Alice was charmed with the wild grandeur of the mountain scenery--with
the countless acres of blossoms and flowering shrubs--with the
romantic and picturesque surroundings in general, and was very
emphatic in her praises.

One day of rest was taken at Rapid Creek; then the twain pushed on,
and when night again overtook them, they rode into the bustling,
noisy, homely metropolis--Deadwood, magic city of the North-west.




CHAPTER VI.

ONLY A SNAKE--LOCATING A MINE.


Harry Redburn hurried off toward the cabin, which was some steps away.
In Anita's scream there were both terror and affright.

Walsingham Nix, the hump-backed, bow-legged explorer and prospecter
hobbled after him, using his staff for support.

He had heard the scream, but years' experience among the "gals" taught
him that a feminine shriek rarely, if ever, meant anything.

Redburn arrived at the cabin in a few flying bounds, and leaped into
the kitchen.