Chapter 14 Chapter Fourteen Operations

Sammy Skin's optimism lasted only one night.When he woke up the next day, his mind was filled with old thoughts again.These thoughts are temporarily driven away by inexplicable influences.When he found that his apprehensions had come true, he was as sullen as his character dictated. So, before the land was sold, Ben Rado would run it.Who knows if he will give up in the future! ... "It's inevitable," said Sammy Skin to himself, "ah! Uncle Josiah! . . . If we become miners, gold diggers, prospectors, I call it a scavenger) That's what you made of us... Once your hand goes into this gear train, your whole body goes in, and when winter comes, we won't be on our way back to Montreal!  … in Klondike for winter! . . . It's so cold to make a thermometer with more lines below zero than above! What a prospect, oh!  … Oh Uncle Josias, Uncle Josias! ..."

So Sammy Skin thought.However, whether due to the role of his self-proclaimed practical philosophy or for other reasons, his beliefs lost their former aggressive characteristics.So, is Sammy Skin changing?Green Valley's Safe Gentleman - Is the farm owner interested in a life of adventure? For Yukon's gold mines, the mining season has just begun.The thawing of the ground and the flowing of the river allowed work in the mine to be carried on for no more than fifteen days at most.It is still very difficult to plan with a pickaxe on the ground that has been hardened by the severe cold, but it can be dug after all.And it is easier to reach the gold-bearing ore seam, because there is no need to worry that the frozen well wall will collapse.

There is no advanced equipment, no high-efficiency machines that Ben Rado can use, so he can only use pots or plates, which are called "noodles" in the miners' dialect.However, these primitive tools are enough to wash the soil near the Sishili River. All in all, it was the mines forming the veins that had to be produced industrially, not the riverside plots.Machines for crushing quartz stone have been used in gold mines in the Klondike Mountains, as in mines in Canada, Britain, and Columbia. To carry out this plan, Ben Rado could not have asked for better help than that provided by the foreman.Just let this man do it, he is experienced, familiar with this kind of work, and capable enough to do what the engineer suggests to him to perfect the equipment.

Either way, you should hurry up. A shutdown of Lot 129 for too long would have drawn complaints from management.The latter greedily extracts taxes from the proceeds of the gold mines, and in good seasons is happy to announce repossessions of plots abandoned in relatively short periods of time. The foreman had more trouble recruiting workers than he had imagined.New gold mines have been discovered in some places under the Dome in this county, and many miners are attracted there because the wages are said to be higher there.Of course, after the thaw, it will be easier to come down the Yukon from the lake, so people will keep arriving in Dawson City.However, the use of machines was not widespread at that time, and labor was needed everywhere.

While Lorrick struggled to muster a sufficient number of workers, Ben Rado rushed to fulfill his promise to Jane Egerton.Without hesitation he and Sammy Skin climbed over the hill that separated their property from that of their neighbour. The neighbor's plot was divided into two levels, the upper level upstream and the lower level downstream, a peculiarity that immediately caught the engineer's attention.He walked all the way to the river, carefully observed the behavior of the river bank, and then clearly expressed his opinion: "No one can estimate the real value of your land, miss," he said to Jane Egerton, "but, at any rate, I can say with certainty that your attempt to mine the lower strata was a mistake."

"Why?" Jane asked, "isn't my choice determined by the location of the mine?" "It is the existence of the mines," replied Ben Rado, "that diverts you from the right direction. Isn't that obvious? In a region that has been gouged by so many miners, these mines have been dug and then Give up because the payoff has not been great. Why do you succeed where others have failed?" "Indeed." Jane admitted, surprised by the validity of this observation. "There is another theory," Ben Rado went on, "but in order for you to feel the full force of this theory, you must have a clear understanding of the formation of the gold deposit you and I have mined. This deposit is nothing more than It was a long time ago that the water of the Shisili River was not the sediment left when it flowed through the current channel. At that time, the river was wider and covered Lot 129 and all other surrounding plots, even where we are now ;The ravine you developed below forms an inlet into which the current diverted by the hills dividing our plot is violently washed. Of course, the water first passes through the upper level, which is upstream; Then fall from above the stone barrier in the form of a waterfall to the lower level, and then continue to flow forward. This stone barrier is of course an obstacle, and the water crashes on it and forms a vortex. Therefore, it is entirely possible that before passing through the barrier, all the water will carry. Heavy objects, especially gold dust, were thrown on the inside of the barrier. Evidently, the depression formed on the inside of the barrier was gradually filled with these deposits, until one day the gold-bearing deposits began to overflow and fall to the lower layer; but , it can be inferred that at this time, the movement of the earth's crust caused a large number of rocks to fall down to cover the sand layer I guess existed, and at the same time caused the river to flow northward, thus giving up crossing the river bank we see today."

