Chapter 6 Chapter 6 Jane Edgerton & Company

At first, Skagway was little more than a gold prospector's camp, like all the resting places that dotted the region, which lacked both roads and means of transport.Then a group of wooden houses built more regularly replaced the thatched houses here and there, and later houses were built on this increasingly expensive land.However, who knows that in the future, when the gold mines are exhausted, these cities created for a short time will not be abandoned and the area will become deserted again? Indeed, these places cannot be compared with Australia, California, or the Transvaal, where villages can become cities even without gold mines.The land there is fertile, the area is habitable, and commerce or industry can develop rapidly.The land can still pay the laborers after contributing metal treasures.

But here, in this part of the Dominion, on the frontier of Alaska, almost on the edge of the Arctic Circle, in icy conditions, things are very different.When the gold nuggets have been mined, why are you still living in this place that has no resources and has been squeezed out by fur traders? Therefore, although some consortiums organized to build more convenient transportation facilities, and even considered building a railroad from Wrangel to Dawson City, once the Klondike gold mines were empty, the rapid construction of , The city where business is booming and people come and go is likely to disappear gradually.

When the "Football" arrived in Skagway, the place was already full of immigrants.Some of them took ships from the Pacific Ocean, others by train from Canada or the United States; all had only one destination: the Klondike region. Some travelers were sent all the way to Day, a small town at the head of the strait, not by steamer, which was too shallow to pass; It can shorten a lot of difficult land trips. In any case, after a relatively easy trip on board (these ships serve offshore), the grueling part of the trip begins from Skagway. There are several hotels in Skagway, and the brothers chose one.They only rent one house, and the rent has exceeded the price of two houses in Vancouver.Therefore, they will find ways to get out of here as soon as possible.

The hotel was full of travelers waiting to go to the Klondike.In the restaurant, people of all nationalities jostled shoulder to shoulder, and unfortunately only the food was Alaskan.However, do these immigrants have the right to make irresponsible remarks?Soon, in a matter of months, they will starve. Sammy Skin and Ben Rado had no chance of encountering the two Texans during their stay in Skagway, and Sammy made contact with one of them in a violent manner while leaving the Football .Hunt and Malona headed to the Klondike as soon as they arrived in Skagway.Since they came back from there 6 months ago and are going back now, their transportation was prepared ahead of time.They can set off immediately, without having to carry the supplies and equipment already at the Sishilihe development site.

"Honestly," said Sammy Skin, "it's good luck not to go with these rough folks! I pity anyone who goes on the road with them...unless they're the same thing, which is the case in the gold diggers' ranks Not uncommon." "Probably so," replied Ben Rado. "However, those two rough people are on better terms than we are. They didn't delay in Skagway, but we need a few days..." "Hey! We'll get there! Ben, we'll get there!" cried Sammy Skin. "We'll find those two bad boys on Lot 131. Lovely neighbors! Close connection! Indeed. Delightful prospect! . . . I hope this will stimulate us to sell our stone parcels at the best possible price, and start our journey home as soon as possible!"

Sammy Skin didn't have to worry about running into Hunter and Malona, ​​but he soon encountered two young female passengers, one of whom he so bravely protected.They shared a hotel with the two brothers and had run into them several times.Every time they met, they said some short and friendly words to each other, and then went about their own business. It is not difficult to guess what the two girls are anxious about, and that is undoubtedly to find the most convenient means of transportation to Dawson City.However, they do not seem to have easy access to such tools.Forty-eight hours after arriving in Skagway, there was no sign of any progress, at least from Jane Egerton's face.Despite her efforts to hide her emotions, there was still a hint of uneasiness on her face.

Ben Rado and Sammy Skinn took a growing interest in the two young female travelers, and they were thrilled and pitied at the thought of the danger and toil they were about to endure.Among this noisy group of immigrants (whose sense of justice and honor have been obliterated by greed and thirst for gold), what kind of support and help can they get when necessary? On the night of April 23, the irresistible Sammy Skin ventured up to the fair-haired girl, who, rightly or wrongly, made him feel less unapproachable. "So, Miss Edith," he asked, "hasn't there been any new progress since coming to Skagway?"

"Not at all, sir," answered the girl. At this time, Sammy suddenly noticed that this was the first time he heard this beautiful, musical sound. "Your cousin and you," he continued, "you are probably studying the means of transportation to Dawson City?" "Indeed, sir." "Haven't you decided yet?" "No, sir, not at all." This Edith Egerton was, of course, amiable, but unnerving.Sammy failed to express his intention to help them, and the conversation came to an end. Sammy had ideas of his own, though, and the interrupted conversation continued the next day.At that time, the two girls were discussing joining a team, and the preparations could be completed in a few days.The contingent consisted of poor, uneducated, vulgar people, and what traveling companions these two elegant, educated travelers were!

