The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-08-16

at less than half a million. The owner of
the latter is willing to give me a four
months option on it at 1000"
Their plans being matured, the illustri-
GUS par were presently introduced TO Mr..
Gaskeil as the owners of the mine which
had been withdrawn. They had exerted
themselves to lind him property of equal
promise. and had at last, after much trou-
bic, succeeded in obtaining for him an OPP
ton on the Gold Queen"
Mr.. Gaskell had notified Madge's uncle
of his first disappointment by cable, and
TWO hours after meeting Gilbey's partners
he walked across Madison square and sent
another cablegram intimating that he had
heard of another property, and was about
10 go West to examine it at his own ex-
pense.
Two days later Mr.. Gaskell left for San
Francisco, where on his arrival he met
the manager of the Gold Queen" No. l,
who had received telegram from Mr..
Gilbey to go to San Francisco to receive an
important letter, which letter he had care
fully read and very cordially approved.
The days which followed had many
anxious moments for the three spectators
in New York. II do most devoutly hone
this business won't land US in state
prison." murmured the less courageous
Marble.
What nonsense. We have not made
any discriminating statement IN writing .
''True, but you forget your letter to the
manager of the mine. Won't that show
conspiracy"
THAT is all right" was Gilbey's airy re-
joinder; ''the manager is under nv
thumb"
by the way" continued the TRANQUIL
Gilbey, did you notice that Gaskell had
the ninety days option which you gave
him made out to himself personally, and
not as representing the syndicate ?'
I'D Il. at
He would not take the responsibility of
spending the syndicate's money in making
investigations which the members had not
ordered. If he approves the property he
viii recommend it TO his syndicate.
A soft, sweet, ohildlike smile crept over
the faces of the precious three as they sep
arated
A fortnight later Mr.. Gilbey presented
to his delighted associates the following
dispatch from Gaskell, dated San Fran
cisco:
/ approve of the mine optioned subject to
| some amendment in price. and start East to-
night DOUGLAS GAsKEII
When Mr.. Gaskell returned to New York
he said he had made very careful eIamin-
alton of the mine, and would be
willing TO accept an option for it
| COO instead of double that sum.
| This radical curtailment of their figures
| somewhat dampened the artor of the
! three confederates, but finally the price
was fixed at $685., 600 cash, with many pro-
| tests on the part of Messrs. Marble and
| Gilbey. Mr.. Oswald had throughout taken
| only such interest in the matter as friend
might manifest. His name did not occur
on any of the papers given Mr.. Gaskell,
! and on this occasion, as on the Others he
| took little part in the arrangements.
| In due time the purchase money was
| paid over. and Messrs. Marble and Gilbev.
| each with 100000 TO his credit, decided
| that they would seize the opportunity to
satisfy a long felt ambition TO explore
| Southern America. not in the least-thev
| were careful To assure the cynical Oswald
because they were fearful as to what
view the cold Judicial eye of the law might
| take of their action.
Mr.. Oswald, who, as stated. had Dur
posely kept in the background and in con-
| sequence contented himself with smaller
share of the profits, remained in New
York.
six months later Messrs. Gilbey and
Marble were In the City of Mexico, wearied
beyond the power of words with the
vaunted charms of that country, and anx-
ious only once more 10 be within sight of
New York Many a time thew echoed the
sentiment of the city wanderer al which
We smile so often, Il would rather be a
lamppost on Broadway than king any
where else
But respite was at hand. \ letter TO
Mr.. Oswald making apparently casual in
quiry as 10 whether he had heard ANYTHING
further of the Gold Queen" sale elected
the following characteristic reply:
II you are eooping yourselves UP in the Civ
OF Mexico because you are afraid TO return on
account OF any troublesome DEVELOPMENTS in
the Gold Queen business, YOU NAV ss well
come back at once. The Englishmen have not
yet discovered their bluuder. ami do not think
they ever viii. have good story 10 tell Won
which il 10 worth your while to come 500 m les
10 hear. Meet ire ST dinner on the sfh, usual
ME and place, and I'll tell you the story
There's no place like home
Within three hours the two spectators
were on the way 10 New York
When the second bottle of champagne
had been opened AT Mr.. Oswald's dinner.
the host lit = cigar saying that he sup
posed they were dying 10 hear his story.
The lips Of the two twitched little and