Walker Lake bulletin. (Hawthorne, Nev.) 1883-1926, 1896-05-06

NOI was lllt INtN. hGltnlSeuGC Bell
wether backward in suggesting the
means of furthering the general pros
perity. In his mild, benevolent manner
he explained to the mayor that the city
was suffering from lack Of circulat-
ing medium. In his humble way he had
some knowledge of financial methods,
and suggested plan to relieve the
stringency. In the business world, the
transfer Of goods and properties were
not always accomplished with the ac-
tual cash. Notes of hand or promissory
notes figured largely and facilitated
business. In fact, he had used them oc-
oasionally himself with gratifying re-
suits.
This remarkably simple plan was at
once adopted, and its success was such
as the most sanguine enthusiast could
not have dreamed of. Town lots were
bought and sold with incredible rapid
ity. Lots, blocks, additions, changed
hands with the agility of shuttlecocks.
Windy Bill was buried under the shower
of promissory notes that daily rained
upon him. The Ozone published column
after column of transfers, the sum total
of which made the neighboring towns
Of Pigs Eye and Yellow Dog turn green
with envy-a state of mind further ag-
gravated when the same enterprising
journal boastingly published society
column, with mysterious hints of
Four Hundred.
The necessary six months drew only
too suddenly to close. Poor Bill; his
wealth and prosperity had evidently
come at last, but did not bring the hap
piness he had anticipated. The beautiful
syes of Mrs De Smythe haunted his
sleepless nights and gazed from behind
his sheaves Of promissory notes. The
regret and sorrow over her departure
were general, and the lady herself was
desolate. Nothing but important family
Affairs could induce her to go, and Bill
was cheered at the delicate hint of an
sarly return.
She only requested one favor: Would
Mr.. Sweet lend her that beautiful map?
She wanted a copy made, as a souvenir
of the happy days. 1t is needless to say
that it was immediately placed in her
hand.
The Rev. Mr.. Bellwether called him
to one side and still further expounded
the mysteries Of finance. He suggested
that now, as values were fixed, it would
be we'll to place the lots Oh the outside
market. Capitalists would eagerly grasp
at property that proved itself subject to
such rapid and violent advances. II Mr..
Sweet would intrust to his care the deed
of the town site, as evidence of secure
title, he would call the attention of his
wealthy friends to the same.
Bill was overwhelmed with this kind
offer. The deed of the 100 acres secured
from drunken old soldier (and never
paid for) was quickly transferred to the
ministerial grip. Visions of increased
wealth and power danced before the
founders eyes-visions in which the
central figures were the starry eyes of
Evelyn De Smythe.
A hurried trip to the adjoining coun-
try town, and, with the documents sever
ing all previous matrimonial contracts
safely in their possession, the strangers
went their way. Little by little the
squalid little town drifted back into the
old ways. The wretched buildings grew
little more shabby and desolate. The
sheriff came and carried away the para
phernalia of The Weekly Ozone. The
editor followed, concealed among the
wheels Of the first freight train. Bill
wandered about in fever of discomfort,
daily growing more morose and shabby.
The long savage winter was drawing
to close, and the gray April twilight
was settling over the shabby cluster of
buildings, when one evening brisk
little man stepped from the train, and
with disappearing look at the forlorn
aspect, stepped quickly over to Bills
office.
"I'm Mr.. Skinum of the prominent
legal firm Of Holdom g. Skinum," he
said as he hustled in with an important
air. "Our clients, Messrs. Bond &
Chattels, the st. Louis real estate peo-