Chapter 13 Chapter Thirteen Plot No. 129

Lot 129 sits on the right bank of the Forty Mile River and, as has been said, is the last Klondike Lot.The boundary markers that mark the western border also mark the border between Alaska and Canada. After crossing Lot 129 to the south, between two slightly higher hills, there is a grassy pasture surrounded by birch and aspen forests. To the north of the plot is the fast-flowing river, which was moderately dry at the time, with banks sloping slightly upstream.On the left bank, however, there is a ridge of hills coming from the north and turning downstream that raises the water suddenly; almost facing a ridge of lower hills, this ridge, on the right bank of the river, runs perpendicular to the river and constitutes the Josiah • The eastern border of Lacoste Industries.Behind the hills, at the foot of the other side, Jane Egerton labored obstinately and desperately for a week, almost without pay, until June 10 when the brothers finally came to the end of their journey. .

In many places, the owner's house, wooden house or thatched house can be seen.Within a radius of two or three kilometers, hundreds of people are working. On the other side of the border, on American soil, similar facilities exist.At the front, and closest, is Texan Henry's Lot 131, which he's been developing for a year.Just started the second mining season. Sammy Skin and Ben Rado, who knew the man well, were naturally very inclined to believe that this Hunter had picked on his neighbor Josiah Lacoste in the past.Henry put in the labor and was justifiable in doing so. The property on Lot 129 was established in accordance with the current regulations and is legal.The discovery of a gold mine is announced, recognized by the state, and registered in the office of the Dominion Mining Commissioner within the specified period, and the annual payment of 35 US dollars is paid.In addition, 10% of the dug gold must be handed over to the royal family, otherwise the land will be confiscated in the name of tax evasion.But Josiah Lacoste never suffered such punishment, nor did he break the law.The law stipulates that if any land is not started within fifteen days in the beautiful season, the land will be owned by the public.After his death, the work stopped, waiting for his heir to inherit the inheritance.

Josiah Lacoste's operation lasted eighteen months and, on the whole, the gains were modest.Because of the start-up, the cost of personnel and transportation is quite high.In addition, a sudden flash flood in the Sishili River disrupted the progress of the project and caused huge losses.All in all, when death took the life of the owner of Plot 129, he was barely breaking even. But what prospector ever loses hope, and does not always believe that next day he will hit a bonanza, find a valuable nugget, pan out a pan of gold sand worth 1,000, 2,000, 4,000 francs? ... Perhaps, in any case, Josiah Lacoste will succeed in the end, despite his limited material equipment.

The two brothers got all the information about the development and operation from their uncle's former foreman.After the men were dismissed, the foreman remained in charge of the plot, waiting to be reopened either for the heirs or for the purchaser. The foreman was Lorrick, a Canadian of French origin. He was in his forties and was proficient in prospecting.He worked for many years on gold mines in California and British Columbia before coming to the Yukon.Regarding the current situation of No. 129, the profit obtained and the possible profit, and the true value of the land, no one can provide Ben Lado with a more accurate situation.

First, Lorrick arranged for Ben Rado and Sammy Skin to stay as comfortably as possible. They would probably stay in the Forty Mile River for a few days.They preferred the humblest, but at least clean, bedroom in the hut their uncle built for themselves and the foreman to the tents in the camp.The house was built at the foot of the hills to the south, in a forest of birch and aspen.At this time of the year, when the inclement weather was less dreadful, the hut was sufficient as a shelter. As for food, the foreman had no qualms about reassuring his new master.Indeed, in this region, as throughout the Klondike, there are supply companies.These companies were established in Dawson City, where they received supplies from the Yukon people from the great river, and then distributed the supplies to various gold mines, and gained a lot of profits from them. First, because the prices of many consumer goods were very high. , Second, because the county uses a lot of labor.

