the sacred echoes of Westminster Abbey and the 
 frolicsome mirth of the French saloon. 
 
 During the night the storm increases, and the 
 Moultons as well as other passengers are deprived 
 of their usual morning promenade. Alice is, how- 
 ever, so anxious to see the storm that Robert and 
 Charles, after gaining permission, succeeded in find- 
 ing a protected spot on the leeward side of the after- 
 cabin, to which she is assisted. Upon reaching it 
 they are in a position to view the wild beauties of 
 a storm at sea. 
 
 On the horizon may be seen several barks, their 
 masts inclined by the strain of the blast, their spars 
 nearly bare of sails, scudding along before the 
 storm, or with sails partly reefed and cut to the wind, 
 beating to quarters trying to advance against the 
 storm, or at least to hold their own in its face. The 
 waves have increased to a prodigious size and are 
 chasing each other across the sea with frightful 
 rapidity, each succeeding crest seemingly trying to 
 overreach its predecessor. 
 
 An occasional gleam of sunlight struggles through 
 a rift in the clouds and lights up the wild scene with 
 a strange and lurid glow, which is caught up by the 
 spray and lifted along the crest of the waves, draw- 
 ing a strange contrast with the deep and dark cav- 
 erns between them. The sound of the wind is om-
 
 THE SINBAD MINES 
 
 nious, and the gigantic blows which are repeatedly 
 dealt against the sides of the ship by the waves 
 make her tremble from stem to stern, and send her. 
 over so that her great spars are frequently dipped 
 into the foamy brine. 
 
 Few of the passengers leave their berths, as it is 
 unsafe to do so, especially for ladies and children, 
 as they would be almost certain to be thrown from 
 their feet against the furniture or walls of the state- 
 rooms. Refreshments are served in their apart- 
 ments, crockery and glassware being broken in the 
 most profligate manner. 
 
 As the afternoon advances the storm increases, 
 and huge masses of black clouds fill the western sky, 
 while distant thunder adds to the terror of the aspect. 
 The engines are working at forced speed in order to 
 keep her head to the wind and lessen the terrible 
 oscillations caused by the waves striking her bow 
 quartering. Darkness settles over the wild scene 
 long before sunset, and blinding flashes of lightning 
 are hurled athwart the murky sky, -frequently strik- 
 ing the steel cordage and descending to the apart- 
 ments below, lighting up the scene of confusion 
 with a dazzling and unearthly glow. 
 
 As night comes on two of the most sturdy sea- 
 men are sent to the "crow's nest," each supplied 
 with some dried meat and hard bread, where they 
 are securely lashed to their dangerous position half 
 way up the mast, to be continually jerked and swung 
 about in the most terrible manner; at one moment 
 being thrown over to one side so that they are nearly 
 in contact with the waves, and the next instant 
 swung through the arc of nearly half a circle to the
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 185 
 
 opposite side, with not a moment's rest or the hope 
 of relief for at least the next twenty-four hours. 
 
 They have volunteered for the position, however, 
 knowing full well that they must remain until the 
 storm subsides, as it will be impossible for anyone 
 to reach them after the sea rises, as it soon must do 
 under the terrific force of the present hurricane. 
 Through all the watchful hours of the terrible night 
 their brave voices are heard at every quarter-hour 
 ringing out over the uproar of the tempest : "All 
 is well!" 
 
 As the waves increase in size the vessel fairly 
 stands on her beam's end, and as she pitches over the 
 crest of each receding wave, her propeller being 
 raised from the water, the resistance is withdrawn, 
 and the engines being relieved of their load, the 
 shaft is driven with such tremendous rapidity that 
 it shakes her entire framework as though she was 
 in the throes of a terrible chill. This, of course, 
 lessens her progress, when she falls off and is in 
 imminent danger of rolling completely over, when 
 her screw is again immersed in the passing wave 
 as the ship sinks into the trough of the sea, when 
 she gradually rights herself, only to repeat this 
 maneuver again and again. 
 
 About midnight, as the Moultons lie in their 
 berths, the doors of which open into a small draw- 
 ing-room, momentarily expecting some terrible ac- 
 cident, suddenly the port whistle sends forth a deaf- 
 ening blast, which Robert recognizes as a signal to 
 some passing vessel. Straining his ears, he hears a 
 faint answer from the distance. Again the salute 
 and the answer a little louder than before. The 
 signals are repeated at short intervals until it seems
 
 186 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 as though the approaching ship must be directly in 
 front of them. When all at once their cabin is 
 flooded with light, and a long row of brilliantly il- 
 luminated ports passes them almost with the velocity 
 of an express train, and a receding salute assures 
 them that the danger is past. 
 
 During the excitement Mr. Moulton, Charles and 
 Robert make their way to the drawing-room, where 
 they stand awaiting the expected shock, endeavor- 
 ing to steady themselves by the assistance of the 
 railing which extends around it. The thought of 
 what might have been if a collision had taken place 
 causes the cold sweat to stand out upon their fore- 
 heads, as they realize that the dangers of a storm at 
 sea are many, and that no amount of care on the 
 part of the officers and crew can possibly insure the 
 avoidance of them all. 
 
 The two men would not have been so much con- 
 cerned about their own positions had they been alone, 
 but their anxiety was for the women and children, 
 whom they felt would be a terrible sacrifice should 
 they be lost. If they had only been safe on the land 
 there would have been very little anxiety felt by the 
 men, who had met danger in many forms, but know- 
 ing as they did that a life-boat could not live a mo- 
 ment in the terrible sea which was running moun- 
 tain high, and that all would be beyond human aid, 
 they fervently implored the omnipotent care of "Him 
 who stilled the waves of Galilee," believing that He 
 would care for His helpless children on the sea as 
 well as on the land. 
 
 Feeling somewhat comforted, Mr. Moulton re- 
 turned to his state-room, when Matie extended her 
 hand over the railing of the bunk and asked her
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 187 
 
 father if he was not afraid their boat was going to 
 drown, to which Mr. Moulton replied that he hoped 
 not, adding that she had better go to sleep; that 
 God was just as able to take care of them on the 
 ocean as He was at their own home, after which 
 he adjusted the broad straps which held her in the 
 berth and she went quietly to sleep. 
 
 Mr. Moulton then secured some of the hand- 
 bags, which had become loosened from their po- 
 sition and were being thrown about the room by the 
 violence of the pitching ship, and observing that all 
 the family were as comfortable as possible under 
 the circumstances, he braced himself in a corner and 
 waited for the hours to pass. 
 
 Outside the raging storm was something terrible 
 to listen to, as the great waves swept the deck, carry- 
 ing pieces of freight and broken wreckage with it, 
 which were thrown with great violence from one 
 side to the other as the ship labored in the trough 
 of the sea, while its mountain waves beat against 
 her iron ribs until her entire form trembled and 
 groaned as though enduring the most terrible agony. 
 It seemed impossible to the watchers that any crea- 
 tion of man could long endure the awful strain to 
 which the good ship was continually exposed, and 
 that it was only a matter of a little time when her 
 brave efforts must cease and the lives of all on board 
 go out in the darkness, while their bodies sank be- 
 neath the waves. 
 
 Down in the great furnace room it required a 
 double force of heavers to furnish the many fires 
 with sufficient coal, as they were working under a 
 great disadvantage, many of them suffering with 
 severe burns or contusions to which they were con-
 
 IOO THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 tinually subjected by the rolling of the ship, hurling 
 them against the hot furnace doors or in the way 
 of shovels in the hands of their comrades, who, un- 
 able to maintain their balance, often missed their 
 aim and hit them instead, as only about one shovel 
 of coal out of three could be landed in the fire, and 
 even these results required the utmost care and per- 
 severance. 
 
 The men did not complain, however, as long as 
 they were able to work at all, for well they knew 
 that if the steam was allowed to go down the great 
 engines would cease their mighty efforts, when the 
 ship would become unmanageable and all on board 
 must go to the bottom. But as it required the hand- 
 ling of more than one hundred tons of coal every 
 twenty-four hours to keep her great heart beating 
 at its maximum speed, it was a task which, under 
 the circumstances, was almost impossible to ac- 
 complish. 
 
 Every little while a disabled heaver would be 
 hoisted from the pit and conveyed to the hospital, 
 where his wounds were dressed, while another took 
 his place in front of the fires, where the heat is so 
 intense that it is impossible to handle the shovels 
 or other instruments without fire-proof gloves. 
 Dressed in nothing but overalls, leathern apron and 
 heavy boots, he exerts himself to the utmost for 
 four long hours, \vhen he is relieved, looking for all 
 the world like a crisp and blackened corpse, so cov- 
 ered is he with coal, while the many burns upon his 
 brawny arms give off the sickening odor of burning 
 flesh. 
 
 During his watch he has probably drunk three or 
 four gallons of sour whey, made from oatmeal and
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 189 
 
 water, and the perspiration has run in streams from 
 all parts of his body. Although he is bleeding and 
 exhausted, he makes no complaint, but is again 
 ready to repeat his former experience at the end of 
 his rest. 
 
 Truly, the great furnace room of an ocean steamer 
 during a storm is the most awful place to which 
 any human being willingly consigns himself, and 
 my admiration for those down in that fiery hell is 
 practically unbounded, for if there is anyone who 
 willingly offers his life for others it is he, as in the 
 event of an accident, of all on board, he stands the 
 least chance of being saved. He is the last to know 
 of it, probably never learning the particulars, as the 
 first warning that will come to him will be the roar 
 of the water as it rushes down the hatchways as the 
 ship plunges to the bottom. Days afterward, when 
 Ro1)ert repeated what he had seen below deck dur- 
 ing the storm, Mrs. Moulton exclaimed : 
 
 "May God grant to those who have so freely 
 risked their lives for us a bountiful reward from 
 Him who gave His own life for His enemies!" 
 
 To which Alice responded a fervent "Amen." 
 
 All members of the party, being thoroughly tired 
 out, fell into a troubled sleep, to be awakened at 
 short intervals by the shouts of the officers or the 
 terrible crash of a broken spar as it descended upon 
 the deck. So night wears on and morning finally 
 comes, with its cold, grey light, which is more dis- 
 mal, if possible, than the darkness, revealing as it 
 does the terrors of the storm more clearly. The 
 day is passed in the same manner as the night in 
 their berths with little food and less desire for it, 
 as the nervous strain has exhausted their energies
 
 IQO THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 to such an extent that a fever is induced, which is 
 accompanied by a severe headache. 
 
 It is learned that during the night all of the star- 
 board boats were washed away, and that consid- 
 erable damage has been done to the upper works, 
 one side of the bridge having been swept from its 
 position. Calculations made by the officers showed 
 that the forced efforts of the engines, the result of 
 a double gang of heavers, the watchful care of the 
 officers, and the prompt action of the crew had 
 succeeded in keeping the ship nearly in its course 
 and prevented it from losing ground ; in fact, it had 
 advanced some twenty-five miles during the past 
 twenty-four hours, and that in the face of a most ter- 
 rible hurricane the worst that had been encount- 
 ered for many years. 
 
 The air below deck is becoming almost stifling, as 
 the ports have been closed for the last two days, and 
 it seems to the Moultons that they must have air, 
 but as the passage-ways to the deck have been bar- 
 ricaded and bolted to keep out the waves, they have 
 to content themselves as best they may with the 
 promise of better weather on the morrow, which 
 Robert assures them will surely come, as he is in- 
 formed by the purser that the barometer in the fore- 
 castle is rapidly rising, showing that the storm- 
 center has been passed. 
 
 With the hope that they will again be permitted 
 to breathe the fresh air another night passes, and 
 as the morning hours approach the storm begins 
 to subside. When daylight dawns the wind veers 
 to the northwest, which rapidly reduces the waves 
 in size, so that by dinner time they are allowed to 
 open the ports to the leeward and enjoy the fresh
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES IQI 
 
 sea breeze, a luxury which cannot be appreciated 
 unless one has been confined below decks for sev- 
 eral days. 
 
 The sea now rapidly goes down, and by early even- 
 ing the huge oak doors are removed from the pas- 
 sage-ways and they are once more allowed to gather 
 on the leeward side and witness a glorious sunset 
 which, although there is a stiff gale blowing, gives 
 promise of fair weather. 
 
 The morrow is all that the most sanguine minds 
 have painted it, and it is welcomed by the weary, 
 sea-sick passengers with feelings of true thankful- 
 ness. Faded cheeks begin to flush again, while hope 
 is taking the place of despair on the care-worn faces 
 of those who had nearly given up hope. 
 
 At breakfast a sumptuous meal is partaken of 
 with a zest that is accelerated by an almost contin- 
 uous fast for the past three days. The morning is 
 spent in searching the horizon for wrecks, several 
 of which are made out, but as there are no signs of 
 life about them the ship keeps on its course. Soon 
 after dinner they are sighted by a pilot who has been 
 looking for them for the last twenty-four hours. 
 He has been blown out to sea by the storm, hundreds 
 of miles from his usual position, but the passengers 
 are hardly sorry, as they are very glad to see him 
 and his tiny boat, which "lays to" nearly in front 
 of the great ship, which is making toward it at the 
 rate of over eighteen miles an hour, and it seems as 
 though the tiny craft must be run down. 
 
