<meta content="urn:uuid:a983e342-be20-4367-bb91-56fb68c2e023" name="Adept.expected.resource"/> </head> <body> <p><br/></p> <p><br/></p> <p><br/></p> <p>9</p> <p><br/></p> <p>On the morning Molly and Charles checked out of the hotel, Ginny hurried from the kitchen to take their payment. </p> <p>“Has somebody been tending your claim while you were here?” she asked, making conversation as she wrote out a receipt for them. </p> <p>“Nope. We were forced to abandon it when our partners sickened and died,” Charles said gruffly. </p> <p>Ginny thought about Pete’s warning. Had greed and isolation affected them? They hadn’t been very friendly and kept to themselves. Most of the miners were nice, somewhat boisterous at times, but they treated her right and often jumped to help her carry heavy things or open a door. She supposed it depended on what filled their thoughts when they were alone and quiet. Greed or contentment? Joy or anger at circumstances? </p> <p>What made these people seek their fortune amidst danger and rough country? She’d come to stay in the town, not head out to the wilds. </p> <p>What drove the Nelsons? Molly seemed resentful they hadn’t struck gold and gotten rich.</p> <p>Ginny thought about Jack, toiling up treacherous slopes, enduring deadly winter weather and dealing with rough men. </p> <p>“Where our treasure lies, our hearts will be also.” What was her treasure?</p> <p> </p> <p><br/></p> <p><br/></p> <p><br/></p> <p><br/></p> </body> </html>