Beadle's Dime Novels No. 214: The Forest Monster — page 83: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

IN THE GOLD MINE. 85 fight with the Blackfeet, and very likely would be driven away entirely. There was wisdom in this, and Hammond joined with him, for, he knew that, if the trappers should be ready on the morrow to start on their return, Lamora would be prepared also ; and thus, such a proceeding would be entirely in his favor. And so, afier a few minutes more discussion, it was decided to visit the cave by night. _ It was yet comparatively early in the euechon: when the four men issued like so many shadows. from “headquarters,” and noiselessly made their way up the cafion. Teddy and Black Tom each carried a large pile of faggots on their shoulders,w hile the tall, stooping form of old Stebbins took the lead, with his ate and pick, “ The night was quite dark; theme: being searcely any moon, while the sky was swept by numerous dark clouds, that seemed to indicate that a fierce storm was at no great distance. They had gone but a short distance, when they paused and listened. Nothing but the mournful sighing of the wind could be heard, nor could any indication of danger be detected. _ On up through the cafien they made their way—on up until they stood on the level prairie, when they turned off and plunged anew into the wild and rugged recesses of the moun- tains. Down again, until they seemed like miners. descending into the bowels of the earth, when they reached the small stream in which gold had been discovered. | Along this they made their way, with the same noiseless celerity, no one uttering a word, till all four stood around the entrance of the gold) mine. itn) Here they compated “ notes,” and it was found that Saknne had detected any thing mnpicinore: ee —_ nee auspicious. Neither Black Tom nor-old- Stebbins had pa the inaior of the cave, and they were naturally anxious to. explore it, Hammond, therefore, volunteered to act as sentinel, while the three labored ; but, before doing so, all four went in, and Without striking alight, scattered and carefully reconnoitered the cavern to make sure that no enemies were Within, . Everything proving satisfactory, Hammond returned to his: station, and the fire was started. Teddy knew where conniclooks. conn