 But the pilot has calculated his distance to a 
 nicety, and just before they reach him his gig is 
 dropped off and floats alongside, when a rope ladder 
 is thrown from the gunwhale, and as it glides by his
 
 IQ2 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 boat is seized by the hearty seamen, while the pilot 
 scrambles to the deck. He is met at the railing 
 by the captain, who greets him with a hearty wel- 
 come, after which he distributes papers to the anx- 
 ious passengers and recites his experience with the 
 storm, which he has been weathering for the past 
 week, adding that the loss of life must have been 
 great, and that the hurricane was one of the most 
 violent he had ever witnessed. 
 
 When asked by one of the ladies if he was not 
 afraid to be out in such a storm in so small a boat, 
 he replied that he would rather risk his life in a 
 good pilot boat than on the best steamship which 
 ever plowed the waves of the Atlantic, as he be- 
 lieved he would be in much less danger; that he 
 often pitied those who were aboard the great ships, 
 for if any accident should happen to them there 
 was little probability of anyone living to tell the 
 tale, as they must immediately go to the bottom with 
 all on board, while a pilot boat would float just as 
 well after being capsized as before, from the fact 
 that the large air chambers with which it is provided 
 render it very buoyant, while the little crew might 
 be able to keep afloat and fairly comfortable until 
 they were picked up after the storm had subsided, 
 or they might even right themselves and reach port 
 but little the worse for their ducking. 
 
 At supper the tables are loaded with the best the 
 locker contains, while a great silver punch bowl is 
 presided over by the genial captain, whose face 
 beams with pleasure as he serves the sparkling nec- 
 tar to his many happy guests. 
 
 The succeeding days pass swiftly by, and early 
 on the morning of the twelfth day out from port
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES IQ3 
 
 several land birds alight in the rigging, apprising 
 them of their near approach to their native land. 
 As they strain their eyes westward there slowly 
 arises from the water line what at first appears a 
 bank of clouds, but which soon takes the form of 
 blue hills, wreathed in a purple haze, at the lower 
 margin of which can be made out the great hotels 
 at Far Rockaway and Coney Island. 
 
 As the beautiful Stars and Stripes are unfurled 
 from the masthead, which has until this time been 
 carrying the flag of Holland, loud cheers arise from 
 the upper decks, which are joined in by hundreds of 
 emigrants in the steerage as heartily as by the Amer- 
 icans, although but few of them ever saw the coun- 
 try to which they are so anxious to swear allegiance. 
 It is a very touching sight to the Moultons to see 
 these poor people, who have left the fatherland of 
 their birth, even before they know anything of its 
 advantages, so anxious to become citizens of this, 
 the most glorious upon which the sun shines, and it 
 makes the heart of every true American beat with 
 pride as he compares the advantages of his own 
 country with those of any other, either of the past 
 or present. 
 
 While there is a great deal to be learned from 
 visiting the old world, many of the lessons taught 
 are upon the dark side of the picture. Especially is 
 this true of the poorer classes, as many of the mag- 
 nificent edifices, churches and monuments which 
 adorn the great cities of the old world are the direct 
 result of the crushing taxation of the poor. There 
 is no country where personal effort and individual 
 worth are recognized as they are here. Individuals 
 there are born to their heritage, be it high or low, 
 13
 
 194 THE SIN BAD MINES: 
 
 and it is absolutely impossible for the lower classes 
 to better their condition. 
 
 Here in America, we make our own position in 
 life very nearly as we like, creating opportunities if 
 need be, and there is no gift within the power of the 
 people that the most humble may not aspire to. 
 There is but one country upon the whole green earth 
 where man is born with all the advantages, privi- 
 leges and possibilities of the most exalted citizen- 
 ship within his reach, which the great Creator in- 
 tended should be the rightful heritage of man, and 
 that is the land which, under the protection of its 
 loyal sons and daughters, we are proud to call "our 
 own America!" 
 
 They soon arrive at quarantine, but as they show 
 a clean bill of health they are not detained, and early 
 in the evening their good ship reaches its wharf, 
 where they again set foot on "terra firma," thankful 
 that the Great Father has cared for His wandering 
 children, and that they are once more privileged to 
 enjoy the manifold blessings which are associated 
 with, and in the aggregate constitute, the most sa- 
 cred of all places, to the American at least home! 
 
 HOME 
 
 Home ! 'Tis the fairest heaven under the vaulted sky, 
 Filled with the rarest treasures joys that can never die; 
 Blessings that naught but Heaven can ever again replace ; 
 Of love that was born in Eden ; of hate, not the slightest trace. 
 
 There are the burdens lifted, for peace is dwelling there : 
 Laughter and song the whole day long; at evening the thank- 
 ful prayer ; 
 
 Rest from the toil and trials ; a smiling face at the door. 
 Home what a place to worship ! May we love it evermore.
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES IQ5 
 
 In front of the blazing fagots, with our babies upon our knee, 
 When the dusk of the evening settles over the fading lee, 
 We tell them childish stories or hear their simple tales, 
 Till the flame dies out in the embers, and the moon up the 
 heavens sails. 
 
 Then, kissing each throbbing temple, we carry them off to bed. 
 Where the mother breathes a blessing as she soothes each 
 
 weary head, 
 
 Beaming with fond devotion (as she leaves them side by side), 
 As fair as in years long vanished, when first she became my 
 
 bride. 
 
 Can Heaven bestow more blessings as precious as these I hold ? 
 Can honor or worldly pleasure aye ! fabulous heaps of gold 
 Purchase the jewels I treasure, and leave me the world to 
 
 roam? 
 No ! Not for the wealth of Croesus would I sell my love of 
 
 home.
 
 ig6 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 CHAPTER IX 
 
 CALLING a 'bus, they are driven to the 
 International Hotel, opposite the post- 
 office, where they retire early, greatly 
 feeling the need of rest after the trying or- 
 deal through which they have passed. After din- 
 ner the following day Mr. Moulton and Robert re- 
 turn to the Custom House, and securing their bag- 
 gage, have it inspected and order it conveyed to the 
 Grand Central Depot. 
 
 Upon reaching the hotel, Robert attempts to say 
 good-bye to his friends, as he expects to leave them 
 and immediately start for Denver, but upon disclos- 
 ing his plans they all insist that he must return with 
 them to Boston and spend a few days in their coun- 
 try home at Needham, which he finally agrees to, 
 as Alice is very anxious that he shall meet some of 
 her friends, as well as enjoy the comfort of her old 
 home for at least a few days. 
 
 Securing tickets and staterooms in a Pullman that 
 is to make the run to Boston over the Shore Line, 
 they reach the city at an early hour the next morn- 
 ing in time to connect with the Boston and Albany 
 for Needham. At the depot they are met by the 
 family coachman, reaching the home of the Moultons 
 in time for an early dinner. 
 
 Robert is delighted with the place a mansion 
 shaded with great spreading trees, situated in the
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES IQ7 
 
 midst of a beautiful lawn and commanding a fine 
 view the most delightful residence which he has 
 ever seen, and it seems strange to him that anyone, 
 for any consideration, would leave it. As he ex- 
 pressed these thoughts in words to Miss Alice, she 
 replied that she was inclined to think he was trying 
 to make her repent of her promise to accompany 
 him to the West, but added that she was willing to 
 forsake even her childhood home for the happiness 
 which she hoped to enjoy in helping him to make 
 another happy home for themselves and others, and 
 although it might not be as beautiful as the one she 
 was to leave, it should be one where happiness and 
 love should dwell, and where they might enjoy the 
 association of each other, together with their friends. 
 Whereupon, seating himself by her side, Robert ex- 
 pressed his deep love for her in the following beau- 
 tiful sentiments, accompanying his voice with a 
 guitar : 
 
 MY LOVE DIVINE 
 
 Before you came to light my way 
 My life was dark, without one ray ; 
 But now your eyes are brighter far 
 Than all the gems of India are ! 
 
 Chorus: 
 
 My life, my hope, my love divine. 
 It is for me those bright eyes shine ! 
 Oh ! May they not be dimmed by tears, 
 But brighter grow through all the years ! 
 
 Love's brightest dreams are now my own. 
 For life's dull cares from me have flown, 
 While in my heart that once was cold 
 Thy warmest love I'll ever hold. 
 
 Thy life shall be one perfect day, 
 With love to cheer thee on thy way, 
 And when the evening-tide has come 
 His love shall guide us safely home.
 
 198 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 Robert spent several weeks enjoying pleasant 
 drives through the surrounding towns of Waltham, 
 Dedham, Auburndale and Wellsley, with an occas- 
 ional excursion to some of the many beaches for 
 which the New England coast is famous. The first 
 of these was the most novel to Robert, as it was 
 something out of his former experience. Boarding 
 the cars early one morning, their party soon rolled 
 into the Boston and Albany depot, where they take 
 the street cars to Row's wharf. Here the harbor 
 boat "Johns Hopkins" is in waiting, ready to carry 
 the excursionists to Nantasket beach by the way of 
 Hull and Hingham, popular resort hotels. Reach- 
 ing Nantasket, they proceed to the pavilion, and 
 leaving wraps and bundles, they stroll down the 
 beach in search of curious shells and whatever may 
 interest them, while the children amuse themselves 
 playing in the white sand with which the beach is 
 covered. 
 
 Robert and Charles, after a little consultation, 
 conclude that it is an opportunity for them to take a 
 swim which should not be lost, so getting the con- 
 sent of the ladies for a short leave of absence, they 
 soon return equipped in bathing suits. Mr. Moul- 
 ton is somewhat anxious about Robert's ability to 
 swim in that kind of water, and he advises him that 
 he had better not venture out very far, as he may 
 meet with some accident, to which Robert replies 
 that he is perfectly at home in the water; that his 
 experience in swimming many mountain torrents in 
 the Rockies has been such that he can certainly man- 
 age himself in water which is as quiet as this, adding, 
 however, that he is obliged for the advice. His 
 friends are surprised and pleased to see how power-
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 1 99 
 
 fully he swims, and that his forced education in the 
 water has been turned to good account. 
 
 It is quite late for dinner when they return, and 
 all are beginning to feel the need of refreshments, 
 as they partook of a hasty breakfast. Robert in- 
 quires where they are to dine, when he is informed 
 by Alice that dinner is ready; that she has an old 
 friend who lives a little way up the beach who is 
 to provide them with a regular Cape Cod dinner; 
 that it is her turn to do the honors, and finishes by 
 inviting them to dine with her. 
 
 The invitation is quickly accepted, and a few min- 
 utes' walk brings them to the door of a cottage a 
 typical fisherman's abode. The roof is covered with 
 great fishing nets, while the beach in front is strewn 
 with all kinds of implements used by the toilers of 
 the sea, among which are lobster traps, oyster rakes, 
 slickers, and many other articles which are entirely 
 new to Robert, besides several large boats which 
 seem to him much too heavy for one man to manage. 
 
 The door is partially open, and from within float 
 fragrant odors which cause the hungry excursion- 
 ists to quicken their pace. Alice, who is a little in 
 front of them, swings back the door, and there be- 
 fore them, spread on a plain pine table covered with 
 white linen, is a most tempting and fragrant meal, 
 of which they are invited to partake by a motherly 
 old lady, who addresses Alice as "my dear child," 
 adding : 
 
 "I have done the best I could with the short notice 
 you were obliged to give me. However, James 
 happened to return from his traps earlier than usual 
 this morning, and as he had a good catch for which
 
 200 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 I am so thankful I have nearly all that I 
 wished for." 
 
 Robert assured her that she had all that any reas- 
 onable person ought to wish for, and that it cer- 
 tainly was the most tempting meal he had ever sat 
 down to. As all were very hungry, their conversa- 
 tion was rather limited until their appetites had 
 been somewhat satisfied, when Robert decides he 
 will just note what is included in the bill-of-fare of 
 a Cape Cod dinner. He finds it, in this instance, to 
 be composed of the following: Clam chowder and 
 lobster salad, broiled Spanish mackerel with cran- 
 berry sauce, baked blue fish, roasted razor-back 
 clams, fricaseed shrimps, baked potatoes, blueberry 
 pudding, coffee and iced milk all of the very best, 
 and done to a turn. After they have eaten until 
 they are decidedly uncomfortable, they return to the 
 boat and are soon at their own gate, feeling that 
 they have enjoyed another day to its utmost capacity. 
 
 The days and weeks pass but too quickly, and 
 long before Robert has finished his visit the time of 
 his departure is near at hand, and after having been 
 promised by Mr. Moulton that they will meet him 
 in Denver by the first of December, and Alice has 
 returned the Bible to his care, insisting that as he 
 has kept it so long he will feel lonesome without it, 
 to which Robert readily assents, adding that when 
 he returns it the next time it will be with the under- 
 standing that although he gives up possession of the 
 book, he will retain the giver as hostage for its safe 
 keeping. 
 
 As this is to be the last night that Robert will be 
 with them for some time, the whole family sit up 
 until quite late discussing their future plans and re-
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 201 
 
 hearsing some of the many incidents of their travel. 
 After the rest of the family have retired, Robert and 
 Alice sit by the flickering grate and build castles for 
 the future, anticipating the happiness which is to 
 come to them in their new home in the far West, 
 not heeding the hours which fly by too swiftly, until 
 they are apprised of the approach of day, the first 
 beams of which stream in at the eastern window. 
 
