Page:Old ninety-nine's cave.djvu/136

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Company, and five thousand dollars were to liquidate all former claims and further the work.

"Information in regard to their operations is meager as their president and superintendent were not from these parts and those living here at that time have forgotten the particulars. It is known, however, that during the latter part of the workings attention was wholly directed to extracting sulphate of copper from its bed of clay and that large quantities of the material were shipped off for smelting, suitable works for the operation not having been erected here. The company ceased operations two years afterward and the works have gradually decayed, leaving nothing but the little building once used for an office."

"They do not seem to have given a thought to silver," replied Mills's companion.

"You must remember that the Dutch element prevails in this valley, and if a Dutchman started in for extracting lead, he would consider all else in his mine 'gangue.' Intentness of purpose is their national characteristic."