The day after Ben Rado and Sammy Skin arrived at the Forty Mile River, they visited the plot under the guidance of Loric.Meanwhile, Lorik told them about the early days of development. "Mr. Josiah Lacoste," said Lorrick, "did not at first use his fifty or so men to dig wells on the banks of the river, but to scrape the ground; Towards the end, the mine went down to the gold seam." "How many wells did you drill?" Ben Rado asked. "Twelve," replied the foreman. "Each well has a nine-foot-square opening, as you can see. The wells are in good condition, and production can resume as soon as they are lowered and dredged."

"But," Sammy Skinn's turn inquired, "is there any gain in scraping the ground before the well is drilled? Will it make ends meet?" "Of course not, sir." Lorrick admitted, "This is true of almost all gold mines, if it is limited to the gold sand in the sand and gravel." "Do you work only with plates and pots?" Ben Rado asked. "That's all, sir. We seldom find $3 gold dust in a pan." "But on Bonanza's land," cried Sammy Skin, "they say five or six hundred dollars a plate." "Believe that to be the exception," declared the foreman, "if the average plate was worth twenty dollars, the people were content. As for Lot 129, a plate was never appreciably more than a dollar."

"Poor! . . . poor! . . . " Sammy said through his teeth. Ben Rado quickly changed the subject. "How deep is the well?" "Ten to fifteen feet. It's deep enough to reach the gold sand deposit." "What is the typical thickness of the seam?" "About seven feet." "How many trays can one cubic foot of sand be filled with?" "About ten dishes, a good worker can wash about 100 dishes a day." "So the mine hasn't been used yet?..." Ben Rado asked. "Everything was ready when Mr. Josiah Lacoste died. Work was stopped."

If Bin Lado was excited by these developments, it was evident that his cousin was also interested in them.Indeed, wouldn't it be natural to also let him know the value of number 129 as accurately as possible? ... He asked the foreman a precise question on the matter. "We have acquired thirty thousand francs worth of gold, nearly all of which has been expended," replied the foreman, "but I have no doubt that the veins of the Forty Mile River are good. Earnings have been solid." "As you probably know, Lorrick," said Ben Rado, "a company in Chicago wants to buy our land."

"I know, sir. Their broker visited the mines the other day." "The company offered five thousand dollars, do you think that's enough?" "It's ridiculous," Lorrick said firmly. "Based on the results obtained in other plots in the Forty Mile River, I estimate that your plot is worth at least $40,000." "That's not a bad amount," Sammy Skin said. "Really, if we can get that price, it's not worth the trip. Unfortunately: as long as the border problem is not resolved, this land will be very expensive." Hard to sell."

