That was what made it so heavy; and that was what always made it such a mystery: for all the salt used in Monterey County then was common barrel salt.

It was the same kind, whether it was got from the barrel from which the farmer salted his cattle, or from the supply in the kitchen of the dweller in the town.
There was no clue in it.

It was just salt! We all cried out in surprise, not understanding that we were looking at the thing which was to be fought over until either Judge Stone or Governor Wade was destroyed.
"I am ruined!" Judge Stone fell back into a chair groaning.

Then he jumped to his feet.

"They've taken it out while we were at the party!" he shouted.