Sammy Skinn made no secret of his admiration. "Insights!" he exclaimed. "Ben, you're a real expert!" "Don't talk too fast," Ben Rado replied. "At any rate, these are only hypotheses. However, I don't think I'm mistaken, and I'm sure that if there is gold in Lot 1272, it can only be found in the beneath the rubble covering its upper half." "Let's go and see," said Jane, with her usual firmness. The two brothers and companions walked up the valley for about 200 meters, then came to the point where the stone barrier clearly protruded from the deepest valley line, and then walked in the direction of the river to the upper level.It is full of large and small stones, and it is extremely difficult to walk among them.They walked for nearly an hour before they came to the river.

Even though Ben Rado searched patiently and meticulously, he did not find a single bit of sand in one place.Everywhere there was nothing but stone, and between the stones you could see deeper-buried stones. "It is difficult to prove my theory experimentally," said Ben Rado as he reached the cliff-like bank above the river. "Maybe it's not that difficult," replied Sammy, who seemed to have made an interesting discovery a few meters away. "Isn't that sand, Ben." Ben Rado walked up to his cousin.Sure enough, a small piece of sand appeared between the two stones, just as big as a handkerchief.

"It's fine sand!" exclaimed Ben, after examining it a moment. "It's a wonder nobody found it before us. Look at the color, Sammy. Look at it, Miss Jane. I'll bet it a hundred to one." , such sand can pan out $50 of gold per pan!" The engineer's assertion could not be verified at the scene.They hastened to fill their pockets and hats with the precious sediment, and returned by the way they had come. When they came to the river, the gold was washed out.Ben Rado found to his satisfaction that his estimate was too conservative, by half, yielding at least $100 per plate.

"$100!" exclaimed Jane and Sammy, ecstatic. "The lowest estimate." Ben Rado said firmly. "So . . . I'm rich!" Jane stammered, though she was calm and composed, and she couldn't help feeling a little excited. "Let's not get excited," Ben Rado said, "let's not get excited...Of course, my opinion is that this part of your plot should contain valuable gold nuggets, but, except for the rich sand in your pocket In addition to gold-bearing sands that may be accidental, consider the enormous amount of money required to remove the earth and rock from the surface. You need manpower, tools ... and explosives are not superfluous in order to remove the mountain of rock."

