Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1898-05-19

away, too much accustomed to sick
room eccentricities. however, to won
der long at Neil's sudden captious-
ness.
Left alone, the sick man, his face
white and rigid in lines of pain, turned
over impetuously, smothering groan
in the sheet he huddled about his head.
What was it he had been saying mo-
ment ago?-he had got over it? he had
ceased to care? Great heavens, what
lie it had been! He would never cease
to care-never!
Half an hour later, when the doctor
came in, it was with start scarcely dis
guised under professional nonchalance
that he met the strange glitter in the
patients eyes. You've been sitting up
too long, old man; or have you been
visited to death? Who's been here?"
he demanded, sitting down beside the
bed, with finger on thS wrist that lay
outside the clothes.
mo; I was only bolstered up little
while; and nobody has been here eX-
cept Mrs. Bowen, though she's a host in
herself" Neil protested, with wan
smile. Don't try to persuade me that
am having a relapse, doctor. I'm bet
ter-so much better that am thinking
of going home next week. What do you
say to that?''
Il say, wait till next week" laughed
the doctor, his eyes intently studying
the face upon the pillow. Meanwhile,
I've brought you over something new"
producing bottle from his pocket and
critically eying the contents as he held
it up before him. IA teaspoonful of this
every hour will help you along on the
way toward home amazingly, think"
But is that all you brought" re-
turned Neil, disappointedly. Did
have no mail?"
Mail! One would think you were
expecting to hear from your sweet
heart, the way you cry for mail"
laughed the doctor, in good-humored
raillery, feeling in the side-pocket OF
his coat for a couple of letters, which he
laid upon the bed. You see she hasn't
written to you this time, at all events.
Those are obviously nothing but bust
ness. But, by the same token, I had
letter from pretty girl myself to-
night; you would never guess from
whom"
But Neil had torn open the first en-
velope, his breath coming quicker, his
eyes riveted to the page which he was
holding with hand obviously trem-
bling. II cannot read it-such viii
famous hand the man writes!" he pet
tishly exclaimed, after an instant
Hero, doctor, see what you can make
out of it,
"Why, it is from her lawyers-Miss
Meredith's,'' the other remarked, with
surprise, as his glance fell upon the
first line; land he doesn't write Spen-
cerian fist, by long shot. But this
seems to be what he has to say:
'NIr. Harvey Neil, Windy Gulch, COL
Dear Sir: l am instructed by my client,
Miss Dorothy Meredith, to confer with
you as to such terms of compromise as
would seem to you just and fair in the
suits now pending between the Mascot and
the Crubstake mines. Miss Meredith S idea
is that you should take the Grubstake
lode at 4 fair valuation as part SAUSAGE
ton of your claim, the balance to be settIed
in cash as may be arranged. The BOOKS
of the mine having been destroyed in the
burning CT the shafthouse, at Miss Mere
dith's desire 1 have been at pains to pro-
cure from the shelters statement or
all shipments Of ore and moneys paid
therefor the full amount of which for
the year ending August %, 1894 is $751;
364 &c, smelter charges and frefShts de-
Quoted. The expense of mining is next
to be considered, in which the wetnesS OF
the mine and demand for much ma
chinery which has been put in during the
year should be counted. AS a practical
mining man you are in position to
estimate these several items: while as a
business man you can figure what ad-
vantage it may be to you to hold the two
properties and forever quiet all contro-
Versy / should be glad to have from
you the best proposition you can make
to this end. / may add that Miss Mere
dfth's attitude in the matter is against my
best judgment and advice, my opinion be-
ing that she must inevitably win should
it be left to the courts to decide the points
in controversy. She, however, desires to
avoid litigation if possible, and to such
end is willing to make reasonable conces-
sion. Trusting that I may hear from you
without delay, am
Very truly yours.
u. ]. CRILEY."
There was silence for moment as
the doctor ceased reading, and then Neil
broke into strange laugh. $50 she
would like me TO propose terms of COM
promise, would she?" he exclaimed.
''Well, l can"
Il suppose so,'' the doctor smilingly
agreed, gratulatory note in his voice.
But you observe that she wants you to
take the Grubstake at a fair valuation.
Evidently she considers it a valuable
piece of property" And he laughed
Is at a good joke.
''Oh, l shall be willing to take it, pro-
viJCd other conditions can be salts
factorily arranged" Neil declared,
laughing in turn.
But we cannot have you figuring
over this deal now, old fellow" the
doctor declared, his face growing again
grave. He had long been Neirs most
intimate friend in camp, of late acting
as clerk and amanuensis no less than
as physician, and he considered him
self privileged to advise in the one ca
pacity as well as the other. This thing
Will keep. l will write that you are too
sick to give any attention to business
at present, but that as soon as you are
able"
81 want her address, DOCTOR inter
ruptcd Neil, eagerly, his eyes very
bright. Tell him that l prefer to ar
range terms with her personally"
"Oh, as to that, should think" be-
gan the doctor, in rather a shocked
tone of protest; but, with e vague sense
of bewilderment at something in the
sick mans face, he stopped short, hes
itantly adding: Il have her address If
you want it, but Well, she did not
strike ME as being much of business
woman"