If he drank with his "host" it would most likely be some liquor that was drugged, and in his heavy sleep he was sure to be robbed.

In the morning he had no redress, and he might consider himself fortunate if he escaped with his life.

Sometimes however the robber was brought to quick justice by the miners.

Robbery was not countenanced in the camps.

If one should steal, his fellows would rise up, try him in a hastily convened court, and condemn him to death, and hang him on the nearest tree.