The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1894-05-25

too, an occasional streak of gray COM
bined with tho brown, His ner.
vous anxiety in tho cab had nM-
tire1y vanished. He thrust Ono hand
carelesely into his trousers pocket,
and after big yawn settled back in
his scat. The swagger, unconcerned
mir impressed mo with the idea that h6
WAS II character, but for lack bf Il
thcmo I failed to open The 6onversa-
tiop,
Presently ho again looked mt his
watch, and as he replaced that much
bothered time-piec6 in his vest pocket
my attention was attracted to u very
peculiar watch-ch.in. A skein OF silk
joined series of peculiar white links.
He noticed my curiosity, AMI smile |
patronizingly.
"Never saw the like before, chs he
said; "strnnge thing to carry about,
but killed it myself. you see"
"Killed it yourself ~ echoed, eye
ing him with respectful curiosity ;
"you killed what? What is it"
Nothing" no laughed, evidently
amused at my surprised look. "rhe
thing tried to bite, SO 1 ended its
earthly career, as they say. It's the
backbone OF II rattles:iaku."
With an exclamation of wonder, ]
leaned over at.i scrutinizcd tho curio
closely. Ho seemed 10 enjoy my sud-
den display of interest, for giving me
tho Chain in my own hands to exam.
inc, he accurately described how he
had mounted the vcrtebrp, and made
of them such unique chain.
Il killed this fellow in tho noun.
tains," he explained "Rattlesnakes
are very plentiful out where I'm from
They're dangerous vcrmin, too"
"You are Westerper?" ventcr ID,
to question.
That's where you're right, he an.
swcred, his bright eyes glistening,
"and proud Oft. Direct from Wash.
ington State. First time Two ever
been cast of Missouri in my life.
Travelled pretty far though. Been
from Panama to Hudson Bay; from
Frisco to ST. Louis; and, if | live
next summer, I'll take in Europe and
Africa"
l looked at him. "And now?"
"Now,' he answered in lower
tone, drawing closer and glancing
seriously around the car, which con.
tanned but few other passengers,
"now I'm on my way to that much
valkedof city of New York, ON little
matter of business, and incidentally
to see the sights"
''Ah l am returning to New York,
my home, after an extended business
trip, and anxious TO get there, too.
IL was desire to reach home that
hauled me out of bed so early this
morning. Otherwise it would have
hal to be some very important busi-
ness, indeed"
Stranger, he said, sitting mp sud.
denly and looking me full in the face,
you re right smart chap. NY bust:
ness in New York is very important
I'm going there to sci nh interest in n
goldmine."
"dold-mine!" exclaimed, sitting
ba k 80 abruptly that my head came
Ill rather unpleasant contact with the
edge of the seat. "A gold mine, did
you say"
why, yes" he replied, paying no
attention to my mishap. 81 was
prospecting some months ago up in
the mountains and ran across rich
vein. We-my partner and L
cant raise enough ready money to
work it without its existence becoming
known, 30 I'm now on my way to
New York to sell n one-tifth interest
for cash-spot cash"
Glow much do Won need"
"Fifty thousand dollars! That's the
figure. No checks, no drafts, no mon
key business; cash cash in hand,
nothing else will do" He brought his
palms together with whack. "We'vc
got to follow up that vein quick, and
must have the cash money. Pretty
snug pile, but it's dirt cheap; mine is
worth half million, dead sure"
l was at n loss to speak. L did not
know what to think. merely stared
Mt him, idiotically perhaps, but slowly
crossed my knees and said nothing
Being peaceful man, / abhor quar-
rel or disturbance, md having thus
nnconsciously come upon 1t specimen
of the blunt type of Westcrn manli-
ness, | hesitatcd what to SAY, lest by
expressing doubt, however slight,
my words might give offence. A gold
mine! And owned by such an ordin-
ary looking individual 1t was too
stupendous to credit.
With the same perceptive keenness
that had previously displayed he
shrcwdly surmised my thoughts. He
picked up his valise, and before l
cnul1 un1arstnpl b;v ;nt,nt;,,. t,e,I-