"What does it matter! . . . " the foreman disagreed. "Whether Parcel 129 is Canadian or Alaskan, it always has the same value." "Exactly," Ben Rado said, "and the company thought it should withdraw its offer despite the low bid." "Lorik," Sammy Skinn asked, "is there any reason to hope that the border work will be completed soon?" "I can only tell you one thing, gentlemen," replied Lorrick, "that the committee has begun its work. When will it end? . They were aided in their work by the most eminent geometer in Clark. This man was Mr. Ogilvie, an experienced man, who accurately measured the cadastral state of the county." "How do you predict the possible outcome after the revision?" Ben Lado asked. "The results will shame the Americans," replied the foreman, "because if the frontier is not in the right place, it should be moved west." "This guarantees that Parcel 129 will forever belong to Canada," concluded Sammy Skin. At this point, Ben Rado asked the foreman several questions about the relationship between Josiah Lakos and the owner of Lot 131. "The Texan and his companion?" said the foreman. "Hunter and Malone?" "exactly." "Really, gentlemen, I tell you plainly: these Americans are disgusting. They trouble us all the time. Later, we had to work with pistols in our belts. More than once, the police Had to intervene to subdue them." "That's what the police chief we met in Kudahi told us," Ben Rado said. "I am afraid," added Lorrick, "that they will have a chance of intervening in the future. You see, gentlemen, we shall have peace only when these two rascals are driven out." "How can they be deported?" "It couldn't be simpler, if the border moved westward. Lot 131 would be on Canadian territory and Hunter would have to submit to the administration." "Naturally," said Sammy Skin, "he's one of those who say the 141st meridian should go east?" "Of course," replied the foreman, "he's got all the Americans on the frontier, whether they're on the Forty Mile River or the Sixty Mile River. They've threatened us more than once to invade our territory and seize our land .It was Hunter and Malone who encouraged them to take these drastic actions. The authorities in Ottawa sent their complaint to Washington, but the Americans don't seem to be rushing to deal with it." "Probably wait for the border issue to be resolved first," Ben Rado said. "Probably so, Mr. Rado. Until this matter is settled, we must be on our guard. Hunter knows that when the new owner reaches the Forty Mile River, he may do bad things." "He knows who his opponent is," Sammy Skin said, "because we've had the honor of being introduced to him." The two brothers and the foreman walked the lot, and they stopped near the boundary post that separated No. 129 from No. 131. There is no one on the 129th side, but the work on the 131st side is in full swing.Hunter's men were working in the mines upstream.The washed soil was sent into the Sishili River by the water in the ditch, and disappeared in the river. Ben Rado and Sammy Skin tried unsuccessfully to spot Hunter and Malona among the workers at No. 131.They did not see the two men.Lorrick thought that after they had been on the plot for a few days, they must have gone west.In that part of Alaska a new gold field has been discovered. After touring the plot, the brothers and the foreman returned to the cottage.Neruto has already made lunch. "Helmsman," Ben Rado asked cheerfully, "how's your lunch?" "Delicious, Mr. Lardo! . . . if it succeeds," replied the Indian, correcting the proud affirmative with a modest reserve, as was his custom. After lunch, Sammy Skin wanted to know about his cousin's plans. "You know Lot 129 now," he said to his cousin, "and you know its value. Staying here, I can't imagine how you could learn more!" "I don't think so," Ben Rado replied. "I'm going to have a long conversation with the foreman, and I'm going to go through my uncle's books. I don't think forty-eight hours is too much after all that." "Let's say forty-eight hours," agreed Sammy Skin, "provided I can hunt around." "Go hunting, my friend, go hunting, we shall have to be patient here for a few days, so that you may have some amusement." "Hey," Sammy Skin said, smiling, "48 hours has turned into days now!" "Maybe," said Ben Rado, "if only I could see the laborers at work... washing basins and dishes..." "Oh! Oh!" said Sammy Skin, "I think days are turning into weeks! . . . Pay attention! Come on, pay attention! . . . We're not prospectors, don't forget that." "Agreed, Sammy. But since we can't proceed with the sale of the plot, I don't see why Lorik can't start over while we're waiting for the Commendation to wrap up..." "So," interrupted Sammy Skin, "as long as the accursed warp thread doesn't return to its proper position, we're forced to take root here!" "It's the same here as it is anywhere else. Where are we going, Sammy?" "Let's say, Ben, go to Dawson City." "Is it better there than here?" Sammy Skinn made no answer.Feeling angry, he picked up his shotgun, called Neruto, and the two of them left the cabin and walked south up the valley. Sammy Skin had every reason to be angry.Ben Rado decided to try to operate the gold mine that became his own property.Now that unforeseen circumstances had compelled him to extend his stay at the Forty