loping and
transversing discovers new veins, while line work soon plays out. I
think things are working in excellent order at present."

They all made a tour of the mine which had been dug a considerable
distance into the mountain. The quartz was ordinarily productive, and
being rather loosely thrown together was blasted down without any
extra trouble. After a short consultation, Redburn and the "General"
concluded to place Frank over the Utes as superintendent and
mine-boss, as they saw that he was not used to digging, blasting or
any of the rough work connected with the mine, although he was
clear-headed and inventive.

When tendered the position it was gratefully accepted by him, he
expressing it his intention to work for the interest of his employers
as long as he should stay in the gulch.

Night at last fell over the Flower Pocket gold-mines, and work ceased.

The Utes procured their own food--mainly consisting of fish from the
little creek and deer and mountain birds that could be brought down at
almost any hour from the neighboring crags--and slept in the open air.
Redburn had McKenzie a comfortable bed made in the crusher-house, and
sent him out a meal fit for a prince.

As yet, Anita knew nothing of the scarlet youth's identity;--scarcely
knew, in fact, that he was in the valley.

At the cabin, the evening meal was dispatched with a general
expression of cheerfulness about the board. Anita seemed less downcast
than usual, and the vivacious Alice made life and merriment for all.
She was witty where wit was proper, and sensible in an unusual degree.

Redburn was infatuated with her. He watched her with an expression of
fondness in his eyes; he admired her every gesture and action; he saw
something new to admire in her, each moment he was in her society.

When the evening meal was cleared away, he took down the guitar, and
sung several ballads, the old "General" accompanying him with his rich
deep bass, and Alice with her clear birdlike alto; and the sweet
melody of the trio's voices called forth round after round of
rapturous applause from the road-agents camped upon the slope, and
from the Utes who were lounging here and there among the flower-beds
of the valley. But of the lot, Deadwood Dick was the only one bold
enough to approach the cabin, he came sauntering along and halted on
the threshold, nodding to the occupants of the little apartment with a
nonchalance which was not assumed.

"Good-evening!