Two Women in the Klondike; the Story of a Journey to the Gold-Fields of Alaska

Book excerpt: This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1899 edition. Excerpt: ... arrivals. When he found that they had money, he and 'Soapy ' disposed of them and took possession of the funds. At length a man appeared with several thousand dollars in gold dust which he wanted to exchange at the bank, but was told by one of ' Soapy's' baud that a certain friend of his would give a dollar more an ounce, so decided to transact the business with him, and was ' made way with' in the usual manner. Whether from the fact that the money was not divided, or that his men were tired of being ruled by him, is not known; certain it is, however, that one of them 'peached.' A mass-meeting of the townspeople was held, and as they were trying to decide what disposition to make of Soapy ' and his gang, the former walked in, very much under the influence of alcohol. A scuffle ensued in which 'Soapy ' and the marshal were the principal combatants and were both mortally wounded. The entire gang was soon caught and lodged in jail and the town was relieved from the desperadoes who had made life a burden." Another story of him was as follows: "Soapy" Smith called one day on a new arrival--a missionary--pretended great interest in his work, and asked if he had been sent out empty-handed. "Yes," said the man, "but if you will assist me I shall soon have enough to enable me to be of much use." "Put me down for a thousand dollars," said "Soapy," " and when ' the boys' see my name at the head of the list, they 'll all chip in; then when you 've got all you can from them, come to me and you may have the gold dust." The missionary, greatly encouraged, searched the camp diligently for subscribers. A few weeks later he received another visit from " Soapy " who asked whether he had met with much success. "Yes, thanks to you," said the missionary, " I...