But once in the street, Barker no longer lingered.

It was a good three miles back to the Gulch; he might still reach it by the time his partners were taking their noonday rest, and he resolved that although the messenger had preceded him, they would not enter upon the new claim until the afternoon.

For Barker, in spite of his mistress's injunction, had no idea of taking what he couldn't pay for; he would keep the claim intact until something could be settled.

For the rest, he walked on air! Kitty loved him! The accursed wealth no longer stood between them.

They were both poor now--everything was possible.
The sun was beginning to send dwarf shadows toward the east when he reached the Gulch.