Sammy rushed forward as soon as he saw the two sisters, this time emboldened by the presence of Ben Rado and Jane Egerton. "So, Miss Edith," repeated good Sammy, as he had done yesterday, and he was not resourceful, "isn't there anything new?" "No, sir," Edith announced again. "Miss, it could go on like this for a long time." Edith made a vague movement.Sammy went on to say: "May I ask how you plan to go to Dawson City, any offense?" "Not at all," replied Edith, "we're going to form a small team with the person we were talking to just now."

"A good idea in principle," Sammy agreed. "But, miss, please forgive me for meddling in matters that have nothing to do with me. Did you think it through before deciding? These people you plan to associate with look disgusting." Dare to compliment, allow me to tell you..." "We do what we can," interrupted Jane Egerton, laughing, "and our means are too limited for the company of great persons." "Being more noble than your future companions does not necessarily mean that you are a dignitary. I can be sure that you will be forced to leave them at the first camp."

"If that's the case, the two of us will go on alone." Jane replied clearly. Sammy raised his arms. "Alone, ladies! . . . You think so? . . . You'll die on the road!" "Why should we worry about more dangers than you?" Jane objected, and again she was imperious. "We can do anything you can do." Apparently, the crazy feminist isn't budging. "Of course, of course," Sammy agreed amiably, "that's the thing, my cousin and I, neither of us intends to go to Dawson City alone. We have a guide, a very good guide, who will use his Experience helps us and gives us what we need." Sammy paused, then added in a flattering voice, "Why don't you take advantage of these?" "In what name?..." "In the name of being invited, of course," Sammy announced enthusiastically. Jane sincerely held out her hand to him. "My cousin and I, Mr. Sammy, we are grateful for your generosity, but we cannot accept it. Our means, though limited, are sufficient. We owe no one except when absolutely necessary. love." Judging by the calm tone in which she made the statement, there was no room for negotiation.If Jane Egerton thought of the hardships she was about to face, it was not to be intimidated by them, but to throw her head up in pride of her own efforts like a well-quenched spring. She went on to say to Ben Lado: "Am I right, sir?" "Quite right, Miss Jane," said Ben, not paying any attention to the desperate gesture made to him by his cousin. Indeed, as soon as he reached Skagway, Ben Rado began to arrange transportation to the Klondike capital.On the basis of information from someone in Montreal, he called a man named Bill Steer; he was vouched for and advised to get in touch with him. Bill Steer was originally from Canada and used to be a hunter on the prairie.For several years he served as a scout in Dominion's army, and took part in the long struggle against the Indians, and the officers were very pleased with him.He was considered a man of great courage, fearlessness in any danger, and a strong and powerful man. The scouts were now in the business of escorting immigrants, and with the good season, immigrants new and old flocked again.He was not only the guide, but the leader of the pack, and had the tools for these arduous journeys: boats and crews to use across the lakes, sledges and dogs to use on the vast frozen plains after the Chilcoot Pass .At the same time, he is also responsible for the food of the team organized by him. It was precisely because Ben Rado had to rely on the services of Bill Steer that he did not bring so much cumbersome luggage when he left Montreal.He knew that the Scout would provide everything needed to get to the Klondike, and he had no doubts that everything could be arranged with this man for getting back and forth. The day after Ben Rado arrived in Skagway he went to Bill Steel's house and was told he was not home.He led a party through White Canyon to the end of Lake Bennett.However, he has been gone for more than ten days.If he had not been delayed, if he had not been caught by other travelers on the way, he would be back soon. Sure enough, on the morning of April 25, Ben Rado and Sammy Skinn hooked up with Bill Steele. The scout is of medium build, with a gray beard, short thick hair, and resolute and sharp eyes. He is a 50-year-old man of steel and iron.His amiable face reveals sincerity and sincerity.His long service in the Canadian Armed Forces had brought him rare virtues: prudence, vigilance, caution.Thoughtful, methodical, and resourceful, he doesn't take gulls lightly.At the same time, he has his own philosophy, always sees the good side of life, is very satisfied with his destiny, and has never had any ambition: to imitate the people he sent to the gold mine.Did not everyday experience prove it to him?Most worked themselves to death, and those who came back were poorer than when they went. Ben Rado told Bill Steer of his plan to set off for Dawson City as soon as possible. "Well, sir," replied the Scout, "at your service. Travelers are my profession, and I am well equipped." "I know, Scout," Ben Rado said, "and I know you can be trusted." "You're only going to be in Dawson City for a few weeks?" Bill Steel asked. "It's possible." "So, aren't you going to develop the land?" "I don't know. For now, we're only going to sell the land that my cousin and I have inherited. There's already a buyer, but we'd like to see for ourselves the value of our property before we agree." "Mr. Rado, it's right to be cautious. In this kind of thing, you can use any means to deceive others. Be vigilant..." "That's why we decided to go there." "After you sold the land, did you return to Montreal?" "That is our intention. After you have sent us there, Scout, you will probably send us back." "We can negotiate this matter," Bill Steel replied. "I'm not in the habit of asking for a high price. Here