 After partaking of a breakfast which is swallowed 
 with considerable difficulty, especially by the lovers, 
 and a fervent "God bless you!" from Mrs. Moulton, 
 the remainder of the family accompany Robert and 
 Charles, who has decided to return with Robert, to 
 the depot where Mr. Moulton bids them farewell. 
 Alice, glowing with pride as she gazes upon her 
 lover, imprints a warm kiss upon his lips and bids 
 him au revoir, assuring him that they will contin- 
 ually be with him in their thoughts until they meet 
 in their new home. 
 
 Then turning to her brother, she admonishes him 
 to be careful of his health, and to be sure to follow 
 the advice of Robert, as he is acquainted with the 
 ways of the people with whom they will come in 
 contact, and can consequently advise him properly. 
 Charles replies that he is only a visitor, and that he 
 will try to attend to his host's wishes. At this junc- 
 ture the bell rings and the two young men board the 
 train, which immediately pulls out of the depot. As 
 it rounds the curve they catch a last sight of Mr. 
 Moulton and Alice, who are still waving their hand- 
 kerchiefs to them as the train bears them rapidly 
 from their view. 
 
 The next morning finds them in Syracuse, where 
 they change cars for Cortland, as Robert wishes to
 
 2O2 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 make his father a short visit, as he fears it may be 
 his last opportunity of seeing him, as the old gen- 
 tleman is rapidly descending the hill of life. When 
 they reach the depot they decide to walk to the farm, 
 as that will give them a chance to straighten their 
 limbs and enjoy the beautiful weather as well as the 
 gorgeous colors of the woods, which have but re- 
 cently been touched by the early frost. 
 
 OCTOBER 
 
 When winter breathes upon the summer air 
 
 And paints the woods in colors rich and rare ; 
 
 When through the trees the purple smoke ascends 
 
 And to the languid breeze its odor lends ; 
 
 When from the North the fowls come drifting South, 
 
 And all the fields are seared with blighted drouth; 
 
 When hurrying to the tropics far away, 
 Old Sol so promptly takes his wonted way ; 
 And part of day is lost in lengthened night, 
 Which glows with diamonds pure and bright ; 
 When Boreas lights with flame the polar sky, 
 And through the swaying limbs the wind doth sigh, 
 
 Dame Nature dons her leafed and faded cap 
 And goes to sleep a long and peaceful nap ; 
 Then o'er the hills a blanket soft is spread 
 Of glistening snow, as though to robe the dead. 
 The waning year is fading, chill and sober 
 The flowers of summer droop; it is October. 
 
 Upon reaching the homestead Robert is very much 
 grieved to find that his father is suffering from a 
 severe cold, with a tendency to congestion of the 
 lungs. A physician is at once called, and after mak- 
 ing a careful examination, informs Robert that he 
 is afraid his father has taken to his bed for the last 
 time, as there are marked symptoms of pneumonia, 
 and that at his advanced age there is little hope of his
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 203 
 
 recovery. Whereupon Robert decides to remain 
 with him and soothe his journey to the grave as 
 best he can, and as the old gentleman does not 
 appear to suffer very much, Robert and Charles en- 
 tertain him with an account of their travels abroad, 
 to which the sick man listens with evident pleasure. 
 
 In spite of all that can be done for him the dis- 
 ease runs a rapid course, and as Robert sits watch- 
 ing his aged father's features as they change under 
 the dull influence of the pain from which he is 
 suffering, his father, summoning his fast-failing 
 strength, inquires if he is now really happy, having 
 succeeded in life; to which Robert replies that he 
 is happy, but that it is not the possession of money 
 that makes him so. 
 
 Then he tells his father of Alice ; that he has not 
 only found her, but that she has promised to become 
 his wife, and that they are to be married on the fol- 
 lowing Christmas, adding that he hopes he will Be 
 well enough to be with them at that time. Mr. 
 Smith turns his eyes full upon his son and, extend- 
 ing his thin, trembling hand, places it upon Robert's 
 head, fervently saying: 
 
 "God bless you, my son, and may He bless thy 
 companion ; may your lives be as happy throughout 
 the years to come as is mine now, that I know you 
 are happy and I forgiven. I am tired now, and 
 want to rest." As he seemed to be suffering for 
 breath, Robert raised his head, when he added : 
 
 "Lay me by the side of mother, and sometimes 
 come and kneel above us as vou did above her when 
 you came home." 
 
 Robert still listened, but the voice had ceased his 
 father was dead.
 
 2O4 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 After the funeral was over, and arrangements had 
 been made for the care of the farm, which was to 
 be kept in trust by the aunt who had taken charge 
 of his father, Robert and Charles again started for 
 the West, reaching Denver on a cold morning in the 
 latter part of October to find Jack at the depot, as he 
 had learned through friends of the company that 
 Robert was to come in on that train, and he had 
 come down to welcome him back. Jack explained 
 that he was called to the city in the interest of a 
 railroad scheme that was being agitated, of having 
 a broad gauge track over the Divide into the valley 
 of the Grand, and that it might be extended to 
 Salt Lake. 
 
 Robert was surprised to see how rapidly the city 
 at the foot of the Rockies had grown during his 
 absence, and he hardly knew what to make of his 
 friend's talk about another railroad, as it seemed 
 such a short time since the first road was completed 
 that he could not possibly conceive what they wanted 
 of another so soon. Jack told him that things had 
 gone on with such rapid strides since his departure 
 that he would not recognize the little camp at the 
 Junction, as it had grown out of all expectation, and 
 that even those who lived there all the time could 
 hardly keep up with it rapid progress, adding that 
 the mines were just humming and that they had 
 been increasing their output ever since he left. 
 
 He also stated that they had opened up rich 
 veins in several levels, and that fine placer fields had 
 been discovered and located near the mouth of West 
 Creek right in the trail, and that there was a strong 
 probability of a railroad being built to the mines, 
 that the company had, in fact, already floated bonds
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 20$ 
 
 for that purpose ; that the extension of the line from 
 Grand Junction to Salt Lake was also a certainty, 
 and that work was even now being done on the 
 grade. 
 
 He further went on to say that some of the most 
 gigantic schemes were on foot to water the benches 
 above the valley, as well as the land along the river, 
 when they would be planted to fruit trees, as it had 
 been found that peaches, as well as many other kinds 
 of semi-tropical fruits, bore remarkably well, and 
 that the product was superior in all respects to that 
 of California; that the trees were very prolific, and 
 that they fruited very young, in short, that it was. 
 a well established fact that the Grand valley was the 
 ideal fruit country of the Western slope. 
 
 Upon a visit to the stock exchange Robert is sur- 
 prised to find that "The Sinbad" mining stock has 
 advanced more than a hundred per cent, since he 
 went away, and that his own private bank account 
 is assuming magnificent proportions. Contemplat- 
 ing these great changes, he begins seriously to ques- 
 tion his senses, but is assured by Jack that his mind 
 is undoubtedly sound, and that he will soon fully 
 appreciate the fact that he never overestimated trie 
 value of their mining property, nor the great possi- 
 bilities of the valley of the Grand, and that he had 
 better prepare himself for some great surprises, as 
 he is sure to meet them. 
 
 Charles is delighted with Denver, "the gem of 
 the Rockies," but is very anxious to go on to Gran'd 
 Junction and the mines. So after Robert attends 
 to some personal business which has accumulated 
 during his absence, all is fairly ready and they are 
 on their way to the new "El Dorado," and as their
 
 2C>6 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 train winds about through the deep gorges after 
 having entered the foot-hills, Charles is struck with 
 the grandeur of the scenery. Having visited the 
 Alps, and indeed having made an extensive tour of 
 them, he perceives that the contrast is great; that 
 the Rockies are on a much grander scale, distances 
 vastly greater, altitudes being reckoned in thous- 
 ands instead of hundreds of feet, while the walls of 
 the canons are painted in the brightest hues. 
 
 As he compares the scenes through which they 
 are passing, Charles is convinced that the Alps, al- 
 though they are adorned with many artificial em- 
 bellishments in the shape of vineyards and great 
 hotels, do not compare in natural beauty with the 
 grand old Rockies, and it seemed strange to him 
 that so many Americans w r ould annually go abroad 
 to study the wonders of nature when but a small 
 per cent, of them have seen one tithe of the won- 
 ders of their own land, which far exceeds in gran- 
 deur and vastness anything which may be seen in 
 any of the European countries. Where else in the 
 world is there a pass over which cars are gliding at 
 an altitude of more than twelve thousand feet, far 
 above the clouds, with a smoothness which allows 
 the glasses to be filled to the brim while the mile 
 posts are passing at the rate of forty-five an 
 hour where the train fairly flies around the edges 
 of precipices, or climbs up grades which are little 
 less than hills, to slide down into the next valley with 
 almost lightning rapidity, with but little jar and 
 the utmost safety? 
 
 As they proceed Charles becomes more and more 
 interested in the sublime scenery about them, and 
 begins to blame Robert for not telling him more
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 207 
 
 about the wonderful country, which he now by mere 
 accident is looking upon. Robert replies that it is 
 not safe for a Western man to tell the whole truth, 
 as it would surely ruin his reputation, in the East 
 at least, as there would be comparatively few who 
 would believe one-half of the truth, as it is generally 
 understood that Western people are addicted to ex- 
 aggerating ; that even nature in the Rockies misrep- 
 resents things ; that distance and altitudes as well as 
 many other natural phenomena are not what they 
 seem, at least to a novice. 
 
 At the time Charles does not appreciate the joke, 
 or the force of the statement which his friend had 
 made, but in after years, when relating experiences 
 or describing the wonderful scenery of the West to 
 his Eastern friends, he often recalled Robert's ad- 
 vice and saved himself many unjust criticisms. 
 
 Early the next morning they reach Gunnison, a 
 small town of a dozen houses, after which the run 
 to Grand Junction is completed in better time than 
 was expected, as it is a water grade most of the 
 distance down the Gunnison river, and they reach the 
 city before dark. 
 
 As Robert steps to the platform he is astonished 
 to see the immense crowd at the depot, and doubly 
 so when he learns that he is the center of attraction. 
 He is about to inquire the meaning of all the com- 
 motion when his hand is seized by Erve, who shakes 
 it until Robert begs for its release, only to have it 
 grasped by another and another of his friends, who 
 fairly fall over each other in their haste to welcome 
 him home. 
 
 They are, however, interrupted by Happy, who 
 has mounted a dry goods box, and in a very brief but
 
 208 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 characteristic speech informs the crowd that it is 
 most fitting and proper on this occasion, which he 
 considers to be of the utmost importance, to welcome 
 home one who has done more both for the present 
 and future welfare of the metropolis of the Western 
 Slope than any other living man, finishing by pro- 
 posing three cheers for Mr. Robert Smith, the hon- 
 orable president of "The Sinbad Mining and Mill- 
 ing Company." Instantly hands and hats are thrown 
 in the air, which reverberates with three hearty 
 cheers. 
 
 As soon as Robert can recover himself sufficiently, 
 he thanks them for their hearty reception and as- 
 sures them that he is indeed grateful to be among 
 them again, and that their expressions of good-will 
 are deeply appreciated. After Robert had ceased 
 speaking Charles wants to know if he is a royal 
 personage among his townsmen, to which Robert 
 replies that there is no more true and warm-hearted 
 people in any country than are the inhabitants of 
 the Western mining camps; that they never forget 
 their friends, and that all new-comers are welcomed 
 and believed to be the best of fellows until they 
 prove themselves otherwise, when they are generally 
 invited to leave the country, which advice if not 
 heeded, frequently results in a decided shortening of 
 their earthly existence. 
 
 Robert learns that all the boys from the mines 
 have come in to welcome him back, and that they 
 have prepared a reception for him at the new hotel 
 which has been built during his absence. As he 
 proceeds up the street he can hardly believe his own 
 eyes, so great has been the change, as several sub- 
 stantial bank buildings have been erected and shade
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 2OQ 
 
 trees planted, while the population has doubled at 
 least a dozen times. At the hotel there is a large 
 assemblage, a large part of whom are strangers to 
 Robert, but who have become valued citizens dur- 
 ing his absence, and who welcome him as heartily as 
 any of his old associates. 
 
 Speeches and toasts are delivered over the table 
 and many new projects discussed in regard to further 
 development of the new country ; propositions which 
 are so far in advance of what Robert had thought 
 possible a few months before that it seems to him 
 that time itself is being outdone, and that they are 
 already in the midst of a great metropolis, as among 
 the plans proposed are water works, railroads, ex- 
 tensive fruit orchards, and many other great enter- 
 prises. It is announced at the tables that the nec- 
 essary funds for the construction of the Midland 
 railroad have been raised, and that the second broad- 
 gauge to Denver will soon be a realized fact. 
 
 Robert introduces his companion as Mr. Charles 
 Moulton, his future brother-in-law, who has come 
 West with him to help develop the country, which 
 will some day, in the not-distant future, become the 
 garden of the Western Slope. When Robert stops 
 speaking some one proposes the health of the future 
 brother-in-law, which is immediately amended so as 
 to include the very good health and happiness of his 
 fortunate sister. 
 
