There was no stampede anywhere to stir their blood with the thought of quick wealth.
There was hope enough, on the other hand, to keep them going.

Cash had prospected and trapped for more than fifteen years now, and he preached the doctrine of freedom and the great outdoors.
Of what use was a house and lot--and taxes and trouble with the plumbing?
he would chuckle.

A tent and blankets and a frying pan and grub; two good legs and wild country to travel; a gold pan and a pick--these things, to Cash, spelled independence and the joy of living.
The burros and the two horses were luxuries, he declared.

When they once got located on a good claim they would sell off everything but a couple of burros--Sway and Ed, most likely.

The others would bring enough for a winter grubstake, and would prolong their freedom and their independence just that much.