or redeemed with the money obtained here in the desert. Beyond that, the
money already supplied from Nevada mines has changed the calculations of
commerce, and made itself a ruling factor in prices; it has given our
nation a new standing among the nations of the world; because of it, the
lands are worth more money even in the Miami Valley where I was born;
because of it, better wages are paid to laborers throughout our republic;
it has been a factor of good, a blessing to civilization; and yet Eastern
people revile Nevada and look upon it as did the relatives of the old man
I was telling you of, because it is wrinkled and sere and always wears a
frowning face."

As Sedgwick and Browning neared Chicago, the former began to grow
restless, and finally said:

"Jack, old friend, you must go home with me. It is something I dread more
than riding mustangs or fighting cowboys. It is more than five years
since I went away, and it will be just worse than a fire in a mine to
face."

Browning agreed that a few days more or less would not count. "Because,"
he said, "if Rose Jenvie is still Rose Jenvie, it will not much matter;
if Rose Jenvie is not Rose Jenvie, then, by Jove, every minute of delay
in knowing that fact is good. Besides, you know, I want to see that
three-hundred-acre farm of old Jasper's on the hill which you are to
buy."

They remained a few hours only in Chicago, and took the evening train for
the valley of the Miami. The next morning, about seven o'clock, they left
the cars at a little village station, and started on foot for the old
home of Sedgwick, a mile away.