Adventure Gold: Adventures of Dusty Sourdough, Book 3

By Glen Guy

The current was pulling at Dusty's legs. It was a sucking feeling and he knew that it was about to pull him under. There wasn't a thing he could do to stop it. The cold was numbing and his arms felt like lead. He struggled for one last deep breath as the surging water pulled him down. Down into what he thought would be his watery grave.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Publication Consultants
• Release date: May 1, 1997
• ISBN: 9781594332029

Book preview

13

CHAPTER 1

After splitting a cord of wood, Dusty decided to head over to the general store and see if his new rifle had come in. It had been four months since ordering it and he was eager to use the new gun on his next foray into the bush.

The familiar trail heading to Hope was short and Dusty always enjoyed the walk. The scenery was magnificent and this was one of Dusty’s favorite times of year. Birch and Cottonwood trees were changing to their fall colors at a rapid pace, from brilliant yellow-golds and oranges to vivid reds. Small animals of the forest were scurrying about with an urgency. They knew winter was fast approaching. It was just a matter of days before the first freeze. ¹Termination dust had already come to the high mountain passes, marking the end of summer.

Shadow Spirit loved these walks too, and was torn between going with Dusty or staying with Aura Lee. After all, Aura Lee was putting up winter stores such as smoked fish and moose meat. With a little coaxing Shadow Spirit figured Aura Lee might give her a handout. In the end however, the temptation to run and frolic in the woods with Dusty was more than her desire for a handout. Besides, Dusty might need her protection.

The trail meandered along a small stream, sparkling like precious jewels. Dusty decided to get a cold drink and was just bending down when the excited bark of Shadow Spirit caught his attention. Turning and sprinting up the trail toward all the commotion, he was stopped dead in his tracks as he rounded a bend in the trail. Not more than ten feet in front of him was a sight that made him double over with laughter. Shadow Spirit had herself a porcupine cornered, and wasn’t quite sure what to do with it. The bristly little critter didn’t have any backup in his nature. Shadow Spirit, to her chagrin, had already found out the hard way. Her nose looked like Aura Lee’s pin cushion with several pins sticking out of it.

Shadow Spirit, I reckon yah better give that critter some room or yer goin’ ta have more than just a few of his quills a stikin’ in yer nose. Now get on over here and leave him be!

Shadow Spirit, deciding discretion was the best part of valor, gave the porcupine one last half hearted bark and trotted to Dusty’s side.

Come on, Dusty said, let’s go back to the stream so we can have some clean water to wash your wounds. I have a feelin’ the cold water’s gonna feel real good after I pull out those quills your little friend left in your nose." After doctoring Shadow Spirit’s nose with loving care, the pair finally made their way to town without any more mishaps.

Upon entering George Roll’s store, Dusty caught the tail-end of a conversation between George and a stranger he hadn’t seen before. As their conversation was concluded, something caused Dusty to take a second look at the man standing next to the potbelly stove.

He looked like the typical prospector, unshaven, dirty, and carried a Colt on his right hip slung low and tied down. … A Colt tied down? Wait a minute Dusty thought to himself. A prospector doesn’t usually have his Colt tied down like a gunslinger. … As Dusty took a closer look, he became more suspicious, something just didn’t ring true about this stranger.

When this suspicious looking gent turned to leave, he hesitated for just a fleeting moment.

His eyes caught Dusty’s and in that brief moment, Dusty thought he recognized the man, and more than that, he thought he saw a glint of recognition come over the stranger as he hurried out of the store.

Why howdy Shadow Spirit! George Roll said pretending to ignore Dusty completely. What brings you to my store this fine fall morning?

With a bark and her tail wagging wildly, she jumped up and put her front paws in the middle of the smiling store keeper’s chest. Shadow liked George and the feeling was mutual. She knew he always had a pat on the head and a biscuit for her when she came for a visit, and as usual, the storekeeper didn’t let her down.

Did that new rifle come in I ordered last month? Dusty asked, interrupting the play between Shadow Spirit and George.

Yep, he answered, came in yesterday on the freight wagon from Kenai. She’s a beauty too, I reckon it’s the latest thing. Who would ever believe there would be a rifle that would fire more than once without reloading.

Yes sir Dusty said, This here new lever action Winchester will fire seventeen rounds as fast as yah can work the lever. The army’s been using them fer a while and they think they’re the greatest invention since the six shooter. Who knows, maybe havin’ this new fangle rifle may save my life someday.

The two friends shared more small talk and eventually the conversation came around to the stranger who was in the store when Dusty came in. George said the man went by the name of Jake.

He didn’t offer a last name and keeping with the code of the West, George said he didn’t ask him for it. Jake was full of questions about the local miners and who was finding color and who wasn’t. The strange part of his conversation with Jake, George said, was he never asked where there might be a good place for him to prospect. This too struck Dusty funny and added more fuel to his suspicions about this stranger. This Jake character would be worth keeping an eye on.

After getting the few things Aura Lee wanted and a hundred rounds of ammunition for his new rifle, Dusty bid George farewell and stepped into the brisk Alaska fall afternoon.

Hey Shadow. … Shadow Spirit! … Dusty yelled as he walked up the dirt street heading for home. Where has that dern tail wager gotten to now? he asked to no one in particular.

She can disappear faster than any breathin’ thing I ever did see. Dusty knew it was useless to call her. By now she could be anywhere, and more than likely she was already back at the cabin mooching a handout from Aura Lee.

Heading down the trail toward home, Dusty started making plans for his trip into the bush.