are the terms of my negotiation with you, Mr. Rado." All told, the trip lasted 30 to 35 days, with the scouts providing horses or mules, sled dogs and sleds, boats, and tents for camping.In addition, he provided the supplies of the party, and in this he could be fully trusted, for he knew better than anyone the necessities of a long journey through this desolate country. The brothers had no mining equipment to transport, and the total cost of the trip was set at 1,800 francs from Skagway to Dawson City, and the same charge back. It is not appropriate to haggle with someone as conscientious and honest as Scout.Moreover, at that time, the price of transportation was quite high just through the mountain pass to reach the lake area, because the two roads that existed at that time were difficult to travel: one road charged 400 to 500 francs per catty of luggage, and the other charged 600 to 500 francs per catty. 700 francs.The price offered by Bill Steer was perfectly acceptable, and Ben Rado agreed without haggling. "It's settled," he said, "please don't forget that we intend to start as soon as possible." "I just need 48 hours to prepare," the scout replied. "Is it necessary for us to take a boat to Day?" "No need. Since you have no supplies and equipment to tow, I think it is better to start from Skagway." There was also the decision of which way to go through the mountains ahead of the Lake District, and the hardships and hardships were concentrated on this part of the journey.To Ben Rado's question in this regard, Bill Steer replied: "There are two roads, or rather two 'trails': White Canyon and Chilcoot Valley. Whichever way you go, you go down the mountain to Lake Bennett or Lake Lindemann." "Scout, which way shall we go?" "Take the Chilcoot Valley. From there, after a rest at 'Sheep Camp' you can go straight to the tip of Lindemann's Lake. There is accommodation and supplies in the camp. We can find me at Lindeman's Lake. supplies, so I don't have to go over the mountains to bring them back to Skagway." "We believe in your experience, and you are doing the right thing," Ben Rado concluded. "As for us, we will set off as soon as you call." "We're leaving in two days, as I told you," replied Bill Steele. "I'll need that time to prepare, Mr. Rado. We'll be starting early in the morning, and we'll be nowhere near the top of Chilcoot Mountain at night." Far." "How high is the top of the mountain?" "About 3,000 feet," replied the scout, "not very high. However, the canyon is narrow and winding, and the reason it is difficult to pass is that during this period, the canyon was crowded with miners, vehicles and packs of dogs, and was sometimes It's snowed in." Negotiations with Bill Steer were all done, but Ben Rado hadn't left yet. "One last word, Scout," he asked the guide, "if we happen to be accompanied by two female companions, can you tell me the additional cost?" "It depends, sir," replied the scout. "Is there much luggage?" "Not much, very little." "In that case, Monsieur Ladot, depending on the nature and weight of the baggage, it will add between 500 and 700 francs, including board." "Thank you, Scout, let's take a look." Ben Rado said and left. On the way back to the hotel, Sammy told his cousin that he was surprised by the guide's last question.Who was Ben not thinking of Edith and Jane Egerton? "Indeed," Ben admitted. "But you know very well," objected Sammy, "that even if you agreed, they would have flatly refused." "That's what happened." "There is no room for negotiation in the tone of refusal." "It's because you're not doing it right, cousin," replied Ben calmly. "Let me do it, and you see I can do it better than you." Once back at the hotel, Ben looked for the two girls, followed by a very curious Sammy.After spotting them in the reading room, Ben approached Jane openly. "Miss," he said unexpectedly, "I have one thing to suggest to you." "What is it?" asked Jane, not surprised by the directness. "Here's the thing," explained Ben unhurriedly, "that day my cousin Sammy invited you to come with us to Dawson City. About 700 francs in expenses. Of course a businessman like me thinks he should make a dollar or a few dollars back. It is very lucky that you declined the invitation.” "Indeed," said Jane, "and then?" "However, you must admit, miss, that you are indeed taking a great risk. My cousin's invitation will facilitate your travel." "I don't object at all," Jane admitted, "but I don't see..." "I mean," continued Ben, despite the interruption, "I repeat that our assistance will be of great benefit to you. It will save you from possible delays and get you to the goldfields at the best possible time. If you accept, your chances of success will be greatly increased, therefore, I should also benefit from the business I help.I propose to you: I will be responsible for sending you to Dawson City, but it will be withdrawn from your future earnings 10%." Jane was not at all surprised by this unique suggestion.What could be more natural than trading?She delayed answering because she was considering the suggestion. 10%, too much!However, the road to the Klondike capital is just as long and difficult!Be both bold and sensible. "I agree," she said after thinking, "we'll sign a contract if you like." "I was going to make this proposal to you," said Ben gravely, sitting at a table. Watching from the corner of his new partner's eye, he wrote earnestly: Signatory: 1.Miss Jane Egerton, Prospector, lived in... "Yes," he asked, stopping his pen, "what's your address?" "Just write: Dawson City Hospital." Ben Rado went on to write: ... Dawson City Hospital is on the side. 2. Mr. Ben Rado, engineer, living at 29 rue Jacques-Cartier, Montreal, for the other party.Decided to sign the following terms: ... Edith and Sammy exchanged glances over the table.The elated Sammy's eyes were cheerful, and Edith's eyes were moist and excited, at least she understood: this is a trick of generosity.