Page:Old ninety-nine's cave.djvu/77

 more pleasure were it named after 'Old Ninety-Nine.'"

"Old Ninety-Nine it is then!" they all responded with a shout.

"Ah! Hernando," said his uncle, "you know paying dirt when you see it. It is born in you."

His disinterested efforts were appreciated. It meant untold wealth to the owner—wealth expended in helping his fellow-beings—work for hundreds and hundreds of idle miners, comfort for their families, and the transformation of the slumbering village below into a great city.

It was nearly night and the three had eaten nothing since breakfast, so Mr. De Vere's invitation to supper was readily accepted.

The family had grown anxious at their long absence and the tired prospectors were warmly received. A good bath refreshed them greatly, and they were ready to do justice to Margaret's fried chicken and puffy hot biscuits.

Mr. Genung was apparently intent on dissecting a chicken leg, but his mind was