"We're going to work today," said Jane with force. "Patrick and I, we're trying to clear out a little nook without anyone's help. The gold we get from it will enable me to hire labor, buy necessary equipment to speed up the work." "It's a sensible idea," agreed Ben Rado, "and I wish you luck..." "At the same time, please accept, and Mr. Sammy, my sincere thanks," Jane added, "Without your help, I will decide to cross the border and go deep into the heart of Alaska, and no one will know..." "Since I am your partner," Ben Rado interrupted a little more calmly, "Miss Egerton, in my own interest, I should also help you find the best way to reduce your costs as much as possible. represents a loss of capital." "That's right," Jane admitted, with a look of satisfaction. Sammy Skinn interrupted a conversation that was clearly on his nerves. "What kind of businessmen are you two! You are so outstanding! ... I am not a 'partner', but this does not prevent me from being very satisfied!" The brothers let Jane Edgerton start a new development, and both returned to Lot 129.At this time, several workers had already arrived.By evening, Lorrick had recruited some thirty workers with high wages, often more than $10 a day. This is the salary market in the Bonanza area at that time.Many workers earn 75 to 80 francs a day, and many of them have made a fortune, because this money is easy to earn and difficult to spend. The increase in wages is not surprising.For example, in the Suqum mining area, a worker can wash $100 of gold an hour.In effect, workers only withdraw one percent of the proceeds. As mentioned earlier: No. 129's equipment is the simplest: only plates and basins.However, Josiah Lacoste did not see the necessity of supplementing too primitive equipment, what he did not do, his nephew did.With the help of the foreman, another good price was paid, and two shakers were added to the equipment of No. 129. The shaking platform is very simple. It is a box 3 feet long and 2 feet wide, like a coffin mounted on a cradle.Inside the box is a sieve with a square felt, which filters out the sand leaving the gold dust.The rocker is mounted on the top of the lower part of the instrument to make it vibrate regularly.If the particles of placer gold are too small to be picked up by hand, then a certain amount of mercury is mixed with these fine placer gold in the lower part of the shaking table. Compared with the shaking table, Ben Rado wanted to install a gold sand washing tank. He didn't buy it, so he planned to make it himself.This is a wooden sink with horizontal grooves every 6 feet.After the muddy water is poured into the groove, due to the difference in specific gravity, the soil and quartz are washed away by the water, while the gold sand remains in the horizontal groove. Both methods are quite effective and the results are good.However, they all need to install a water pump to bring water to the top of the washing tank or shaking platform, which greatly increases the price of the equipment.If the plot is in the mountains, natural waterfalls can sometimes be used, but the plots by the river must use mechanical methods, which is not a small expense. Operations at No. 129 therefore resumed under better conditions. Sammy Skin thought things out in his own way and tirelessly watched Ben Radeau throw himself into the work with zeal and passion. "Obviously," he said to himself, "I have not escaped this epidemic that is spreading, and may God bless me not to catch it! I am afraid that this disease will not recover, even if I make a fortune, and gold will never die." Not too much! . . . No! There must be too much gold, perhaps too much and not enough!" The owners of No. 129 are not there yet, not far off.If the foreman is to be believed, the deposit here is a bonanza, so be it!In any case, it will not hand over its wealth generously.There are many difficulties in reaching the underground gold-bearing layers, and the direction of the gold-bearing layers is in line with the flow direction of the Sishili River.Ben Rado found that the depth of the mine was not enough, and he had to drill down.This period has thawed and the walls of the well are no longer strong, so drilling a well is a big project. But really, is it wise to invest in these expensive projects?Wouldn't it be better to let the company or individual who bought the land do it?Shouldn't Ben Rado be content with the income from plates and shakers? Indeed, just enough for a quarter of a dollar per plate.After the laborers were paid, there was little left; and it is doubtful whether the foreman's precise statement has any sound basis. Throughout June, the weather was fine.There were a few bouts of torrential rain, sometimes accompanied by high winds, but they passed quickly.Along the Sishili River, the interrupted works soon resumed. For a few days in early July, all the owners of Lot 129 could do was send $3,000 to Dawson City and deposit it into their accounts with the American Trade and Transportation Company. "To send them extra money," Sammy Skin said, "if I had money in my pocket, I'd take it out and add it, and make them feel sorry for losing Lot 129...but $3,000! ...they will laugh at us." "Be patient, Sammy, be patient!" Ben Rado replied. "That day will come." Like the engineers say, for that day to come, there has to be action.Come July, there are only two months left in the beautiful season.The sun, which had set at half past ten, reappeared on the horizon before one o'clock in the morning.And, between sunrise and sunset, there is twilight, when the circumpolar stars can just be seen.By replacing the first set with the second set, the prospector can work without interruption.That's what people do on the other side of the border, in the gold fields of Alaska.The energy of the Americans is unbelievable. To Ben Lado's great regret, it is impossible to learn from the Americans.Although Loric searched everywhere, he could only recruit 40 workers. On Lot 1272, Jane Edgerton had the same difficulty.She had to be content with a dozen workers, and couldn't find more at any price. Every night she told Sammy Skin and Ben Rado the results of her efforts.The gold content of the plot was encouraging and did not remain at the level of the first trial.The average revenue per plate rises to $4, and $10 a plate is not uncommon.In this case, ten skilled workers would suffice to guarantee a few hundred thousand francs at the end of the season. Sadly, Jane Edgerton's workers were almost entirely devoted to clearing the grounds, and despite Patrick's devotion and strength, the work continued to be slow.However, as the rocks continue to fall to the lower level, the exposed area of ​​sand gradually expands; it can be predicted that by mid-July, Lot 1272 will begin to provide its owner with considerable income. Despite Ben Rado's all-out efforts, Lot 129 isn't as promising as Lot 1272. In view of his character, it is not surprising that he sometimes directly participates in labor.While supervising the workers, he also put down his airs and worked with the workers: washing the mud from No. 129 with a plate in his hand.He