Chapter 17
MISS SLOCUM’S IDEAS REGARDING DEPORTMENT.“So it was a gold mine that dragged you people up into this
wilderness? Well, I’ve puzzled my mind a good deal to understand
your movements lately; but the finding of a vein as rich as your
free gold promises is enough to turn any man’s head for a while.
Well, well; you are a lucky fellow, Overton.”
“Yes, I’ve no doubt that between good luck and bad luck, I’ve as
much luck as anybody,” answered Overton, with a grimace, “but a
week or so ago you did not think me lucky—you thought me
‘looney.’”
“You are more than half right,” agreed the doctor; “appearances
justified me. My wife and I stormed at you—behind your back—for
carrying ’Tana with you on your fishing trip; it was such an
unheard-of thing to my folks, you know. Humph! I