Mile River to a few weeks, how could he resist the temptation to take advantage of the fully prepared mines and check out their yields? ... Did Uncle Josias do all that he should have done in order to get a good result? ...was he content to use the ancient methods of the gold-diggers, which were apparently too primitive?However, an engineer may be able to find another method that is faster and more productive... In short, if he can get hundreds of thousands of francs out of the stomach of this piece of land that belongs to him, it may be several million, and he will give up at a low price Is it sane? ... Yes, the above is what Ben Lado thinks.Anyway, the issue of borders is less irritating.This gave him reason to keep Sammy Skin's head down, and he was so optimistic that he even said to himself that his cousin would eventually be interested in what he was passionate about. Therefore, when he had examined his uncle's books, and when the foreman had provided him with all the information that would enable him to understand the situation, he asked directly: "Lorik, if you are asked to recruit people now, can you do it?" "It can be done, Mr. Rado," replied the foreman. "There are thousands of immigrants in the county looking for work, and they can't find it. People come to the gold mines on the Forty Mile River every day. I even think that there are so many people. They don't demand high wages." "You only need fifty or so miners?" "At most. Mr. Josiah Lacoste never used more men." "How long did it take you to recruit these people?" "24 hours." A moment later the foreman added: "Would you like to explore yourself, Mr. Rado." "Maybe...at least, until we don't sell 129 for what it should be." "Indeed, that will give you a better estimate of its value." "Besides," said Ben Rado, "until the border issue is settled in one way or another, what's going on here?" "That's right," agreed the foreman, "but whether 129 is American or Canadian, it has its worth. For me, I've always thought that the land on the left tributary of the Yukon No worse than the right bank. Believe me, Mr. Lardo, you can get rich as quickly on the Sixty and Forty Mile Rivers as you can on the Bonanza or the El Dorado." "I accept this prophecy, Loric." Ben Rado said, he was very satisfied with the answer that met his wishes. All that was left was Sammy Skin.Perhaps he still thought the pill was too bitter.Ben Rado is even more disturbed in this regard, he just doesn't want to say it. A lucky chance, however, protected him, and he gave no explanation that worried him.When Sammy came back around five o'clock at night, he wasn't alone anymore.Ben saw him emerge on top of the knoll that marked the lower boundary of the lot, followed by a tall workman laden with loads like an animal; beside him was a smaller companion.Sammy greeted him with great gestures from a distance. "Hey! Come here, Ben!" he began yelling within hearing distance, "I'll introduce you to our neighbors!" "Miss Jane!" cried Ben Rado when he recognized his cousin's companion. "It's her!..." Sammy said loudly, "And she's the owner of plot 1272!" Needless to say, the young American woman was greeted warmly by the engineer.The latter then learned of what had happened to his "partner," and he congratulated her with calm enthusiasm and sincerely regretted her relative failure.Sammy used the opportunity to make a plea of ​​his own. "I told our neighbour," said he, "that you would not refuse to propose to her, and I hope you will admit it." "You're kidding." Ben Rado objected. "So, are you going to visit her plot?" "must go." "Did you examine it carefully?" "Naturally." "You gave her the opinion of your authority?" "Do it from tomorrow. When necessary, I will turn to the wisdom of Loric, who has more practical experience in this area than I do." "That's all right, Ben, you're a good boy. As for you, miss, you're sure to be rich," Sammy declared confidently. Ben Rado thinks now is the right time to tell his cousin about his decision. "We're sure to get rich, Sammy." He didn't dare to look at his cousin, and said tactfully. "Let's get rich?" "Yes. Since at any rate the matter of this damned warp is to be settled, I have resolved to keep the mine in operation until then. From tomorrow onwards, Loric will be recruiting." Ben Rado waited for him to fly into a rage.When he heard his cousin say the following words with a simple and honest expression, he was extremely surprised. "That's a great idea, Ben! . . . what a great idea!" said Sammy. Then he dropped the subject, as if it were of no importance, and added: "Well, Ben, I invite Miss Jane to spend the night in our cottage, and she has to sleep in the open air. I suppose you won't object?" "Does that even matter!" said Ben. "Our house is perfectly fit for Miss Edgerton's use, there's no doubt about it." "Everything's better," said Sammy, "in that case, my opinion is..." "What is it?..." "Let's walk around our property with our neighbors." Sammy finished happily, and without waiting for a reply, he took Jane Egerton away; Get rid of Ben Lado, who is baffled. Still, Sammy said to Jane in the most serious manner: "But gold mines can be good sometimes. Gold mines, you see, Miss Jane..." Unable to comprehend such a surprising change, Ben Rado shrugged and lit a cigarette.