 Charles responds that, speaking for himself he is 
 very glad to meet with so many friends and partici- 
 pate in their good-will and hospitality, but for his 
 sister, as she is not present, he will respectfully re- 
 fer them to their distinguished guest, Mr. Robert 
 Smith, who he believes can answer for her. Shouts 
 14
 
 2IO THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 for Robert from all parts of the room bring that gen- 
 tleman to his feet, only to say that as for the young 
 man's sister, she would undoubtedly be glad to see 
 the hearty reception which they accord him on her 
 account, and that he, in her stead, wishes to thank 
 them heartily. He further assures them that the 
 lady will soon be with them and return their well 
 wishes. 
 
 The succeeding day is spent in getting ready for 
 a trip to the mines. Instead of a pack-train being 
 fitted out as formerly, large ore wagons are drawn 
 up in front of the hotel and Robert is informed by 
 Erve that the time for pack-trains to Sinbad is 
 past, for the first half of the way at least, as they 
 have built a good road that distance, and will un- 
 doubtedly finish it to the mines within the next 
 few months. 
 
 They are soon on the road which Robert has 
 traveled so many times before, and when night 
 comes it find them at the end of the completed 
 road, where there is a large gang of men and teams 
 at work grading and plowing, while another gang 
 further down the canon are blasting away the great 
 rocks for the continuation of the ore road, which 
 is being built in the most substantial manner, as the 
 loads which are to be hauled over it will be exceed- 
 ingly heavy and the wear great. 
 
 After they turn into their blankets Charles asks 
 Robert if that is the way that business is generally 
 done in the West, adding that if it is the usual 
 custom in this country to do things first and think 
 of them afterwards it is just the place in which he 
 wishes to live, as it makes him tired to think. 
 
 Robert explains that some one must have thought
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 211 
 
 first, but that they did not waste much time in ask- 
 ing the opinion of any uninterested person about 
 the matter, but at once put into form their thoughts ; 
 that the accomplished facts were only their thoughts 
 in a material form ; that little attention was paid to 
 theories or even the best established rule, as com- 
 mon sense was at a premium, and that what it was 
 necessary to accomplish was the thing done, even 
 if it was to run a railroad grade where it was ut- 
 terly impossible for an engine to climb, as in that 
 case an engine would immediately be constructed 
 which would not only climb it, but pull a great train 
 after it. That the necessity assured the accomplish- 
 ment. 
 
 As they pass the advance construction gang the 
 next morning Robert is cheered again and again by 
 the men who recognize him, and who are working 
 as though their future happiness depends upon the 
 amount of work they accomplish before sun-down, 
 and as though they were directly interested in its 
 completion, as indeed they are, for each man realizes 
 a profit from the amount made by the company each 
 year besides his regular wages. 
 
 As they are moving past the mouth of Ute Creek 
 and "Robber's Point," Charles is told of the exciting 
 scenes which have taken place there, while Erve 
 shows him the scar in the rock where the bullet "that 
 didn't kill him" flattened out, remarking that it 
 was not due to any fault of his that he is still around 
 to tell of it, as he had disobeyed an order which 
 usually meant death in those parts. 
 
 When the mouth of the valley is reached on the 
 evening of the second day, and the many columns 
 of smoke can be seen rising from the black throats
 
 212 T H E S I K B A D MINES: 
 
 of the roasting ovens, while the air is resonant with 
 a mighty rumbling sound from the crushers, fre- 
 quently emphasized by powerful concussions of giant 
 powder, Charles turns to his companion and inquires 
 if all of this great plant is the result of only a few 
 years' labor ; to which Erve responds that five years 
 ago there was not a dollar's worth of improvements 
 in the entire valley; that it was the peaceful home 
 of the deer and buffalo, and that what he now sees 
 is the result of Western push and determination on 
 the part of everyone interested to do the very best 
 possible. 
 
 A few days after their arrival, upon urgent re- 
 quest, Charles accepts the position of bookkeeper 
 for the mines, which he fills for many years, becom- 
 ing a great favorite with the men as well as the 
 owners. 
 
 After calling a general meeting of the company, 
 including all of the operatives, Robert thanks them 
 for the satisfactory manner in which they have con- 
 ducted the business of the company, as well as the 
 way in which each laborer has applied himself to 
 every detail of his task during his absence, closing 
 his remarks with the assurance that the financial re- 
 sults will be satisfactory to all interested, as the per- 
 centage of clear profit will be very nearly equal to 
 their regular wages, and that said amount, together 
 with their accumulated wages, will be paid them in 
 full on the next regular pay-day. 
 
 Previously he has informed the management of 
 his approaching wedding, and that he expects to 
 bring his wife to the new city to help him enjoy the 
 prosperity which they have been instrumental in 
 bringing to him; that the wedding will take place
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 213 
 
 on Christmas day, and that he asks as a special favor 
 that all the works be shut down for at least a week, 
 so that the men may enjoy a holiday and be enter- 
 tained during the time, wholly at his expense. As 
 this is agreeable to the other members of the com- 
 pany, Happy is detailed to deliver the invitations, 
 which are afterwards found to be an imperative 
 order, which reads : 
 
 SINBAD MINING DISTRICT 
 
 December 17. 
 
 NOTICE is hereby given that these works will be shut 
 down on the 20th inst. for the remainder of the year to 
 undergo repairs, which will not be commenced until the first 
 of January next. In the meantime no work will be required 
 of any of the boys except to draw their pay and attend the 
 wedding of the president of this company, which will take 
 place in the City of Grand Junction on Christmas day, the 
 25th of the present month. Pay for the entire month, with 
 accruing interest, will be drawn on the evening of the 2ist. 
 All men employed about these works will be in their ap- 
 pointed places dressed in their best, as no excuse will be 
 accepted. (Signed) "HAPPY." 
 
 By order of the Company. 
 
 These notices were found posted up about the 
 works and at the different shafts of the mine, which, 
 when they had been read by the men, produced a 
 very noticeable effect, as they highly appreciated 
 the opportunity of enjoying a holiday, especially as 
 they were to lose no time, or be at any expense. Be- 
 sides, it would be something entirely new in the ex- 
 perience of many of them, as an event like a great 
 wedding had never been thought of by 'some of 
 them, much less taken part in. 
 
 Robert then returned to the city, and securing a 
 desirable piece of land, began the erection of his
 
 214 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 future home. Jack, although long before having 
 given up the business, consented to act as master- 
 builder. In a short time the material was on the 
 ground and as many men engaged upon its construc- 
 tion as could well be handled. As the timber was 
 purchased ready dressed, it was but a short time be- 
 fore a fine two-story cottage of ten rooms was wait- 
 ing for its occupants. 
 
 Trees were planted and walks laid, which ren- 
 dered the home very attractive, as well as insuring 
 an abundance of fruit in the near future. A flower 
 garden was also laid out and preparations made for 
 a lawn, which was a decided innovation upon the 
 Great American Desert, but which is soon to blos- 
 som like a rose, and which, like the fabled land of 
 promise, is to "flow with milk and honey," where 
 the happy and contented residents may literally "sit 
 in the shade of their own vine and fig tree," while 
 the orchards which surround them shall add rap- 
 idly to their increasing wealth. 
 
 As Robert contemplates the beautiful picture 
 spread out before him it seems to him that with 
 these surroundings and the companionship of so 
 many true friends, together with unexceptional 
 health, it would indeed be a most exacting and sel- 
 fish person who could be otherwise than happy ; but 
 as he analyzes his feelings he is forced to the con- 
 clusion that even with all of these comforts and bless- 
 ings he is not happy. No ! There is a void in his 
 breast a vacant place in his heart that is still yearn- 
 ing, still longing for its rightful possessor! God 
 did not make man to dwell alone, and without his 
 companion, his other self, he is an incomplete and 
 consequently unhappy being.
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 21$ 
 
 As Robert fully realizes the cause of his loneli- 
 ness his eyes are turned toward the mighty hills, 
 far beyond the glistening peaks of which he has 
 left his affianced bride, who under God's blessing 
 is to occupy his heart and fill to the brim his cup 
 of happiness. As his mind runs back to the many 
 pleasant days which he has spent in her company, 
 his thoughts take the form of words and his lips 
 break forth in song, which is but the devotion of a 
 pure soul, the intense love of one who has known 
 sorrow, and who is thus the better enabled to bask 
 in the sunshine of a love that is equal to his own. 
 No more fitting title could express his love; no 
 more appropriate words convey his sentiment. 
 
 SHE IS MY ANGEL 
 
 I see her through a mist of tears like an angel in a dream; 
 Her voice I hear so rich and clear, her eyes in beauty gleam ; 
 From her angel face like a crowning grace, the wind her ring- 
 lets blow, 
 As from her lips I catch the song that only angels know. 
 
 Chorus: 
 
 O. she is my angel ; fair as the queen of the morning ; 
 
 Lips, like the rose, laden with dew, like happy birds always 
 
 singing ; 
 Pure as the snow from Heaven above, happiness always 
 
 bringing. 
 
 Her form is like a vision fair, her blush like the early dawn ; 
 Deep in my heart, Love, with his dart, an angel's face has 
 
 drawn. 
 Like a beacon light in a stormy night she guides me all the 
 
 while. 
 As on my heart in splendor falls my angel's beaming smile. 
 
 I long to clasp her in my arms, and to call her all my own, 
 Then life shall be all joy to me, this earth a Heaven grown! 
 With a love as strong as life is long I'll fondly worship thee, 
 And ever bless the day that gave my angel's love to me !
 
 2l6 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 When Robert has ceased singing, and the song 
 had died away, he was somewhat astonished to ob- 
 serve Happy, whom he had not noticed before, who 
 upon being recognized produced a crumpled piece 
 of paper and proceeded to deliver himself of the 
 following, as a contribution from his own observa- 
 tions of 
 
 THE MINER 
 
 Down in the earth where the miners delve 
 
 Among the veins of glistening ore, 
 With drills of steel and sledges' blow, 
 
 Through solid rock a passage bore. 
 Shut out from day with stifling air, 
 
 Their labors hard, still harder fare, 
 Where blasts resound from morn till night, 
 
 Their only gleam a candle's light. 
 
 Beneath the vaults and hanging walls 
 
 They pry and drill and break the rock, 
 Subjected to a thousand fears 
 
 From smoke and gas and fearful shock ; 
 With hope of finding endless wealth 
 
 The hours are spent in happy strife ; 
 The night cut short at break of day, 
 
 They labor on as though for life! 
 
 Through days and weeks and months and years 
 Their hopes commingled with their fears, 
 Until at last they strike the ledge, 
 Pick up their "stake" and drop the sledge ! 
 Their fortune made, they seek the town, 
 And in their cozy homes sit down, 
 While wealth is dug by other hands 
 To help them carry out their plans, 
 
 Which years before were duly made 
 For raising fruit beneath the shade; 
 For winding path and leafy hedge 
 When they were wielding hard the sledge. 
 It seems too good to be a fact ; 
 The trees are grown, the hedges backed. 
 The paths are shining with the sand, 
 His home the fairest in the land!
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 21" 
 
 To him who waits and works as well, 
 The years are sure a tale to tell 
 Of hopes rewarded with good cheer, 
 And love and blessings all the year. 
 A happy home, a loving wife ; 
 A lack of care, no room for strife ; 
 With children rosy, blithe and gay, 
 The labor done and years to play!
 
 2l8 THE SINBAD MINES 
 
 C H AFTER X. 
 
 |HEN Robert and Charles had gone the 
 Moultons immediately began to arrange 
 for their intended trip to the West. 
 As Mr. Moulton had about made up 
 his mind to locate in the new country, al- 
 though he did not mention it to his wife, he ar- 
 ranged his business affairs so that, should he wish 
 to remain in the West, it would require but a short 
 time for him, upon his return, to complete his ar- 
 rangements to such an end. 
 
 Alice, although she was aware that it would not 
 be easy to part with her young companions, soon 
 finds that it is much more of a sacrifice than she had 
 anticipated; that many of the pleasant associations 
 of her childhood will have to be broken and that 
 forever. She almost wishes that she had persuaded 
 Robert to remain with her in the old home, where 
 she has passed so many years and where she has 
 known little of the hardships and trials of life; 
 where the path has been smoothed for her by a kind 
 and loving father, and her childish trials and cares 
 listened to by a patient and sympathizing mother. 
 But, as she has promised that she will share the lot 
 of another, whatever that may be, that his home 
 shall be her home, she does not hesitate in the de- 
 termination to smother the tears which, in spite of 
 her, will at times well up in her eyes. These are hur- 
 riedly wiped away, and in the seclusion of her own
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 2IQ 
 
 room, as she reads many endearing words of love 
 and happiness, her sorrow is forgotten. 
 
