Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1898-04-14

demning her father with every word1
but he had eagerly counted upon reach
ing her with the truth through this
trial He must win.
He had not long to wai$ before fig.
ure came sinking down the hill, dodg-
ing in zigzag course among the shad.
ows of the trees
-Well?" calculated Neil in tereo IN
quiry, going few steps TO meet him.
well, you know We broke down
over there this afternoon" the fellow
awlwardIy began.
'Yes; I noticed the engine had
stopped Neil returned. impatiently.
But how about your tes.fying for US
tomorrow
Il dunno's kin earn hundred dol
lars any easier-though. of course,
shall lose my job" he hesitantly
drawled.
But I told you that would give yoz
another" returned Neil, quickly, draw
ing a long breath of relief. counting
that the bargain was made.
Il ben thinkin' that mebbe there's
chance for you TO go down n take
look around yourself if you've mind
to-" Baker irreievantlv reioined. You
see, there's me n Bob Loyson on
watch tonight - we've got the first
shift. n there's nobody but Us up
there now. " when 1t comes to tes-
tifyin'-wel, 1 paced of the <ust n
second levels just now - Bob leepin'
watch above-'n' kinder looked sound
n sized things up; but thinks I, I'll
be hanged if I'd know what to say
about it if anybody arst me- after all.
If only you'd go down yourself n Jest
fgger out what you want me to tell"
You're sure it's safe?" Neil ex-
claimed. knocking the ashes from his
pipe with an air which said that al
ready he had assented 10 the PROPOSE
ton. In truth, he was tingling with de-
light in this opportunity, which, IN the
face OF Brigham's detection, appeared
fairly providential. How about this
other fellow?"
We'll, talked it over with him n
of course it means that he'll lose his
job, too; but told him knew you'd
make it right with him"
Certainly; he shall have a place on
the Mascot tomorrow if he wants it."
Neil promised at once.
But he'll need little greasin' in adj
vance" the other protested; $50
cash. he said. N was thinkin' meb-
be you'd give me little suthin' extry,
too, Mr.. Neil, bein' I'll be takin' some
chances. If we'd git ketched at it, 1
expect the boss I'D smash our bloomin'
heads for us
'All right; I'll give you $50 apiece
if you'll let me down in the mine and
give me an hour to make examinations"
Neil agreed eagerly.
In advance?"
In advance, if you say so.''
"All right; better come right along
then, for the coast is clear now," the
fellow said; somebody might come
moseyin' round later
A sudden impulse of prudence caused
Neil to pause. Il suppose may take
my six-shooter," he observed, tenta-
lively.
"Oh, sure; load yourself up like an
arsenal if you like" returned the feI-
low with grin, which seemed to make
NeiIs momentary doubt ridiculous
Still he thought it wise to go inside and
get the gun as we'll as notebook be-
fore he followed Bakers lead up the
hill.
Ten minutes later the bargain was
completed, the money paid over and
Neil was proceeding down the ladder
way of the Grubstake mine, the heavy
trap door shut over his head.
Well" exclaimed Baker compan-
ion, eying the roll of bills in his hands
as though he were hardly satisfied
with the wage after all. I'D hate to
be here when he comes up-whenever
that is
If he's down very long. you needn't
worry" returned the other cooIly. IL
they don't get the pumps goin' within
p hours, he won't have nothin' to say
when he comes up"
Why, good Lord!-they wouldn't
dast to go that fur, would they?'
gasPed the slOwer-witted colleague.
looking frightened.
''McCready'd go to hell to get even
with Harvey NeiI,' returned Baker, en-
phatically. But We amt got nothin'
10 do with it. We've done our work n
we've got well paid for it, with more
comm. The boSs'u look after the rest
you bet"
ITO Pc CONTINUED