The great West. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1889-18??, 1889-10-18
THE REWARD or MERIT.

THE REWARD or MERIT.
-. Quad Writes OF . Friend Of He WAO
Was Way Up ON Caves.
When stopped of at the Mammoth Caye
house last fall to have look at the big un-
derground exposition, there were only fcw
guests in the house Only one Of them par
ticularly attracted my attention, and 10
might not have done chad he not introduced
|. himself, borrowed cigar, offered me . sip
OF his cough medicine and otherwise cxhihit-
ed his desire to be friendly. When we finally
got seated for an interchange Of views, b
claimed to be Col Henry Blanchard, late of
Tennessee regiment That is, he was about
twenty-five years late, having coloneled tho
regiment during the last years Of the war.
think he also told me which side he fought
on, and that he was an awful fighter, but juss
at that time I was wondering about the cave
and didn't put down the figures.
do remember, however, that the colonial
told me that he was q millionaire, and
further remember that managed to convey
the impression that I had about three mil
lions at my disposal Experience has taught
me that it is better to lie about those things
to outlie the other party. When stranger
has informed you that he can draw his check
for cool million, and you have replied that
you'd be glad if you could draw one for SIS.
the inevitable result is GOODNESS which soon
drifts you to opposite sides of the pasture Of
life. I therefore make it a rule to let tho
other man fix his figures to suit himself and
then double them.
The colonel next informed me that he had
arrived on the grounds with speculation in
view. He had heard that the cave was for
Ia 49, rid IT,
of it had got the idea that mammoth caves
were going out of style and would soon be .
drug in the market, and would therefore sell
out for a tride-something like $50 600 Was
l looking for an investment on which could
double my money in thirty daysa l was.
Would I take half of it, would. If it had
been farm or a vineyard or yoke of cattle
might have hesitated, but one never runs
any risk in buying a cave. Itis right there.
1t stands in any climate. It is always healthy
and productive. If it should fail as a cave.
owing to some change of public sentiment,
one can turn it into cold storage, state
prison or pirates lair and reap fair interest,".
on the capital.
It was agreed that we shouldwalk over 10
the cave next day, and it was further agreed
that we keep the matter as, still as DEATH
There were other millionaires there, and they
might catch on. We were to set out at s a m.
SO as to go slow and look for other caves ON
the road. Before setting out T gave the land
lord my watch and all my money but dollar,
and when ready to go stepped. of as light,
infantry. The colonel was awaiting me down
stairs, and under his directions I slipped.
quickly away in one direction, while he took
another and soon joined me.
"We'ye got to work this thing mighty
easy" he explained. Chances to make,
million dollars don't grow on every bush, ana
if the fact that this cave is for sale was known
in Louisville special train of millionaires,
would be out here tonight"
agreed with him, and we took to the fields
and made short cuts. We had gone two
thirds of the distance and were passing over
q wooded ridge and chatting as friendly as ).
two emperors, when I heard. clickl clicks
behind me and the colonel sang out:
Halt! Throw up your hands!"
l halted and turned around and was some
what surprised to find that he had great big :
revolver leveled on me at full cock. He also '
looked as il there was serious business ON !.
hand, and felt it my duty to inquire:
whats the matter, colonel-snakes"
IF you don't do exactly as Iorder win !
blow your head off" he replied.
"But what's the orders'' 4
"Shen outl 1 want everything you'vsD
got!'
IT'S this put up jobs'
ut is"
"And you are not Col. Henry Blanchard,
late colond of late Tennessee regiment in /.
the late ware"
"Not anyl Shell!'
"Would you rob an orphan Of his allF' .
asked, hoping to reduce his heart to liquid
state and then outrun him.
II would, and don't you bother me too
long"
Then began to shell. shelleaouta silver
dollar and laid it on q rock. Then shelled.
out cigar case, two quill toothpicks. a match
safe, ciEnr, pocket knife and a phial Of
peppermint essence which I used for tooth
ache.
..Come DOWN." he yelled as I stood and
looked at him.
II have"
II want your money!"
'There it is. I've got $23 and railroad
ticket to Detroit at the hotel, but you'll have
to wait until we return there"
"Where's your watchg' j
TAT the hotel" =
"You miserable, poverty stricken wretcht
but you lied to me about your milionsg' hs :
shouted.
''But you lied first"
"Turn your pockets inside Quit"
complied and he saw their emptiness.
"That's regular Yankee trick" hs
growled us he tried to hide his chagrin. III {
it wasn't for the trouble of hiding your car
cass I'd shoot you'll Now, then, do as tan
you!"
with pleasure"
'.Go straight towards those trees, and donT
stop until you reach them. If you look back
I'll shoot you"
1 picked up everything but tho dollar,
wished him good day and set out. and afer
reaching the trees made circuit and finally