“There are plenty of men making money in this country,” said Plummer, “and we are entitled to a share of it.” Doubtful as to his meaning, or whether he understood; him aright, Howie regarded Plummer with a puzzled expression, making no reply. “Come with me,” said Plummer, “and you’ll have all you want.” “You’ve picked up the wrong man,” replied Howie. “All right,” said Plummer coolly. “I suppose you know enough to keep your mouth shut.” Howie remembered the fate of Dillingham, and heeded the admonition. The placer at Alder Gulch was immensely prolific. Probably its yield in gold dust was not less than ten millions of dollars before the close of the first year’s work upon it. Money was abundant. Merchants and bankers were obliged to exercise great ingenuity and caution in keeping it, as there were no regular means for sending it out of the country. The only stage route was between Bannack and Virginia City,—and a stretch of unsettled country, four hundred and seventy-five miles in width, lay between the latter place and Salt Lake City. There was no post-office in the Territory. Letters were brought from Salt Lake City to Virginia City, first at a cost of two dollars and a half each, and later in the season at one dollar each. All money, at infinite risk, was sent to the nearest express-office at Salt Lake City by private hands. In order to gain intelligence of these occasional consignments, Plummer induced some of the leading merchants to employ members of his gang. When this could not be effected, they were occupied so near and on such familiar terms, that they could observe without suspicion all business operations, and give him early notice of the transmission of treasure. Dance and Stuart commenced business in Virginia City in the Fall of 1863, with a large stock of goods. George Lane, better known as “Clubfoot George,” whose history in the Salmon River mines I have already given, came to them with a pitiful story of his misfortunes, and asked for a place in their store for his shoemaker’s bench. Though cramped for their own accommodation, they made room for him. He commenced work, meantime watching all their business operations, for the purpose of reporting when and by whom they sent money to their Eastern creditors. CHAPTER XXIV COACH ROBBERIES