 Time passes very rapidly, as there is much to be 
 done which keeps her mind and hands busy nearly 
 all of the time, so there is little opportunity for her 
 to grieve. Then, too, every week brings letters 
 from Robert and Charles, the latter giving glowing 
 accounts of the wonderful country which has en- 
 tirely absorbed his attention, while Robert's letters 
 contain that of which she never seems to tire. They 
 begin and end with terms of endearment so true and 
 manly that she forgets her sorrow, and longs for 
 the time to come when she can go to him who is 
 her whole life, and without whom life would be 
 unendurable. Most of Charles' letters are addressed 
 to Matie, whose mind he manages to keep filled 
 with wonderful stories, akin to those which she had 
 listened to with so much interest from Robert dur- 
 ing the voyage, telling her that the sights to be seen 
 in the Great West are so far beyond anything in 
 Europe that there is really no comparison between 
 them; that they are "out of sight," and finishes by 
 saying that he is just aching to show her around; 
 that his friends will be glad to see her and that she 
 must not let anything prevent them from getting 
 started promptly on time, as it will completely spoil 
 all of his plans if she does. 
 
 In the meantime, it has been rumored among 
 Alice's friends that she is to be taken away to the 
 "barbarous West" by a rich miner, whereupon many 
 of her young friends call to bid her good-bye and 
 sympathize with her, seeming to think that she is 
 going out of the world, among savages, as a sort of 
 missionary, and firmly believing that she will soon
 
 220 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 repent of her "folly," as they term it. But to all 
 their remonstrances Alice answers that she is not 
 disposed to change her mind, and that some day 
 they will be glad to join her in her new home, to 
 which one of them responds that she would never 
 marry a man who would deliberately take her among 
 such barbarians and out of the reach of civilization, 
 it mattered not how much she might love him ; that 
 it was barbarous to do so, and that a "gentleman" 
 would not think of asking it. This suggestion 
 touches Alice's pride, and she mentally takes note 
 of it, as she believes that it is more than possible 
 that she may have an opportunity of quoting them 
 to her positive visitor, as she has noticed that 
 Charles was quite partial to this young lady before 
 he went away, and that he still continues to think 
 of her, as he always makes inquiries about her in 
 his letters. Now that he is so deeply interested in 
 the new country, it is quite probable that he will 
 locate there, and it may be that sometime he will 
 return and ask this same very positive girl to be- 
 come a missionary and go away to the far West 
 among the heathen. 
 
 Months are reduced to weeks and weeks to days, 
 until, one fine, crisp morning, after a deal of delay 
 and trouble, the family leave the old home, with its 
 fond associations, and are on their way to the cars, 
 which are to bear them away from the many ac- 
 customed scenes and familiar faces. As Alice gazes 
 through her tears, which will not be hid, for the last 
 time at the old home of her childhood, she feels 
 that it never looked so dear to her before, and turn- 
 ing to her father, as she brushes away the tears, she 
 asks him if he intends to dispose of their home. To
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 221 
 
 which he answers that he has not thought of doing 
 so, adding, as he observes her saddened counten- 
 ance, that she is not looking well, and that he is 
 afraid that the worry of the past two weeks has 
 been too much for her, but that he is in hopes the 
 trip across the continent will revive her energies and 
 bring the roses back to her cheeks. Alice explains 
 that she would like very much to have him keep the 
 place, as it will be pleasant in after years for them 
 to occasionally visit their old home and enjoy its 
 pleasant associations. Little does she realize that 
 what is now her home will in a few short years be- 
 come entirely strange to her, and that the place to 
 which she is now going will then be not only her 
 home, but the dearest spot on earth to her. But 
 such is life. Home is where the mind is contented; 
 where our loved ones are, and where the mother 
 reigns supreme. So when, in after years, Alice re- 
 turned to her childhood home, as it seemed to h6r 
 that nothing else could satisfy her continued long- 
 ing, though she was not unhappy or dissatisfied, 
 surrounded as she was by all the blessings of a beau- 
 tiful home, she longed to stand among the enchanted 
 scenes of her early life, where the roses were thorn- 
 less and the shadows only sufficient to soften the 
 landscape and rest the weary eye, she stood at the 
 old gate, slowly paced up the well-remembered walk, 
 and gazed from the window upon the scenes which 
 she had often beheld when a child. It all seemed 
 strange and unsatisfying. No, this was not her 
 home. Her home was thousands of miles away, be- 
 yond the snowy peaks of the everlasting hills in 
 the beautiful Valley of the Grand. There was her 
 home among her children and loved ones. The
 
 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 scenes of her childhood were strange and forgotten. 
 The well-known faces were changed and gone. She 
 found herself alone and in a strange land! 
 
 They enter the cars and are soon rolling along 
 over the smooth roadbed of the old Fitchburg line 
 toward the setting sun. The always beautiful scen- 
 ery of the Green Mountains, through which they are 
 passing, is bedecked in its richest robes of autumn 
 leaves, while the rushing creek, up the grade of 
 which the train is climbing, sparkles and dances in 
 the declining sun. 
 
 The contour of the horizon becomes more irregu- 
 lar, while the cuts and fills follow each other in 
 rapid succession. A warning blast from the whistle 
 is heard and the train plunges in the depths of the 
 Hoosic Tunnel, to emerge a few moments later on 
 the opposite side and glide down the valley towards 
 the city of Schenectady, which is reached in time 
 for supper. Here they change cars for Niagara 
 Falls and Suspension Bridge, where a short stop is 
 made to give them an opportunity to examine the 
 wonderful structure and still more wonderful catar- 
 act, a tremendous illustration of the mighty forces of 
 nature. Then by way of the Grand Trunk railroad 
 they round the foot of the lake and the long, dusty 
 train rolls into the depot at the foot of Lake street. 
 What a revelation it presents to Mr. Moulton, as he 
 emerges from the gateway and gazes at the great 
 metropolis, where but a few years before had stood 
 but little more than an outpost of civilization! He 
 stands in amazement as he beholds the great blocks 
 of warehouses, immense wharves and elevators, 
 while the streets are teeming with commerce and 
 thronged with its busy populace, numbered by the
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 223 
 
 hundreds of thousands a city which also enjoys the 
 distinction of being the second most important rail- 
 road center in the United States. It seems impos- 
 sible to him that such enormous strides could pos- 
 sibly have been made in so short a time, and he re- 
 peadedly rubs his eyes in an endeavor to remove the 
 mist of a few years which seem to contradict what 
 his senses compel him to believe are true. 
 
 The next day is spent in riding around the city, 
 visiting places of interest, including the stock yards, 
 where years before they had parted with young Rob- 
 ert, who was soon to commence his journey across 
 the plains, to gain his fortune, or drift, perhaps, 
 into the world an outcast from home and a burden to 
 the rest of mankind. When Mr. Moulton described 
 his feelings as he bade the boy good-bye, he added 
 that he almost blamed himself for allowing him to 
 go as he did. Alice inquired why he did not take 
 him back to their home in the East if he was so 
 much interested in him. Mr. Moulton replied that 
 he did not know, unless it was from the reason that 
 it was better for him, like Joseph of old, to be sent 
 out to care for himself, that it might stimulate him 
 to greater energy, adding that he presumed it was 
 much better for Robert that he did not assist him 
 further; that it might have entirely changed his 
 life, and caused him to become of little use to him- 
 self or others. 
 
 The long ride to Denver was made without inci- 
 dent, except that it seemed to Alice to be a great deal 
 farther than she had expected. Although well in- 
 formed as to the geography of the Western states 
 through which they are passing, she had not formed 
 a correct idea of their size. And as the train moves
 
 224 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 along for hours and days, it seems to her that they 
 are being carried far out of the world that she has 
 known, and as she contemplates the long journey 
 which her lover accomplished so many years before, 
 she wonders how it was possible for them, with the 
 slow ox teams, to have ever completed such an end- 
 less journey, exposed as they were to the burning 
 sun by day and the cold and chill by night, as well 
 as the terrible danger from the Indians, when she 
 is now disposed to complain, although traveling in 
 all the luxurious ease of the most modern railroad 
 equipment. As Alice lies in her berth thinking of 
 the great changes which have taken place in the 
 mode of travel since Robert first left them, she is 
 informed by the porter as he hastens through the 
 aisles that they are due in Denver at 7 a. m., and as 
 they are on schedule time, they will reach that city in 
 time for breakfast. Whereupon she arises, and after 
 completing her toilet, joins the rest of the family, 
 who are enjoying the scenery from the window. 
 Toward the west can be seen the beautiful snowy- 
 range, their heads covered with glittering snow, 
 towering far above the surrounding country, while 
 a little farther to the south stands out in bold relief 
 the glistening outlines of Pike's Peak, which is in- 
 stantly recognized by Mr. Moulton from its geo- 
 graphical position, size and contour. 
 
 PIKE'S PEAK 
 
 'Tis night ! And with its sable wings 
 
 It guards the hidden west, 
 While, hung above a yawning rent 
 
 Far toward its rugged crest, 
 An angry cloud is waging war 
 
 Among the rocky peaks. 
 Where rolling thunder shakes the earth 
 
 That with its deluge reeks.
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 
 
 The lurid squadrons, massing high, 
 
 In wild fantastic form, 
 Still urge their cohorts up the crags 
 
 Its battlements to storm 
 But, though the charge is furious, 
 
 It meets a stubborn foe, 
 For rocks are hurled from smoking cliff, 
 
 To awful depths below. 
 
 A change is creeping o'er the scene, 
 
 The east begins to glow, 
 While shadows charging thro' the gorge 
 
 Are rushing to and fro 
 As though in fear of coming day, 
 
 They make a quick retreat 
 And leave the dripping battleground 
 
 The rising sun to meet. 
 
 The glow of morning marches on ; 
 
 Her clouds are tipped with gold, 
 While for our vision, now is spread 
 
 A scene, though ages old, 
 Is grander than this earth affords 
 
 In any other clime 
 The King of mountains, crowned in light 
 
 The Monarch of all time! 
 
 His hoary head a diadem 
 
 Against the azure blue, 
 While clouds of royal purple hide 
 
 His massive form from view, 
 Until a beam, from out the east, 
 
 Is shot across his breast 
 When like a Midas, clad in gold, 
 
 In splendor, he is dressed. 
 
 The King of dav ascends the sky 
 
 And pours a flood of light 
 Upon the King of earth below 
 
 Whose ermine robe of white, 
 Reflects it forth to mortal eyes 
 
 Spread o'er a broad domain, 
 Who worship at this ancient shrine, 
 
 From hill and verdant plain.
 
 226 THE SINE AD MINES: 
 
 And when at eve his noble form 
 
 Shuts out the light of day 
 And ghostly spirits climb the crags 
 
 As in the past, to pray 
 Tis then that glory crowns His brow : 
 
 A Mighty Monarch, bold ! 
 The grandest sight e'er seen by man 
 
 Or story ever told. 
 
 From a barren, rolling prairie over which they 
 have been traveling for some time, the country is 
 becoming more undulating, and the train is frequent- 
 ly passing farm houses, then suburban residences, 
 and a little later they enter the city and the Union 
 depot. Miss Alice, who has been watching for him, 
 catches sight of her lover as he rushes along the 
 platform toward the forward end of their coach, 
 and soon comes rapidly down the passageway toward 
 their apartments. Clasping Alice in his arms, he 
 holds her fast, while he covers her mouth with pas- 
 sionate kisses, entirely disregarding the rest of her 
 party, whereupon Mr. Mouton inquires if that is 
 the usual manner in which young ladies are re- 
 ceived in the West, adding that he does not wish to 
 interfere with the prevailing custom, but as such 
 demonstrations are uncommon to him, he simply 
 asks for information. Somewhat recovering him- 
 self, Robert tries to excuse himself by saying that 
 for the moment, he had entirely forgotten himself 
 and that he, like all others in the West, is controlled 
 largely by present emotions ; that he is of course 
 very happy to see them all and welcome them to 
 his adopted state. Matie, after looking at him for 
 some time, wants to know if he does not intend to 
 kiss her, .too, especially after he has been hugging 
 her sister in that awful manner and right before
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 227 
 
 her eyes, adding that she is afraid he does not 
 think very much of the rest of the family. Robert 
 replies, as he takes her on his knee, that of course 
 he intends to kiss her many times, but that he must 
 not be expected to get around very fast, for the 
 reason that he is entirely out of practice, after which 
 he inquires in regard to her health, forgetting even 
 to shake hands with Mrs. Moulton, who finally 
 offers him her hand, with the suggestion that he 
 ought to be willing to welcome her as she is largely 
 responsible for his present happines. Robert at once 
 takes the hand offered him, and holding it in both 
 of his, says : 
 
 "Allow me, mother (a name which has been but 
 a memory to me for many years), to thank you for 
 the unspeakable happiness which I am at this mo- 
 ment permitted to enjoy, and may I ever continue to 
 be as dutiful a son to you and Father Moulton, 
 as Miss Alice has been a daughter, and inasmuch 
 as I have been enabled to keep in the path of recti- 
 tude, with but the memory of a mother, the pos- 
 session of a Bible and the innocent love of a little 
 girl, I ought now, certainly, to continue in that way 
 the remainder of my life, with the blessing of a true 
 wife, and the watchful care of a fond father and 
 mother." 
 
 As they emerge from the depot they are con- 
 fronted by a long line of carriages, one of which they 
 enter and are driven to the Albany Hotel, where 
 they relish a breakfast consisting of mountain trout 
 and fresh fruit, after which Robert takes them for 
 a drive about the city. As Robert cannot arrange 
 to leave until the following morning, on account of 
 some business which he is transacting for the com-
 
 228 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 pany, and as the travelers are somewhat fatigued 
 from their long journey, they retire early, that they 
 may be in the best of spirits to- enjoy the ride and 
 scenery over the mountains the following day. 
 
