The BC Adventure 42

18 January. 1923

Cedar Creek

My own Lovey Darling,

I have the chance to send this by Munson to Ashcroft and so get it off in good time. I've just sent off a line to the boat and I hope you make it at St Johns. Poor lamb, I've been thinking of you all the
time on your long train journey and I shall be looking out tomorrow for a line from you. I do wish I could be with you dearest and I am thinking of you constantly. It was awful leaving you and I've been
pretty miserable every since.

Things here are much better. Yesterday a clean up of 500 g from 3 days. And they ran into richer ground than ever. I shall be very busy over the late supply as after quite a conference I've got my own bay and persuaded them that my scheme is the best. I think I shall be safe for a job for some time to come. I think those units will become worth something by this time 6 months ahead.

Luckily Munson brought a real mining man up with him – not professionally, and with his backing we got what I wanted in many ways. In the last month $36,000 worth of gold was taken out and I
have amended by report owing to further development work. Must send this home. God bless you dearest heart. All my dearest love for ever darling.

Please give my best love to all the dear folks at Penbryn also Walter and Bessie. Makes peace with Mater for my little faults whatever you do.

For always your adoring Mark.

 *****

February 23, 1923

Cedar Creek

My own little darling,

I am hoping that I should have got a letter from you from home by this mail but no luck. Had one from Mater written on 21^st and looking forward to your arrival.

Muir has just come back up but I don't know if he'll take over control. It is to be hoped he will, as things may get a bit straightened out then. It wouldn't take much doing. And instinctively I could do it but I'd hate to hold any sort of control with Munson, butting in all the time.

I heard from Una this week – she and Dick were having a few days holiday in Victoria and Dick had got a job, temporary, I suppose – inspecting a concrete lodge at $6 a day. I expect they'll be glad of the scheckles all right.

Mater wrote me a very sweet letter and is pouring tons and tons of fiery coals on my head, 'cos I've not written yet.

I wonder how you’re feeling old sweetheart. I think of you all the time. I do so miss my darling, worse and worse all the time. This last week the weather has been most wonderfully mild – almost like spring though cold at night.   I expect it was a fresh meeting at Liverpool. Mater told me she expected to go to meet you with Peter. God bless you darling mine. I must fly now – first to go and do and then to work. I've been doing quite a bit of snow shoeing lately. It was quite easy but tiring so long as the snow isn't too soft.

All my dear love sweetheart.

Best love to everyone.

Mark