But at least the
Mason family had enough to eat. Finally, after many years, the mortgages
were paid off, and the family established."
The doctor paused, and Mat thought he saw a reason for Scotch grit. He
contrasted such a history with the get-rich-quick methods of California!
"America," continued the doctor, "is the land of opportunity. With good
health and industry the poor man can succeed." And he looked at Mat
significantly.
CHAPTER XII
The Golden Summer Comes Again
The golden summer had come again. To old man Palmer, living alone on the
top of Fillmore Hill, the great snow banks stored high upon the
mountains meant abundance of water for mining. The strange flowers of
California, yellow and red, grown familiar now after many years, made
their appeal to him. With the returning summer he welcomed the yellow
bird with red crown and black wings. He loved the exhilarating air and
the glorious sunshine. But I am afraid the golden glow of morning
suggested gold.
He was cleaning up several square rods of bed-rock in the ancient river
bed on the hill-top, and the dirt was rich in gold. Every morning early,
leaving his breakfast dishes unwashed, he carefully shoveled this dirt
into his sluices, and watched the water carry mud and sand away.
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