 At precisely eight o'clock the next morning they 
 return to the depot, and entering a beautiful Pull- 
 man Palace car of the Rio Grande standard gauge 
 railroad, which has but recently been completed, 
 are soon crawling up the grade of the Great Di- 
 vide, winding about through the beautiful moun- 
 tains, the tops of which are radiant in their immacu- 
 late mantle of snow. As they proceed up the grade 
 the scenery becomes more grand and beautiful and 
 the field of vision far more extensive. Miss Matie, 
 who has been looking from the window for some 
 time observing the evidences of winter on all sides, 
 breaks the silence by asking : 
 
 "Is this where the winter comes when it leaves 
 our home in the spring? Is it summer in the moun- 
 tains when it is winter in Massachusetts?" remark- 
 ing 'that she always thought the frost went up to 
 the North Pole in the summer and that she is sur- 
 prised to find it here in Robert's country, while it 
 is still warm in her dear old home. 
 
 Robert explains to her that it is winter in the high 
 mountains all the time; that it descends to the val- 
 ley in the fall and gradually extends over the coun- 
 try, even as far as her home, to remain until the 
 spring weather drives it back to the regions of per- 
 petual snow, which may be seen from the valley be- 
 low all through the summer months. He also tells 
 her that the people of Colorado can make their 
 choice as to the climate which they are to live in, as 
 they have only to ascend the mountains from the
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 22Q 
 
 valleys below, where it is very warm, when they 
 may stop at any altitude and climate which they 
 may desire, even to that of eternal winter, where, as 
 they sit about their warm fires and discuss the wealth 
 of the mines about them, they can gaze far down 
 in the valley of the Grand upon orchards of ripe 
 peaches and vineyards of delicious grapes. He also 
 tells her of the wonderful fascination which the 
 great mountains have for those who become ac- 
 quainted with them; that they are like old and true 
 friends, and that after living among them for a 
 time it is almost impossible for one to leave them 
 and return to a level country; that one soon longs 
 for a sight of the great peaks where their outlines are 
 blended with the blue heaven and where the ever- 
 changing light and shade play among the mighty 
 crags and dark canons, producing pictures of which 
 the beholder never tires, while through the tall pines 
 aie whispered mellow strains of dreamy music more 
 grand and enchanting than any ever produced by 
 man ; where the mind is as free as the mountain air, 
 and where the thoughts may dwdl unmolested upon 
 the mighty workings of nature. Whereupon Matie 
 wants to know if she will become attached to the 
 mountains, and like them to such an extent that she 
 will forget her dear old home in Needham; that if 
 that is the way the mountains have of making people 
 sick of their homes she does not want to become 
 acquainted with them ; that her old friends are good 
 enough for her. Robert replies that the mountains 
 are his friends and that they will some day become 
 hers, finishing his description by reciting a poem 
 which he tells her he composed while alone among 
 the mountains :
 
 230 THE SINBAD MINES 
 
 NATURE'S PICTURE 
 
 I would like to paint a picture 
 
 Of the summer's evening sky; 
 Of the gold and purple cloudlets 
 
 As they're wafted lightly by; 
 Of the green and waving meadows 
 
 As they bow before the breeze, 
 While the happy birds of evening 
 
 Trill their songs among the trees. 
 
 I would paint the picture slowly 
 
 With the most exacting care ; 
 Fill the zephyrs with sweet odors 
 
 And the fields with roses rare ; 
 I would tint the golden sunset 
 
 With the softest, grandest hue ; 
 I would paint it after nature 
 
 Not a feature would be new. 
 
 Then, as low the sun descended 
 
 And the night winds whispered by, 
 I would light the lamps of heaven ; 
 
 Fill with stars the vaulted sky; 
 Hang the moon above the mesa, 
 
 Round it drape a fleecy cloud ; 
 Give the peaks a fainter outline ; 
 
 Raise their heads in grandeur proud 
 
 Fill the canon with the singing 
 
 Of the sturdy mountain pine, 
 While its laughing, rushing torrent 
 
 Like a silver thread would shine 
 Underneath its crown of glory 
 
 Like a master's holy saint ; 
 I would fill the scene with beauty 
 
 In the picture I would paint. 
 
 I would frame this costly picture 
 
 In a wreath of human love, 
 Hang it up before all mortals 
 
 From the zenith, far above ; 
 Call the nations to behold it, 
 
 Feast their yearning souls and eyes 
 On the grandest piece of painting 
 
 Underneath the starry skies !
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 23! 
 
 But if I could paint as grandly 
 
 As did Rembrant and Van Dyck, 
 So that all the world would wonder 
 
 At its beauty nothing like, 
 Still the picture would be faulty, 
 
 And its colors far from true 
 To the scenes among the Rockies, 
 
 Which I could not paint for you. 
 
 Some of the natural pictures along the route are 
 very beautiful ; especially is this true in the Royal 
 Gorge, as the full moon is casting its slanting rays 
 into its depths, lighting up the wonderful panorama 
 with an incandescent glow and peopling it with fan- 
 tastic shadows which seem to dance about a beau- 
 tiful cascade that leaps from a dark ravine far up 
 the rocky battlement, and spreading its cloud-like 
 wings in irridescent splendor, majestically floats 
 away into nothingness. 
 
 When the top of the Divide is reached and the 
 train comes to a stop in order that the brakes' and 
 other machinery of the train may be inspected be- 
 fore attempting the descent, Robert tells them of the 
 heavy grades they are about to descend, and that it 
 requires the most expert engineers to manage a 
 train over the mountains ; that an engineer from the 
 plains would be unable to either pull a train to the 
 top, or let it down on the other side with any degree 
 of safety, or with any certainty as to time ; that the 
 engine driver has to know every rod of track before 
 him for miles ahead so as to make runs for the 
 heavy grades, slow up for the short curves, and con- 
 tinually be on the lookout for avalanches of rock 
 which frequently come down the mountain, some- 
 times destroying or covering long sections of the 
 track and grade. That at times during the full
 
 232 THE SIN BAD MINES: 
 
 of the moon when the shadows are unusually black, 
 as they frequently are in high altitudes, it is a ter- 
 rible strain on the engineer, as many of the dense 
 shadows are so sharply outlined on the track in 
 front of him as to be indistinguishable from great 
 masses of rock, for which he is continually on the 
 lookout, but as he must not bring his train to a stop 
 in front of every shadow which lies across the rails, 
 he is kept in a state of suspense throughout the 
 seemingly endless night. 
 
 When the light of morning comes they awaken 
 to find themselves in a far different country, as the 
 snow has all disappeared and in its place are green 
 leaves, flowers and running brooks, upon the banks 
 of which are neat cabins, with gardens surrounding 
 them. The train stops in front of a small depot and 
 the brakeman cries : 
 
 "Glenwood Springs, twenty minutes for break- 
 fast!" 
 
 As the long ride in the bracing air has sharpened 
 their appetites, they are not long in filing into the 
 dining room, where they are provided with a sub- 
 stantial meal. Upon entering the cars again Alice 
 is anxious to know more about the new home to 
 which she is going, and as to the class of people she 
 will meet, recalling the picture which Robert had 
 painted of it when they were in Europe, she sees 
 it a rough mountain camp, peopled with cowboys 
 and miners, while the mud shanties which do ser- 
 vice as houses are crowded with half-breed children, 
 rolling in filth. This she reiterates to Robert and 
 inquires if this is really the condition she will meet, 
 adding that she has noticed a few homes as they 
 were passing that, though they apparently made no
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 233 
 
 pretentions to importance, looked as though their in- 
 habitants enjoyed life quite as well as did the aver- 
 age New Engiander. Robert does not explain that 
 during his absence a great change had taken place, 
 but leaves her to be favorably disappointed, inter- 
 rupting her meditations to call attention to a beau- 
 tiful mountain which rises a little to the left of 
 the course in which they are moving, telling her 
 that it is the landmark which he first sighted when 
 he was looking for the new trading post on the 
 Grand, and goes on to say that it is known as Grand 
 Mesa, one of the most beautiful mountains on the 
 Western Slope, and that the city to which they are 
 bound is located at its western foot, only a short 
 distance ahead. 
 
 Thou monarch of all the fair mountains 
 
 Which smile on the vale of the Grand, 
 Thy feet in its pure limpid waters, 
 
 Thy shadows o'erspread the land. 
 A store-house of wealth for all ages, 
 
 Reserved by a great nation's pride, 
 To remain in the grandeur of nature 
 
 As fair as a young, blushing bride. 
 
 On thy bosom, reflecting the landscape, 
 
 The beautiful lake lies asleep, 
 While from out of its liquid fountain 
 
 A stream dashes on down the steep ; 
 It splashes the spray in the sunshine 
 
 And scatters bright diamonds of light; 
 It gurgles and roars in its fury; 
 
 It beats the gray walls in its might, 
 
 As, gaining its strength on its journey, 
 It speeds to the valley below, 
 
 To slacken the thirst of the weary 
 And cause the rich vineyards to grow.
 
 234 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 How grand are the shades of the evening 
 As they climb to thy glittering crest, 
 
 When the sun slowly sinks in the heavens, 
 Behind the dark hill in the west. 
 
 And when in a halo of glory 
 
 The moon lights thy jewels of snow, 
 Thy form is a vision of splendor. 
 
 With beauty and grace all aglow. 
 A picture too fair to be painted 
 
 By aught but the Great Master's hand ; 
 A model of grandest conception, 
 
 By Him its perfection was planned. 
 
 To lighten our hearts of their sorrow, 
 
 And smooth the rough pathway we tread, 
 By lifting our eyes to His beauty, 
 
 That we by its warmth may be fed. 
 A glance at the beauties of heaven, 
 
 Of which he invites us to know ; 
 A subject for deep adoration 
 
 By all who behold from below. 
 
 And our minds in humble submission 
 
 Are turned to the Architect Grand 
 Who formed both the brooks and the mountains, 
 
 And spread out the broad, fertile land. 
 That we, as His children, might witness, 
 
 In picture of soft shade and light, 
 His ne'er failing love and devotion, 
 
 As well as His infinite might. 
 
 Their train again enters a winding canon, dash- 
 ing through a dark tunnel only to swiftly round a 
 curve and roll out upon the broad expanse of a 
 beautiful valley, which Robert joyously welcomes 
 by shouting, "Home again" following that excla- 
 mation by singing : 
 
 MY ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOME. 
 
 Oft I rode the dancing main 
 I have crossed the flowery plain, 
 
 And have wandered wide through many distant lands : 
 T have seen the rushing Rhine, 
 I have drunk her sparkling wine
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 235 
 
 And have stood upon old England's merry sands ; 
 
 Aye, the mighty Alps I've scaled 
 
 And on distant seas I've sailed ; 
 I have sought for lasting pleasure far and wide; 
 
 I have traveled east and west 
 
 And have found a place of rest 
 Near the lofty peaks that form the Great Divide. 
 
 Chorus: 
 I will sing bf my home in the mountains, 
 
 Of the streams that flow babbling along. 
 And of all the wild beauties of nature 
 
 That to the grand old Rockies belong; 
 I will sing of thy valleys and breezes, 
 
 Of thy grandeur of sunlight and storm, 
 I will sing of my home in the mountains 
 
 The land where true freedom is born. 
 
 Where 'mid nature's fondest charms, 
 
 Like a child in mother's arms, 
 Rest the vales which are like Eden in its pride; 
 
 Where the mountains, towering high, 
 
 Seem to pierce the azure sky, 
 While their shadows paint the landscape far and wide. 
 
 Where the balmy breezes blow, 
 
 And the wild primroses grow, 
 Where the shadows dance among the shady dells ; 
 
 Where the laughing mountain stream, 
 
 Like soft music in a dream, 
 Its sweet song of love and beauty ever tells. 
 
 O, the Rocky mountains grand 
 
 Are for me the fairest land, 
 And from them I never more will care to roam, 
 
 For I love their beauty wild 
 
 As a mother loves her child, 
 And I love to call them now my happy home. 
 
 O! Here I'll spend my life, 
 
 With my friends and faithful wife, 
 And none shall ever tempt me from thy fold. 
 
 All my days I'll spend with thee, 
 
 Fairest land of all to me, 
 And I'll love thee better still when I am old. 
 
 Before he fairly finished singing the cars come 
 to a stop, the door is thrown open and his hand is
 
 236 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 seized by a broad-shouldered, sunburned man who 
 shakes it heartily, while he expresses his happiness 
 at again meeting him. Seizing the hand-luggage, 
 he leads the way to a carriage which is in waiting, 
 and they are rapidly driven to their new home, where 
 the strangers are introduced to their waiting friends. 
 
 The Moultons are delighted to meet many ladies 
 arid gentlemen who were brought up in the East, 
 and whom Alice supposes are invited guests, until 
 she is informed that they, like herself, have become 
 permanent residents of the new city, and that their 
 entire interests have been transferred with them to 
 their present home. 
 
