h tale with a well defined purpose. With truthfulness
could each one have been more vividly, yes startlingly, told; but I have
no wish to unduly disturb my readers. It has been my aim, however, to
picture not only character, but also the vast and wonderful gold
producing region, so plainly that even the young may better know Alaska,
and learn somewhat from glimpses of the trials, privations and successes
of its early pioneers.

To these last Trail-blazers no "_Chee-chako_" can ever do justice. Their
courage, bravery, patience under difficulties, and stoicism under severe
trial can never be properly appreciated except by their fellow
sufferers.

My readers will find in the book much of the folklore and a touch of the
mysticism so common to all people of the northland.

Counting myself one of the least among them I have been a witness to
their struggles and triumphs, and for this reason I do most heartily
dedicate this little book to the memory of each horny-handed pack-laden
miner "musher" who has ever lifted a finger to assist, encourage, or
strengthen the author of The Trail of a Sourdough.

The name of these helpers is Legion. That their cabins may be warm and
roomy, winter dumps high and numerous, sluice boxes filled with nuggets,
and lives long and happy is the earnest wish of

MAY KELLOGG SULLIVAN

CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE

_I The Miner's Reasons_ 11

_II Under the Tundra_ 22

_III The Hidden Ledge_ 44

_IV A New Klondyke_ 81

_V Estella the Eskimo_ 106

_VI Why Midas Failed_ 132

_VII The Old Stone House_ 172

_VIII A Miner's Own Story_ 192

_IX Eyllen's Water Witch_ 214

_ILLUSTRATIONS_

_Page._

_The Heart of Alaska in Winter_ _frontispiece_

_A Huskie_ 21

_Dressed in his fresh miner's rig_ 25

_A welcome shelter_