Finally Shorts Strikes It Rich

Shorts was always trying to strike it rich in his business dealings. From the gold mines of California to the gold mines of BC to the waters of the Okanagan Lake, he always hoped to earn a great deal of money. He was never very successful. However, he did end up earning a substantial amount of money on his homestead in Fintry. In early 1889, he tried to sell his 320 acres (130 hectares) for $75. The man he tried to sell it to said the property was not worth anything, let alone $75. So, Shorts continued to live on his Fintry property. Then, later in 1889, two hunters arrived from England. The hunters wanted to hunt bighorn sheep in the Fintry area. The two men were so successful that they asked Shorts who owned the land. Shorts replied that he did. The two Englishmen asked Shorts how much he wanted for the land. Shorts answered $4,000, which was an absolutely ridiculous price in 1889. To Shorts’ surprise, the two men agreed to pay $4,000 for the 320 acres. Finally, Shorts had struck it rich!