ELDORADO 107 



we were on the Humboldt river, 150 miles above the 

 sink, near what was known in the guide book as the 

 Big Meadows. In other words, 400 miles lay between 

 us and the gold diggings of California. Our "sand" 

 had not yet run out, and it was necessary to make a 

 new deal to replenish our exhausted provisions. 



The following morning after our arrival on the old 

 immigrant road, consultation was had with reference to 

 a new supply of provisions. No "pilgrims" camping 

 in the immediate vicinity had any article of food to 

 dispose of. They were all "short," so it was decided 

 that one should take a horse unencumbered by a pack, 

 and proceed in advance until something in the line of 

 food could be obtained from any one who might have 

 a surplus. I was selected for that purpose, and taking 

 the needed amount of money, and one of my ponies, 

 Kittie by name, I mounted uponi my pack saddle and 

 blankets and left the others to follow at their usual 

 gait. While resting at noon I interviewed a Pike coun- 

 ty Missourian, who "allowed" he could spare a "right 

 smart piece of bacon." I asked him the price. "I reck- 

 on about two bits a pound ; it's a doggone long ways 

 to haul it stranger." I replied that I would be willing 

 to pay twice that amount rather than not have it. 

 "Wouldn't take a cent more, stranger, not a cent more. 

 Didn't cost me more than two bits to haul it here ; 

 wouldn't take a cent more." He "allowed" the piece 

 of side weighed 10 pounds, and I much preferred tak- 

 ing it at that rather than weighing it, had we the means 

 of doing so. I added still further to my store by buy- 

 ing a few pounds of pinole (parched corn meal) during 

 the afternoon. I stopped for the night in the vicinity 

 of several immigrant trains, and while in camp found 



