Jason's Gold

In the last week of May, Jason and Charlie watch the Yukon flood as the surface ice breaks up. When the ice dams give way, the resulting flood of ice and water takes out trees and the cabin. The river also carries away the hollowed log enclosing King’s body (the ground was far too frozen to dig months before). The next day, Jason and Charlie paddle downstream.

A historical interlude offers examples of those who follow the boys to Dawson City; upon spring thaw, over 7,000 boats, skiffs, and canoes take off down the Yukon. Some headed for the city do not intend to seek gold but instead plan to sell items like fruit, eggs, fresh meat, and recent newspapers.

Jason and Charlie arrive in Dawson City and see a sign that reads Hawthorn Brothers Sawmill.

Jason, full of anticipation, enters the sawmill and asks for a job without revealing his name. This last bit of waiting as the clerk goes to fetch Abe and Ethan is the most interminable one for Jason: “The minutes dragged like hours as they waited” (195). Jason’s brothers are shocked to see him and astounded by his story. They explain how they went through their food supply quickly in Dawson and had little chance of striking big with the limited claims available; consequently, they worked at a sawmill, and then took over its ownership.