not only prospect himself but to stake others for a
half interest in what they found. Amongst them was a young fellow by the
name of Lane, of doubtful reputation, and his partner Bruce. Ben West
gave them a six weeks' outfit to go to a part of the country that had
not been looked over at all. After they had been gone about four weeks
Bruce, Lane's partner, came into camp and wanted Ben West. He was out in
the hills looking for another claim, but Bruce went after him to get him
to go with him to where Lane was, for they had found a good prospect
that was very rich. After getting together the few necessary things that
they needed, off the two men went, and sure enough it was a rich mine,
one that was paying three to six hundred dollars per day. "Now," said
Ben West, "I am opposed to any partnership business, and will sell or
buy. Just one half of this claim is mine. I will take twenty-five
thousand dollars or agree to give you the same amount for your half; and
would like an answer at once or as soon as you can decide."

Lane and Bruce talked the matter over and finally concluded to sell. "It
is a bargain," said Ben West, "and we will now go back to town and I
will give you your money."

It looked stormy before bedtime and next morning the snow was quite
deep. Though the snow was still falling, they were anxious to get to
town; so they started on the tedious journey of sixty miles through the
snow, then over a foot deep. Their progress was slow and they did not
make half the distance; being exhausted, they stopped for food and rest.
After eating a cold lunch, they fixed a place and spread their slender
allowance of bedding and turned in for the night. It was bitter cold,
but they were tired; so it was not long before they were all soundly
sleeping. When they awoke in the morning they realized that a very hard
day's travel was before them, having about forty miles to make before
supper.

When Ben West got up he did not feel quite right, for one of his feet
felt kind of odd. It did not take Lane long to find out the foot had
been slightly frozen. So to work they went and thawed it out, wrapped it
up well and started. It did not snow now, but it was cold. Their
progress was slow. When they had traveled about ten miles, Bruce said:
"I will push ahead and get a sled and some of the boys to come and meet
you, so make all the distance you can."

"All right," said West, "send four men with a sled and something to eat.
I will