The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1899-06-15
One was tall and the oil short. Were

Upon receiving an affirmative reply,
he turned on his heels and dashed of
lin pursuit Of the evild oers, who by this
time had made good their escape.
As the avenue was reached herdic
happened along and Tom hailed It at
his companion suggestion.
Take us to the police station on Bat
terry street he said to the driver, and
in a few moments they stood before the
official in a well-lighted room telling
their story. a physician was in attend
q rapid examination Of their wounds.
"A few strips Of plaster. will fix your
scalp all right" said he to the elder
man, and your arm is only numb from
the blow. You'll be all right to-mor-
row" Then turning to Tom, he added:
You have had a very narrow escape
from death, young man. That knife
was meant for your heart. AS it is, it
glanced on a rib and there is no damage
done. It is only slight flesh wound,
which will give you no trouble what
ever"
A few moments sufficed to dress the
cut properly, and after turning over the
knife and revolver to the authorities,
to aid in identifying the two robbers,
Tom was about to start for his hotel
when his new acquaintance said, blunt
~:
"Hold on minute. I'd like to know
the name Of the man who stood by an
old chap tonight and saved my life.
How did you happen along so handy
like?''
"My name is Tom Scott, and I hap
pened to hear those men planning to
rob somebody, so I kept an eye on
them. That's all"
mo, it amt all, by long chalk, :"
| was the hearty response. 'You did
more'n that, and might be chucked
into the dock before this only for your
pluck. My name is John Avery, and
I'm pretty well known along the water
front as man of my word. If can
ever DO you good turn you can count
on me. Live here in the city?
mo, I'm just from New Hampshire, :"
said Tom.g --.@ ~
Looking for work?" = e 49,.
mo, I'm trying to find a chance to
get to the Klondike." <* ...1
"Then, by thunder, you needn't look
any longer" was the prompt reply, "be-
cause I'm bound there myself, and you
shall 60 with me if you want to. I
wouldn't ask better mate than you.
Where are you stopping?" --s
Tom mentioned the name of his h otel
and the other said at once: -
"All right. Let's go there and talk
this thing over.'' ~.
Half an hour later they were seated
in the smoking room and Toms modest
story was told. When he had finished
his friend said:
That's good, straight yarn, and
some day I may have one to tell you
that will open your eyes. All I need to
say now is that my name is John Avery.
1'm an old 49-er without wife or child
ond I'm bound for the Klondike to get
my pile. It's waiting for me there, all
right. I've taken passage on sailing
vessel because like the water and
hate the cars. Besides, there is no use
getting there before spring. Twill pay
your passage out on the same vessel,
and you can keep your little pile. If
the Yukon camps are anything like the
old days in California, you'll need it all
and more, too. Well call it loan
or anything you like, and you can pay
me when you strike a rich claim --.'
Tom protested family, but he was
overwhelmed at the prospect, and soon
yielded, r.. -
we'll see about getting your passage
the first thing in the morning." said
Avery, "and now, as my old head is
giving me particular fits, I guess I'll get
a bed here and turn in. was calcu-
lating to sleep on board tonight, but I'll
wait for daylight before I try that trip
again. g~ W., -
Then, pressing Toms hand warmly,
the old miner said: t.: -a#. g..
."Good night, mate. You ~oughte1
sleep well after saving mans life, and
money, too. Do you know have S, 00o
in my clothes, and but for you 1t
wouldn't be there now" 81 49,.
There was a suspicious moisture in
his eyes, as he turned hastily and left
the room, leaving Tom to his pleasant
thoughts. ~ ...,.z&.
He could hardly realize all that had
been crowded into the few hours since
his arrival, and his sleep was broken
by titful dreams, in. which revolvers
and robbers played prominent roles. !.
CHAPTER II.
TOM MEETS AN OLD ENEMY.
When Tom Scottawoke the following
morning his side was stiff and sore, but
by the time he had dressed and made
! his way downstairs he had almost for.
gotten the wound in the realization OF
the fact that the way had been miracu.
lousy opened for him to reach the gold
region.
He found the old miner waiting fol
him IN the smoGng-room, and as he
entered the latter arose and greeted
him heartily, saying:
& "GOOd mOrninr Cnn%% uo,,, - An