ay from which to select in order to
make pilgrimages into more distant territory.

A little garden furnished fresh vegetables, while the "ranch hack" made
trips to the nearest railway station for other provisions once a week.
Chiquita arranged for the pre-emption of this ranch on one of Jack's
early visits, but by reason of mineral springs being reserved by the
Government from operation of the land law, the property was abandoned in
later years.

In making her trips back and forth from the ranch on Rock Creek to the
college, Chiquita watched the marvelous growth of that great stretch of
country between the Missouri River and the Rocky Mountains with sinking
heart.

To Jack she confided her worst fears. "The Great Manitou of the Utes has
been conquered by the Great Spirit of the white man," she was wont to
remark as her knowledge of the Christian religion advanced.

In truth, Chiquita had ground for her fears. Leadville, with its never
ceasing output of silver which rolled in a continuous stream toward the
great manufacturing centers of the East, was welcomed by the idle, labor
seeking armies as the Mecca of the world. The prominent transportation
companies sent emissaries to all the great farming regions of Europe,
colonizing emigrants to enter the immense uncultivated sections
traversed by their respective charters in the attempt to make their
railways profitable. Train load after train load of hardy, well-to-do
Russians, Norwegians, Swedes and Germans rolled into the fertile
valleys, peopling the arid wastes and starting the building of villages,
towns and cities along the railway like unto tales of mythology. The
impetus of this gigantic, overwhelming land-grabbing aroused the
speculative world and money came forth from its hiding place to seek
investment. Mills began to work overtime. Products of all kinds were in
demand, for the comers to the new land had to be fed, clothed and
entertained. Prosperity ruled.

"Jack," said Chiquita, as the annual trip was made across the great
country to the mine near the close of her college career, "see the
effects of education and civilization in these immense cities where ten
years ago were unplowed lands, open prairie and treeless wastes. The
untutored savage must go; yes, there is but one result can ensue, and
while it makes me feel sad for my people yet I doubt not it is best for
humanity."

CHAPTER XII.

JACK WEDDED.

'Twas the last of June, the wedding be