you'r boss of this camp, and I'm yourn obediently."

The captain opened his eyes slowly, and replied:

"I'm much obliged, boys, but I won't give Whitey the trouble. Doctor's
mistaken--there's someting broken inside, and I haven't got many minutes
more to live."

"Do yer best, cap'en," said the barkeeper, encouragingly. "Promise me
you'll stay alive, and I'll go straight down to 'Frisco, and get you all
the champagne you can drink."

"You're very kind," replied the captain, faintly; "but I'm sent for, and
I've got to go. I've left the East to make my mark, but I didn't expect
to make it in real estate. Whitey, I was a fool for wanting to be chief
of Black Hat, and you've forgiven me like a gentleman and a Christian.
It's getting dark--I'm thirsty--I'm going--gone!"

The doctor felt the captain's wrist, and said:

"Fact, gentlemen, he's panned his last dirt."

"Do the honors, boys," said the barkeeper, placing glasses along the
bar.

Each man filled his glass, and all looked at Whitey.

"Boys," said Whitey, solemnly, "ef the cap'en hed struck a nugget, good
luck might hev spiled him; ef he'd been chief of Black Hat, or any other
place, he might hev got shot. But he's made his mark, so nobody