often operated the shaker himself, with Sammy watching him mockingly.At least the man kept his composure, and the cousin tried unsuccessfully to convey some of his enthusiasm to him. "So, Sammy, won't you try it?" he said. "No," said Sammy Skin invariably, "I don't have the gift." "But, it's not difficult. Shake a plate, mix the gravel with water, and there will be gold dust under the plate." "Well, what do you want, Ben, I don't like this business. No, just pay me two dollars an hour!" "I'm sure you'll be lucky!" sighed Ben, making a regretful look. One day, however, Sammy Skin finally gave in.He honestly picked up a plate, filled it with the soil he had just dug out from the mine, turned the soil into muddy water and poured it out slowly. Not even a trace of the metal that Sammy Skin kept cursing. "Nothing!" he said, "not even money for a bag of tobacco." Sammy had better luck hunting.Though the almost daily chance of the chase—as if on purpose—brought him to Lot 1272, where he wasted valuable time waiting for Jane Egerton to stop working; Usually the hunting bag is always full.No doubt this continued success was due to his talent as a hunter, but the abundance of game and birds on the nearby plains and valleys also played a part.There were no moose in the woods, he had never seen a moose; but reindeer were often seen.As for squirrels, snow chickens and wild ducks, there are plentiful groups of them in the swamps on both sides of the Shili River.So Sammy Skinn, after his extended Klondike stay, can find solace in the hunt, but is not without regrets about the abundant wildlife in the Green Valley countryside. In the first half of July, panning yielded better results.The foreman finally reached the real gold mine, and the closer to the border, the higher the gold content.Plates and shakers do not produce appreciable quantities of alluvial gold.Although no valuable gold nuggets were harvested, the income in this half month was not less than 35,000 francs.This confirms the statement of Lorik, who fueled Ben Rado's ambitions. According to the word circulating among the workers of Lot 129, as the Texan Hunter continued to develop Lot 131 to the east, he also found that the gold content of the deposit was increasing, as was the case with No. 129.There is no doubt that there is a pocket, a "Bonanza", near the border, possibly just on the border, in view of the fact that the seam is enriched with gold in both directions. Spurred on by the prospect, Hunter and Malona's workers, the two Canadians, advanced face to face.The day will soon come when they meet on what is now the disputed border between the two countries. The workers in Texas are all Americans of ancestry, and there are about thirty individuals.It's hard to gather a more pathetic group of adventurers.Their expressions are unsettling, savage-like, ferocious, brutal, quarrelsome, in a word, befitting their notorious masters in the Klondike. Also, in general, there are differences between Americans and Canadians who work on gold mines.Canadians are generally more obedient, quieter and more disciplined.Therefore, big companies love to hire them.But American corporations still use their own countrymen, despite their ferocity, rebellious tendencies, and almost daily fights; the fights are sparked by the strong liquor that floods the gold regions.There is rarely a day when the police are not out and intervening on this or that plot.There are flashes of knives, gunshots, and sometimes dead people.As for the wounded, they had to be taken to the hospital in Dawson City; it was already overcrowded with patients from persistent contagious disease. During the third week of July, the results of the development and operation continued to be promising, but Ben Rado, Lorik and their workers had not found any valuable gold nuggets.In the end, though, the benefits greatly outweighed the expenses. On July 20, a sum of $12,000 in cash was sent to the accounts of Mr. Sammy Skin and Mr. Ben Rado of the American Trading and Transportation Company. Sammy Skin rubbed his hands and said: "Mr. William Broll is about to look embarrassed!" There can be no doubt that future gains will well exceed a hundred thousand francs.Then, if a buyer comes to your door, you can insist on a high price. On Lot 1272, the situation is also developing in a good direction.After clearing out a small area, Jane Edgerton finally entered the period of income.Her gold dust, worth more than $3,000, is stored in the brothers' cottage for the next delivery to Dawson.At the end of the season, despite the difficulties of the beginning and the slowness of the day, she could have earned fifty thousand francs from the plot. At the end of July, Sammy Skin made a proposal that seemed plausible on the face of it. "I don't see why," said he, "we must stay here? Why don't Miss Jane and we sell the plot?" "Because," Ben Lado replied, "you can't sell it for a good price until the borders are revised." "Hey!" Sammy retorted. "Go to his 141st meridian! It can be sold by mail, through middlemen, in Mr. Nabin's office in Montreal as in Dawson City." "It's different under such good conditions," Ben Rado said. "Why? Now, Miss Jane and us, we already know the value of our land." "After one month or six weeks, we will know more!" The engineer announced, "Others' bids are not only tens of millions of dollars, but 80,000 or 100,000 dollars!" "What do we want all this money for?" cried Sammy Skin. "There are good uses, don't worry," Ben Rado said affirmatively, "Didn't you see that the gold content of the ore seam is higher as you go west?" "See, go straight ahead and you'll end up at Lot 131," Sammy Skinn noted. "I don't know what's going to happen when our guy gets in touch with that funny Hunter guy." .” Indeed, there was reason to fear that at that time there might be a fight between the personnel of the two sides, who were daily approaching the dividing line shared by the two gold mines.They even began to abuse each other, and sometimes they heard strong threats.Loric had a run-in with the American Foreman, a brutish strongman.When Hunter and Malone return, the invective may turn into action.More than one stone has been thrown at each other, and they have not checked to see if there is gold dust in the stone. In this situation, Loric, with the help of Ben Rado, did everything in his power to stop his workers.In contrast, the American foreman kept prodding his workers, never missing an opportunity to quarrel with Loric. Also, the results of exploration on US soil have not been very good, at least for now, No. 131 is not as good as No. 129.Even, the bonanza of the gold beds has a tendency to turn southward, leaving the banks of the Forty Mile River at the same time; one may think that the pocket sought: "Bonanza" will be on Canadian territory. On July 27, the distance between the two teams of workers was only 10 meters.In less than 15 days, they will meet at the dividing line.Sammy Skin, therefore, has reason to reckon and fear a conflict. For exactly on July 27, an incident made the situation especially serious. Hunter and Malona are back on the 131st lot.