The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1874-05-08
CHAPTER XIII.


event hurries upon the heels of another
like a natural sequence, how little-so-
ever they may be connected either in
fact or by analogy. And so it was now
with Judith. She went from one pain
ful and exciting interview to another,
which, though not painful, was hardly
less exciting.
The gentleman who was ushered into
her presence before she had recovered
from the agitation Of the Majors leave
taking, though personally unknown to
her, became, the moment she recognized
his name, q link connecting her with
the old life on the ranch, when her
father, and Boone, and Katie had con-
stituted her world, and when her idea
of all superior things was embodied in
Mr.. Shultz. This person was Judge
Spedden, OF the Spedden estate, portly
and courteous gentleman of about fifty.
His surprise upon seeing Judith was
evident in his curious glances, while 60
ing through the formalities Of an intro
duction conducted by himself His
looks confessed that he had not expected
to meet, in the daughter of Jack Miles,
the beautiful and easy-mannered young
lady. He was in doubt, perhaps, that
she was the same. In the confusion of
his ideas, and the pleasure Of looking at
her, his errand was for a moment for
gotten; but questioning look in Ju-
dith's eyes recalled him.
"You are the daughter Of Jackson
Miles, formerly of Fresno county, be-
lieve ?U
81 am" returned Judith, wondering
what was 10 come.
"Then you are the Judith Miles who
owns tract Of land adjoining mine.
had some difficulty to find you, until
saw your name in a reporters notice Of
Mrs. Brazee's party. / hunted up the
Judge, this morning, and got your ad-
dress. Ny object in wishing to see you
was to make you an offer for your
land"
"My land"' cried Judith, petplexed.
81 have no property, Judge Spedden."
''Then the records tell me false" said
the Judge, astonished in his turn at her
ignorance of the fact of owning real es-
tate.
'I do not understand anything about
Il" returned judith. "I supposed that
my father sold his land"
(Which it seems he did not. have
to congratulate you, then, on being
richer than you thought yourself" and
the Judge made a very gracious bow.
'It is recorded on the Clerks books Of
Fresno county, that Jackson Miles, of
said county, in the State Of California,
did, on a certain day Of a certain month,
in the year of our Lord 1870, make a
deed OF gift to his daughter Judith, OF
two thousand acres of land in said
county, etc, etc.
"AIy agent, Mr.. Shultz, did at one
time negotiate with your father for the
purchase of this land, but was unable to
come TO terms. Afterwards Mr.. ShultZ
got into trouble with the Spaniards or
the ranch and left; or your father went
away first, I do not remember about
that; but the purchase was never con-
cluded; and it now turns out that previous
TO quitting the country, your father
made the land over to you. But why
he should not have informed you, 1 can
see no reason"
Judith could not have stated in so
many words her fathers reasons; but
she had a sudden conviction of having
wronged him in regard to his affection
for her, and was silent from remorse
and humiliation. She remembered the
rebellious feelings she had entertained
toward him on account of Mr.. Shultz
and repented herself that she had them
It would seem, she thought, that b,
must have had a premonition Of wha
was to befall himself, and knowing TIN
uncertainty Of Boone's fate, had wishes
to secure her against the chances of des
titution. In this light how differen
many Of his actions seemed
Judge Spedden, seeing that he
thoughts were wandering from the sub
iect Of his visit, reminded her.
"You would sell this land 81 h
asked
81 really do not know" said judith
This is my second day of majority, an
my business ideas have not yet becom
formed. Judge Brazee is kind enoug
to look after my affairs, when they rt
quire looking after. shall have to as
him to tell me what is best. May as
what you offer for the land? ?u
81 will give you ten dollars an acre
Twenty thousand dollars is ouite
pretty sum for a young lady lust a,
rived at majority" and the Judp
laughed mellow, easy laugh. at Ju
dith's prospects.
'T will take advice Immediately, r.
piled Judith, ''and give you my answe
in day or two"
"Please present my regards to Mr.
Brazee," +" said the Judge, bowling himse
out.
Judith had come into her fortune VIII
her coming of age!
When the door was fairly closed b
tween herself and the Judge, our her