Purchase one of 1st World Library's Classic Books and help support our free internet library of downloadable eBooks. Visit us online at www.1stWorldLibrary.ORG - - "All ready, Miss Welse, though I'm sorry we can't spare one of the steamer's boats." Frona Welse arose with alacrity and came to the first officer's side. "We're so busy, " he explained, "and gold-rushers are such perishable freight, at least -" "I understand, " she interrupted, "and I, too, am behaving as though I were perishable. And I am sorry for the trouble I am giving you, but - but -" She turned quickly and pointed to the shore. "Do you see that big log-house? Between the clump of pines and the river? I was born there.