human
Their works are gone, he said regretfully.
gpt
I'd say there's not a sluice-box nor a conduit left. Maybe even their tools are lost. Poor devils!
human
They don't leave their tools, he said. Then he pointed up at the lake.
gpt
Say, what if that had come down? What if the bowels o' that hill had opened up an' the water been turned loose? What o' the camp? What o' the women an'--the kiddies?
human
You don't need to worry that way, boy. It hasn't fallen. Guess the earth don't fancy turning her secrets loose all at once.
gpt
Yet I'd say the luck sure seems rotten enough.
human
It was a washout, he said with quiet assurance.
gpt
See that face? It's softish soil. Some sort of gravelly stuff that the water got at. Sort of gravel seam in the heart of the rock.