been equipped and sent out
by a few gentlemen, and he had found outcroppings of silver in a range
of hills extending not less than three miles. Assays had been made of
the ores, and they were found to be very rich. All the timber and
waterpower of Deep Spring Valley had been taken up for the company under
the general and local preemption and mining laws. It was a big thing.
The beauty of the whole arrangement was that no "mining sharps" were to
be let in; we were to manage it ourselves, and reap all the profits.

We went into it, the old Doctor and I, feeling deeply grateful to the
broad-faced Texan, who had so kindly given us the chance. I was made a
trustee, and began to have a decidedly business feeling as such. At the
meetings of "the board," my opinions were frequently called for, and
were given with great gravity. The money was paid for the shares I had
taken, and the precious evidences of ownership were carefully put in a
place of safety. A mill was built near the richest of the claims, and
the assays were good. There were delays, and more money was called for,
and sent up. The assays were still good, and the reports from our
superintendent were glowing. "The biggest thing in the history of
California mining," he wrote; and when the secretary read his letter to
the board, there was a happy expression on each face.

At this point I began to be troubled. It seemed, from reasonable
ciphering, that I should soon be a millionaire. It made me feel solemn
and anxious. I lay awake at night, praying that I might not be spoiled
by my good fortune. The scriptures that speak of the deceitfulness of
riches were called to mind, and I rejoiced with trembling. Many
beneficent enterprises were planned, principally in the line of endowing
colleges, and paying church-debts. (I had had an experience in this
line.) There were further delays, and more money was called for. The
ores were rebellious, and our "process" did not suit them. Fryborg and
Deep Spring Valley were not the same. A new superintendent--one that
understood rebellious ores--was employed at a higher salary. He
reported that all was right, and that we might expect "big news" in a
few days, as he proposed to crush about seventy tons of the best rock,
"by a new and improved process."

The board held frequent meetings, and in view of the nearness of great
results did not hesitate to meet the requisitions made for further
outlays of money. They resolved to pursue a prud