The Builders

This historic book may have numerous typos or missing text. Not indexed. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1906. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XXXII At Last! "I "HE effect on the people of a mining-camp of a fabulously rich "strike" like the Shonbar proved, may be imagined, but cannot be described. Shopkeeper, citizen and miner alike go wild with excitement over so important a discovery. Congratulations were showered on Mr. Hilliard and Fred from all quarters. Every one in Gold Valley felt it to be his privilege to call at the home of Mr. Hilliard and pay his respects to one who had lived so long among them, and who had so persistently and patiently maintained unbounded confidence in a proposition that was looked upon by nearly every one as a money-losing venture. Independent of the fortune left him by his father, Fred was now wealthy. In his prosperity he did not forget his old friends. He called on the sheriff and again offered himself as bondsman for Gideon Gibbons. The bond was accepted, and half an hour later Gideon was released. Marc Casey surrendered himself, and was almost immediately bailed out of custody. "You see, Gideon," said Marc Casey, "the tables are sure enough turnin'--heretofore the best we've been gittin' has been the worst of it, but now, the worst we git is the best of it." One evening the stage-coach brought to Gold Valley Wilbur Winthrop and his young wife, Virginia Hilliard. They had planned and carried out a great surprise to the Hilliard family, for no one knew they were going to be married. "And this accounts," said Fred to Wilbur, after he had congratulated him, "for Bernard McCaffrey hastening away from Gold Valley so suddenly." "Yes," replied Wilbur. "I could not think f having the ceremony take place without my old friend and associate 'Barney' being present. He is svt Giie of nature's noblemen. We have traveled together so long in adversity, as well as pr...