 Instead of the terrible place Alice had pictured, she 
 finds a rapidly growing city, planned and laid out 
 after the most advanced ideas, and with all of the 
 latest improvements, either contemplated or under 
 rapid process of construction. In the place of mud 
 houses are many fine brick and frame ones, with 
 elegant stores and business houses which would do 
 credit to any Eastern town of twice its size. In fact, 
 the visitors are delighted with the prospects of the 
 place, and as they wander about the streets and view 
 the beautiful scenery spread out before them, they 
 heartily agree with Robert's anticipation of its great 
 future. 
 
 During the afternoon squads of horsemen arrive 
 from the mountains, thronging the streets, but con- 
 trary to Alice's expectation, they are fine looking 
 men with extremely intelligent faces and manly 
 bearing. As the evening approaches the town is il- 
 luminated by huge bonfires, which leap from great 
 piles of oil stones which have been brought from 
 the adjacent foot-hills, while fireworks and giant
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 237 
 
 powder proclaim that Western hospitality and mer- 
 ry-making are to engross the entire attention of the 
 populace for the next few days. 
 
 After the Moultons have enjoyed a little rest and 
 partaken of some refreshments, Robert excuses him- 
 self and soon returns with the members of the Sin- 
 bad Company, who are introduced to Alice and her 
 parents, while Master Charles does the gallant for 
 his sister Matie, of whom he is very proud, and who 
 soon becomes the pet of the camp and a warm friend 
 of all who know her. The evening is spent upon the 
 veranda renewing old acquaintances and enquiring 
 about people whom they have known at some time, 
 or who have been friends or relatives of some of 
 the Westerners. The merry-making continues out- 
 side until late in the night, and begins early the fol- 
 lowing morning, to increase in intensity until the 
 wedding day arrives. 
 
 It has been decided to have as little formality as 
 possible, in order that all may enjoy the occasion 
 to its fullest extent. The ceremony is to take place 
 at the hotel, where the banquet will also be given, 
 the care of which is left entirely with Erve, who is 
 given instructions to make it a spread which will be 
 worthy of the guests and do honor to the occasion. 
 Having . received "carte blanc" orders from the 
 one who is to pay the bill, Erve proceeds to "lay 
 himself out" to do the thing, as he expresses it 
 in Western terms, "in great shape." 
 
 When the wedding guests arrive, and are escorted 
 into the dining hall, they are more than astonished 
 at the menu which is spread before them, as it con- 
 sists of the most expensive delicacies from both 
 Eastern and Western markets. The Moultons can-
 
 238 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 not comprehend how it is possible, in this out of the 
 way place, to furnish such a spread, even at the 
 greatest cost. 
 
 As soon as the party, including the men from the 
 mines, are seated at the table, a white-haired clergy- 
 man arises from the seat of honor, and inviting the 
 contracting parties to stand, recites the beautiful 
 marriage ceremony, finishing with a solemn "Amen," 
 at the sound of which there is a hearty response from 
 all around the table, "So mote it be." Then pick- 
 ing up his glass, which is filled to the brim with 
 pure mountain water, and scrutinizing the table, 
 to find all of the glasses filled with the same liquid, 
 he adds that he is happy indeed to sit at a feast of 
 this character, where no amount of expense has been 
 spared, furnished only with pure water, God's choic- 
 est and best beverage, whereupon Erve hastens to 
 explain that, as this occasion was intended to be 
 one of pure happiness, he thought it best to furnish 
 the table only with those things which tend to in- 
 crease the happiness of those who partake. 
 
 With a beaming face Jack interrupts by inviting 
 all to drink with him to the health and happiness of 
 the beloved guests. Immediately more than a hun- 
 dred glasses are raised, and while they remain above 
 their heads he proposes, "To him who was the foun- 
 er of our company and the benefactor of all who shall 
 enjoy its blessings, to his entire family, and es- 
 pecially to the loving wife who is now to share his 
 life, whose purity of character is represented by the 
 crystal contents of our glasses, and who, like it, is 
 surely God's best gift to man let us now drink." 
 
 The true affection of the men and their most su- 
 preme happiness as they touch glasses is a very af-
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 239 
 
 fecting sight, and it brings tears of joy to the eyes 
 of the Moultons, as they perceive how strongly at- 
 tached are all to those for whom they labor, and 
 especially to him who had been for years their pro- 
 tector and benefactor. 
 
 THE WEDDING BELLS 
 
 Upon the mellow autumn air 
 
 The wedding bells ring put above ; 
 The bride, bedecked in raiment fair, 
 
 Is filled with thoughts of hope and love. 
 
 Her lover stands close by her side, 
 
 His form the type of manly grace, 
 Within his eyes a look of pride, 
 
 And love depicted on his face. 
 
 A noble pair, as all confess ; 
 
 A happy path is theirs to tread ; 
 May love go with them through their lives 
 
 As fond and pure as when they wed. 
 
 May life be strewn with blessings rare ; 
 
 May shadows ne'er o'ercloud their way 
 Till death shall send an angel fair 
 
 To bid them to an endless day. 
 
 As Alice fully appreciates their sincerity, she 
 blushes to think that she had almost regretted hav- 
 ing made the promise to come and live among them, 
 still she feels that although she had dreaded to leave 
 her old home, she had also longed to see the day 
 that is now hers, and is confident that she will never 
 regret the step which she has taken. 
 
 After partaking of the good things, and when the 
 banquet is about over, Robert slowly rises from his 
 seat, and in a voice choked with emotion says : 
 
 "It is with the geratest difficulty that I attempt to 
 thank you for the great honor which you have
 
 240 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 shown to one who has only tried to perform his 
 duty toward his fellowmen. If I have succeeded it 
 is as largely due to your efforts as it is to mine. I 
 thank you all for this demonstration of your kind 
 esteem, and assure you, individually and collectively, 
 that of the many blessings which may come to me in 
 the future, those who have been my companions and 
 fellow-workers shall participate with me in their en- 
 joyment, and that none shall ever be allowed to 
 leave the employment of the company I represent 
 without a just reward for all his services. On be- 
 half of my wife, I wish to add that our home shall 
 always be the home of our friends, among whom 
 we hope to meet all of my old associates. Again 
 thanking you for your many kind wishes for our 
 future happiness, which I know are fully appre- 
 ciated by our Eastern friends, we wish you a pleas- 
 ant good-night." 
 
 Then turning to Happy, and handing him a well- 
 filled wallet, Robert instructs him to see that the 
 boys have a pleasant evening, when the bridal party 
 enter carriages and are driven to their home, to find 
 it in perfect order, and the servants anxious to per- 
 form their duties as perfectly as possible. 
 
 A week of quiet rest is passed, and when Alice has 
 become somewhat acquainted with the ladies of the 
 neighborhood, Robert summons the men, informing 
 them that the works will start on the following Mon- 
 day and that he hopes to see them all in their 
 places when the whistle blows. All hands respond 
 with a hearty "Yes, sir !" and immediate prepara- 
 tions are made to start the train of saddle horses 
 and ore wagons, which are on the road early the 
 next morning.
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 24 1 
 
 A few days later, Robert, his father and Charles, 
 who has also remained behind, visit the camp and 
 make a careful investigation of its condition, find- 
 ing it in perfect order and everything running 
 smoothly. There is no complaining, and everyone 
 seems to be in the position which suits him best 
 and endeavoring to secure the best results. New 
 and improved smelters are being put in, and more 
 powerful machinery for crushing the ore, as well as 
 larger water-wheels for running the pumps. The 
 entire mines are now lighted by an incandescent sys- 
 tem of electric lights, while the different buildings, 
 as well as levels, are connected by telephone. There 
 is no real improvement either to increase the out- 
 put of the mines or lessen the danger to the men, 
 which is not introduced in and about the property, 
 as it is the earnest desire of the company to protect 
 their men to the utmost of their ability. In return, 
 the employes look after the interests of the com- 
 pany as though they were their own. All is com- 
 plete harmony and a mutual interest pervades the 
 entire management. 
 
 So time passes; seasons come and go, while the 
 output of the mines continues to increase and the 
 price of its stock to rise, as it is considered through- 
 out the state as a steady producer. 
 
 In the city on the Grand, many of the great en- 
 terprises which had been but mere anticipations are 
 now accomplished facts. Thousands of acres of 
 fruit trees adorn the adjacent table lands, which 
 are irrigated by means of great ditches, which tap 
 the river far up into the canon, and when the trees 
 are in bloom the whole valley for many miles upon
 
 242 THE S I N B A D MINES! 
 
 each side of the river is one vast sea of delicate 
 flowers. 
 
 jyilEN THE FLOWERS BLOOM 
 
 From the mouth of the gorge to the edge of the desert. 
 
 From the foot of old Pinon, high rearing her head, 
 To the cliffs that arise like walls of protection, 
 
 Our vale is in bloom like a mighty rose-bed. 
 
 The flowers now filling the air with their fragrance 
 Will soon paint the cheek of the fruit on the bough. 
 
 And wealth will be hung on the heavy-laid branches 
 That blush in their beauty and fragrance now. 
 
 Our acres of orchards have grown to be thousands ; 
 
 Their beauty indeed is a sight to behold, 
 For even our dwellings are hidden by blossoms 
 
 That presage a harvest of treasures untold. 
 
 A harvest of fruit, red, golden and purple ; 
 
 More lucious than dates from the banks of the Nile, 
 Or of figs from the hills of ancient Judea, 
 
 That once met the beams of the Master's sweet smile. 
 
 May the blessings they 'bring, like the odor of flowers. 
 Be lovingly spread with a bountiful hand, 
 
 Until, like our fruit for its flavor and beauty, 
 
 Our deeds shall be known o'er the breadth of the land. 
 
 A railroad has been built to the Little Book-Cliff 
 mines, located in the foot-hills a few miles away, 
 from which thousands of tons of the best coal is 
 being brought to furnish the surrounding counties, 
 as well as a greater part of the Western Slope with 
 fuel, as these mines are practically inexhaustible, 
 the problem of cheap fuel is satisfactorily settled for 
 all time. 
 
 Commodious school buildings rear their stately 
 piles from among groves of shade-trees, while hun- 
 dreds of happy children assemble within their 
 spacious halls.
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 243 
 
 Stately churches of many denominations, with 
 their slender spires pointing heavenward, remind 
 the thoughtful of their duty to their Creator, while 
 the mellow tones of the Sabbath bell, swung by 
 willing hands and heard by waiting ears, resound 
 from many a chapel located at intervals throughout 
 the valley, calling the honest toilers of the soil from 
 their labors to congregate with their happy families 
 and listen to the teachings of their beloved pastors. 
 
 Many large buildings, bearing the emblems of 
 their order, proclaim to the world that brotherly love 
 and human kindness pervades the hearts of the citi- 
 zens, while a commodious opera house, equipped 
 with modern improvements, occupies a position in 
 front of a beautiful park, where the play-going pub- 
 lic are invited to enjoy the efforts of the best talent 
 of the country. Two good daily newspapers fur- 
 nish the news of the day, and a resume of the week's 
 doings may be found in the columns of four weeklies. 
 Beautiful drives have been laid out among the hills, 
 where the visitor or citizen can pass many pleasant 
 hours among scenery which is both grand and beau- 
 tiful. Numerous paths lead away up the mountafn 
 streams through many a cool and shady glen, where 
 the timid deer feeds and the radiant trout glides 
 down through the sparkling waters. There, far 
 away up the mountain side, the lover of nature may 
 spread his blankets before the cheerful camp fire, 
 without fear of disease, as there will be no dew to 
 moisten his brow or malaria to poison his system, 
 while he gazes down upon the electric-lighted city 
 wrapped in slumbers, and muses on the beauty of 
 a scene which it would be difficult to duplicate 
 in any clime or country.
 
 244 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 AUTUMN DAYS 
 
 When the nights begin to lengthen 
 
 And the haze steals o'er the land, 
 When the frost creeps down the mountain, 
 
 Stamping nature with its brand ; 
 When with red the leaves are painted, 
 
 And the fruit is safely stored; 
 When the squirrel the nuts have gathered, 
 
 And their treasures snugly hoard ; 
 
 When the peaks, all wreathed in glory, 
 
 Sparkle in the slanting rays 
 Of the hazy Indian summer, 
 
 In the sleepy autumn days ; 
 When the red deer seeks the valley 
 
 From the ranges far away, 
 When the frost king paints the landscape 
 
 And the storms are held at bay, 
 
 Then I love to dwell with nature 
 
 Far among the mighty hills, 
 Listen to her dreamy music 
 
 From the pines and laughing rills ; 
 Dream of beauty and contentment, 
 
 Of a life still free from sin, 
 Of the beauty of Creation 
 
 And the love that burns therein. 
 
 Of the goodness of our Father, 
 
 Who designed for us this home, 
 Made the hills and mighty rivers, 
 
 And the plains o'er which we roam ; 
 Painted rich the ruddy sunset, 
 
 Decked the hills with blossoms fair, 
 Sent the breezes soft and mellow 
 
 Perfumed with sweet odors rare. 
 
