The Trail of a Sourdough / Life in Alaska

being an important boundary line between two great nations. Those loyal to the stars and stripes, and supporting themselves under the protection of their beloved colors, were

the trouble would present itself, and ultimately they would be left in the happy possession of proper

defined; neither the channel, the salt water line, nor the mountain's top having been materially changed as to configuration. From Mt. Elias a perpendicul

ncreased importance since the gold discoveries in the Klondyke? and if so, how? The line was far from being imaginary. In the long, long ago in certain places natural landmarks had been made use of by t

es" theory, and it must be searched for, but where, and by whom? If this could be found the authenticity of the old boundary

ed, and the Rainy Hollow men assembled to decide what they could

n, having an eye which seldom failed him in taking aim with a gun. He was seconded by a stranger, who, having a keen, quick glance and well knit figure dressed ap

he chairman of dead-shot fame, giving two or three

ased and each man gave his at

Washington, D. C. He has been sent by our government to look up the matter of the boundar

g with the clapping of hands was heard the thud of the m

d for silence. Whe

hington. The lieutenant will give us a talk," and with that the chairman took his seat, while wiping away

g over the little band of miners, brisk

session of the ground you have, and that is the old Russian Boundary Line so long ago established by the first white settlers and traders in Alaska. I

enthusiastic listeners, ca

tion when gold was discovered, and this, too, in such vast quantities and widely separated districts as to enormously increase by leaps and bounds the value of the whole of Alaska. For this reason the matter of the boundary line has grown to be of immense importance, and in justice to our neighbors as well as to ourselves, it should now be authoritati

!" cried the men

ll soon accomplish our mission," and w

ain the cannonading of boots up

guide into the mountains. The old pioneer was acquainted with Indians on the Klukwan River who had lived in that vicinity for many years, and as he was conversant with the Chilkat

wet fingers persistently pointed toward the Passes and the Golden North. Incidentally, also, they indicated the direction to the disputed Boundary Line, the exact whereabouts of which the pioneer "Dead-eye" and his official companion had come to determine. Fo

known country and blazed the way for those who were speedily to f

been no such luxuries they would have felt as much at home sleeping beside a camp fire in the open. They looked for those who could tell them of the doings of white men who landed on these

made by the white men as to the location of the boundary monuments. Had any of

and knew how to reach it; but they were too old to walk so far, or climb the mountains. The

mountains and even reached the divide indicated by the old Indians; but n

r supplies and further instructions

the identical spot of the Boundary House, must accom

ught her able to walk any distance; but if she were strong enough she could locate the place, if anyone could. She had been there in he

Tillie

ay as well go home. It is too late to do

trumming. Presently he was singing, and his rich, clear voice, admirably suited to the time, place and surroundings, filled the little ca

s old Tillie. She had heard the music and had

lie," called out the Lieut

odded, accepting

ing for yo

rom the old creature, who had s

Chilkat that I wrote some time ago," said t

scriptive of two Indian lover

skies the s

e purple

ng waters an

with mus

ight as fai

ng cloud

h finger tip

s on green

on's call u

le of th

e day as gr

ne's pleas

upon the

y birc

and her

s for wea

tongue the

all lov

aid with c

g, lank r

lengthen,

the wat

e waves are

he lover

last, thes

steep ban

e still, the

are lef

e. The officer continued his singing, still softly, and in a retrospective mood. He was a born musician. His whole soul craved song, and the greatest deprivation to him in Alaska was the lack of music. For this reason, he ke

face, she asked for water. Her mouth seemed parched and dry, and her withered lips scarcely moved. Sh

saw when a child?"

tand not. Last moon came men

did th

walls are down," mumbled

they befor

ll! What fires we made, and the roaring and sweet-smelling! How dear the Indian lovers, and how brave in bear hunting! With teeth of the cinnamon and grizzly w

man, what of the whi

and guns in belt, buttons bright like money, and they sit on animals, big like carib

on fingers, ears and necks. Money plenty. All make pleasure, good time, dancing, gambling; drink tea much from big copper dish. Ah, great man many sleeps gone by. This way they dance," then added the old creature, scrambling to her feet clumsil

but old Tillie was drowsily crooning her own accompaniment a

ts, she sank upon the floor in her ac

ten his important business with the Indians, "what did the men lea

that shoots, and bullets to put in it. Many things are in box, and for it you must dig below

unless you show us the way,

old, and not much can hurry. She cannot climb mountains

s to the Boundary House on the Summit, and

ite men. When she was tired she was allowed to rest; and at night a bed of boughs was made for her near the camp fire. A

xcept in her vision, when she had plainly seen her route and d

. In it were the proofs (if more were needed) that this was the identical Boundary House for which they had been seeking. A couple of small copper kettles, blackened with age and dampness, like the rude knives, clumsy revolver, and bullets for the same, as well as a few old pipes, spoons, and a hatchet,

the site of which they now stood; and Lieutenant A

in his own, the Lieutenant filled it

hall never suffer. You shall have a warm house and plenty of coal for the winter, and I

even replaced the stones above as they had found th

o boundary marks and monuments, which was also of great service to him in establishing the fact that the li

laces, in peaceful possession of their lands as they desired; but of those who had given assistance to the United States officials while inquiring into the location