 Placed the colors in the rainbow, 
 
 Lit the starry vault of night, 
 Added music to the tempest, 
 
 And with warmth endowed the light. 
 Made all nature for our comfort, 
 
 Filled the earth with every good. 
 Promised us His endless mercy 
 
 If we love him as we should.
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 245 
 
 If we love our fellow brother 
 
 Care for all His needy ones, 
 We shall see Him in His glory 
 
 And of God be royal sons. 
 Earth, indeed, would be an Eden 
 
 But for sin's dark, foul alloy ; 
 Let us then be more in earnest, 
 
 Saddened lives to fill with joy. 
 
 Robert has lived to see the valley of the Grand 
 change from a barren desert to the most productive 
 country in the world; the village develop from a 
 mere trading post to a metropolitan city, which 
 spreads for miles over a fertile land, offering homes 
 to thousands who, either for health or other mo- 
 tives, wish to adopt it as their home ; has seen' It 
 become a great commercial center where thousands 
 of busy and happy people are industriously acquir- 
 ing a competency for old age. He has lived to 
 see his most sanguine predictions verified^ and as 
 he gazes at the varying picture spread out before 
 him as the twilight plays among the towering 
 peaks, casting fantastic shadows across the beauti- 
 ful valley dotted with happy homes, nestled among 
 bowers of fragrant orchards and flanked by rjroad 
 acres of beautiful meadows, he is lost in admiration 
 of so much grandeur. Then, as the light fades and 
 the soft west wind whispers among the rustling 
 foliage its dreamy music, he falls to sleep to dream 
 of Arcadian happiness and perfect peace among 
 these fortunate children of men. 
 
 Many of Alice's early friends have come to en- 
 joy the advantages of the new city on the Grand, 
 and among them a certain young lady from the 
 East who declared she never would live in the hor- 
 rid West to please any "brute" of a man. In a
 
 246 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 beautiful home on one of the most aristocratic 
 avenues she now presides as wife and mother, while 
 Charles declares that "she is just the sweetest little 
 woman in the world." Erve has also given up his 
 bachelor ideas and persuaded a young lady from 
 New York to share his home with him. "Happy" 
 still enjoys the bliss of single blessedness, but is 
 the mainstay of Robert, who trusts him with the 
 most important features of the business, as master 
 of transportation. But the old methods of former 
 years have been discarded, as the iron horse is now 
 doing service in front of the "pack-train," which 
 consists of a long row of ore cars, and as they go 
 thundering and screeching up the canon, making 
 the trip in a few hours instead of as many days, they 
 are conducted with the same care and attention to 
 detail as governed him when first he rode over the 
 trail, looking much like a traveling arsenal, with 
 but a few horses in his charge. 
 
 Jack and Mr. Benton continue to manage the 
 mines, while Miss Matie fills the position of book- 
 keeper and cashier, in which capacity she seems to 
 be in her element. Charles has charge of the com- 
 missary department, keeping the stores at the mines 
 and occasionally assisting his sister on the books, 
 as her desk is in his office. Robert attends to the 
 general business of the company outside the camp, 
 which has grown to proportions which are only 
 equalled by the prodigious strides of the new city, 
 which has now become the recognized metropolis 
 of the Western Slope, and as Robert contemplates 
 the beauty of his own country as compared with any 
 other under the sun, he expresses himself in the 
 following lines :
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 
 
 THE LAND OP MY CHOICE 
 
 I have stood 
 In the long busy streets, where the English heart beats 
 
 To the tap of the mariner's drum, 
 And the forms of the great under Westminster wait, 
 
 Undisturbed by the great city's hum. 
 
 By the side of the stream that glides like a dream 
 'Neath the bridges which span its broad tide, 
 
 Where Napoleon lies beneath the French skies, 
 And beauty is seen in its pride. 
 
 Where the Rhine speeds along to its merriest song 
 
 Through the broken and vine-laden land ; 
 Where legends are told of brave knights of old 
 
 Who fought 'for their fair lady's hand. 
 
 Where the beautiful Spree dances on toward the sea, 
 
 Beneath ancient castle and tower ; 
 Where the Kaiser bell tolls for the peace of the souls 
 
 That were freed in the dark battle's hour. 
 
 In the cantons and dells where the happy Swiss dwells 
 
 'Neath the thatch-covered cottage in ease, 
 On the Alps' rugged side where the hoar glaciers wide 
 
 Are fast chained by the wintry breeze. 
 
 Where the love-singing river, the fair Guadalquivir, 
 
 Reflects back the beauties of art, 
 And poetry and song to the landscape belong 
 
 And love has control of the heart. 
 
 Where the bold Tiber's wave still caressingly lave 
 
 The limbs of the fair Roman maid, 
 And the pilgrims at prayer breathe forth on the air 
 
 Devotions, in St. Peter's shade. 
 
 Where the blue Danube flows from its home in the snows, 
 
 In the land of the spices and tea, 
 On the banks of the Nile by the pyramid's pile, 
 
 And on many an isle of the sea. 
 
 But their beauties soon fade and are lost in the shade 
 
 That is cast by his own native land, 
 For the home of my birth is the fairest on earth ; 
 
 Its scenery of all the most grand.
 
 248 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 For the great Master planned (in this wonderful land) 
 
 On a scale that is grand to behold; 
 Here, the sights of the world on the vision are hurled, 
 
 But enlarged full many a fold. 
 
 From the East to the West, from the sea to the crest 
 
 Of the Great Rocky Mountain Divide, 
 Not a flower is wrong, not a note in the song 
 
 Of the bird that sings on in its pride. 
 
 Not a tint in the sky; nor a cloud floating by, 
 
 Not a breeze nor a cool mountain rill 
 But that speaks of His care in accents of prayer, 
 
 But that shows His most consumate skill. 
 
 Through the ages long past He has kept to the last 
 
 All the wonders we daily behold ; 
 On the land of the West His blessings shall rest, 
 
 His blessings more precious than gold. 
 
 So others may dwell on the tales which they tell, 
 
 Of the beauties of land o'er the sea ; 
 I will sing and rejoice in this land of my choice, 
 
 "Pis the fairest of all, yet to me. 
 
 As Robert remembers his early ambitions, and 
 how they were darkened by shadows which cast a 
 gloom over them, nearly destroying- his usefulness, 
 and which must have done so had it not been for 
 his Providential meeting- with Mr. Moulton, he 
 realizes that but for him the fulfillment of the 
 dreams of his youth must have been but idle musing. 
 And he now sees, through the mist of years, that 
 those dreams have all been realized yea, more; 
 they have been magnified, and as he looks back over 
 his life and sees the result of his efforts, to the 
 blessings which now surround him, he fully realizes 
 
 THE POSSIBILITIES OF LIFE 
 
 Our life we live that we the time may use 
 To gather knowledge and the same diffuse ; 
 To aid the weak and thus fulfill the plan 
 Of God's own word, the brotherhood of man.
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 24Q 
 
 Intellect, reason, will, and common-sense, 
 
 Are ours. To hoard? No, free dispense. 
 
 Our wealth is loaned us to be freely used 
 
 In doing good, and not to be abused. 
 
 And while we live there's only time we own ; 
 
 Improve it well, its loss you'll e'er bemoan. 
 
 "How long we live not years but actions tell ;" 
 
 "That man lives twice who lives the first life well ;" 
 
 While he who lives and acts less than his best 
 
 Had better change, or cease to live the rest 
 
 Of even one, for years or months or single days 
 
 Are worse than lost if spent in wicked ways ; 
 
 And he who stultifies his conscience keen, 
 
 To live a life of worthless ease, is mean 
 
 And low too foul to fill the place he occupies ; 
 
 A blot of shame, unfit for earth or home beyond the skies. 
 
 Has he done all that he could for his fellowmen ? 
 Has he been of value to those about him? If so, 
 then, indeed, should he be happy, for there is no 
 other reason for living. As he asks himself these 
 questions he inquires also as to what is life? 
 
 WHAT IS THIS LIFE? 
 
 What is life, but a swift fading flower? 
 
 A sunbeam in spring, a mid-summer flower. 
 
 A quick, passing breeze, a short, fleeting breath, 
 
 And our days are no more; we are silent in death. 
 
 Aye, what is this life that we long so to live? 
 
 'Tis a problem of time which has little to give 
 
 But sorrow and pain, disease and decay 
 
 Hopes that will fade and soon fly away. 
 
 Ambition discouraged and strength spent in vain, 
 Our youth passed away to return ne'er again; 
 The dreams of our childhood their beauty have lost ; 
 Is life worth the living, if we count all the cost? 
 If we live to ourselves and not to mankind ; 
 If we seek only riches, improve not the mind; 
 If we hear not the sigh or the prayer as we go 
 Of the needy and weak, a thousand times. No!
 
 250 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 But if, while we life, we are noble and brave ; 
 If we try from despair some brother to save, 
 Our lives will beam forth like a beautiful day, 
 Like the glory of morn, nor e'en fade away. 
 If we quickly respond to the needy one's cry 
 With a heart full of love, and are ever near by 
 To comfort the weary and relieve their distress, 
 Life is worth the living ten thousand times, YES! 
 
 Yes, indeed, life to him has been worth living, as 
 his happiness has far outweighed all of his trials 
 and loneliness. Turning to his desk he picks up a 
 well-worn copy of the Bible, which for many years 
 has been his constant companion, having accompa- 
 nied him in all his wanderings. Turning to the fly- 
 leaf he reads, in his mother's handwriting : "So run 
 that ye may obtain; and having done all, to stand." 
 Robert has read this many times before, and it has 
 given him strength in the hour of temptation. It 
 has helped him to stand and persevere in his life's 
 task, and now 'he feels that so far as the quotation 
 refers to temporal matters, he has run and obtained. 
 Then drawing from his pocket another small book 
 he reads the following: 
 
 "O, happy they of human race to whom our Lord 
 has given grace to hear, to read, to feel, to pray, to 
 lift the latch and force the way; but better had 
 they ne'er been born who read to laugh or read to 
 scorn." 
 
 These lines are in a childish hand, and are signed 
 "Alice." Robert has read these lines many times, 
 too, as the signature as well as the lines have had 
 a peculiar charm for him for many years. Yes, he 
 has read and received the strength to force his way. 
 even against great and severe trials, and he has 
 now received his reward even in this present life
 
 A TALE OF THE ROCKIES 25! 
 
 far more than he had even dared to ask for or 
 anticipate riches, honor, and the priceless love of 
 wife, children and friends. Although he has been 
 thrown among the roughest element, Robert has 
 never learned to scoff at the blessed word of God, 
 but continues to read his Bible with the greatest 
 reverence, while he endeavors to practice its teach- 
 ings, for to it and its associations does he ascribe 
 his success in life. 
 
 Returning the keepsakes to their accustomed 
 places, he reverently bows his head and thanks the 
 God of his mother for the tender care and manifold 
 blessings which have followed him through all the 
 days of his life, sustained him in many trials and 
 finally brought him through them all to enjoy the 
 greatest of blessings. He has lived to see the fond- 
 est hopes of his childhood realized, the oft-repeated 
 prayers of his dead mother answered, and his own 
 honest efforts crowned with the most abundant suc- 
 cess. He has arisen from the most helpless and 
 dependent position to one of honor and respect ; from 
 abject poverty to abundant wealth, and from an 
 uneducated waif to an esteemed citizen of one of 
 the most enlightened, accomplished and refined cities 
 of the Great West. He is known as the friend of the 
 afflicted and oppressed, as well as the companion of 
 the laborer, for he has experienced the vicissitudes of 
 all the conditions of life, and has ever insisted that 
 all honest labor is honorable, and though courted 
 by the wealthy and influential, he can sympathize 
 with those less fortunate. The honors conferred do 
 not injure him, as his experience has taught him 
 that neither money, power nor honor are to be com- 
 pared with an honest heart, a spotless character,
 
 252 THE SINBAD MINES: 
 
 and the "Almighty Force of Truth;" that whatever 
 he may be accredited with is as much due to the 
 kindly assistance of friends and companions as it 
 is to his own efforts. Consequenty, Robert has 
 little to be proud of, but a great deal to be thankful 
 for ; for his mother's early teachings, a pure girl's 
 love, and many kind friends, as well as to his firm 
 belief in the Christian religion, does he ascribe his 
 success in life, believing that but for them he would 
 never have become the respected head of a happy 
 home, the possessor of friends and wealth, and the 
 honored president of the Sinbad Mining Company. 
 
 75" LIFE WORTH THE LIVING 
 
 Yes, life is worth the living, 
 
 If we only try to improve 
 The fast-fleeting moments alloted 
 
 By actions of kindness and love. 
 A smile or a kindly greeting 
 
 Will lighten another's load 
 And smooth his roughened pathway 
 
 As he struggles along life's road. 
 
 To return to its gracious Giver 
 
 Its price, full a hundred fold, 
 And he shall be far more happy 
 
 Then the owner of lands and gold. 
 For down in the soul is a yearning 
 
 Which is of the Maker a part, 
 A love for our fellow creatures, 
 
 A glow of the human heart 
 
 That burns, though hidden by actions 
 
 Which veil all its beauty from sight, 
 With a flame of dazzling splendor 
 
 That drives from our lives all the night. 
 Then, all of our days will be happy. 
 
 And Death shall be robbed of its pain, 
 For in passing its silent portals 
 
 A heavenly home we shall gain. 
 
 THE END.
 
 A 000 052 355 5