The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1899-10-12


fell in love with Sue" he continued.
but she wouldn't have it; that is" he
corrected. recognizing the awkward
ness of the.expression, "she didn't seem
to be in earnest about it. Not like me,
anyhow, but fin'ly she laughed. and
said that If I'd get a fortune she'd mar
ry me. So l struck out west"
"Must be fine GAL" said Mills. "Hope
it amt serious. Has she got any holt
OF yeh?"
Rube laughed again. 81 wish she
had" was his rejoinder; "but since
came away she hasn't written. Sues
| just tryin' me, that's what she's doin'.
It's a way women have. When goback
with pockefui of money she'll be
ready. Oh, know what women are"
John took last stitch in silence, and
held up the reconstructed shoe. Thus
began, between John Mills, miner, and
Rube Jackson, boyish, hopeful tramp,
one of the serene friendships which last
until death Let the limit not be placed
even there; perhaps, strengthened and
renewed, they last forever.
During the days the pair worked,
| speaking little. In the evenings they
read and talked, or Mills brought out an
ancient fiddle, whereon he discoursed
melody most fearsome, but duly APP
plauded The usual theme of conver-
sation was Sue. Gradually the two built
up AN ideal woman, and home that she
was to adorn after the Millennium
for such they had named the mine
had begun to produce. Rube would not
listen to any plan that did not involve
! the membership of Mills in the family.
"P'raps an old feller like me ud be in
/ ly, Rube would rebuke this view.
Yet Sue never wrote Mighty long
trial an slow verdick,'' Mills opined
once. Rube convinced him that this bor-
dered on treason.
! Weeks went by, and the crucial test
of the Millennium was at hand. The
hole for the shot" which was to de-
ward which they had been laboring
had been drilled, the powder tamped
about the fuse. 1t was then, stopping
to wipe his forehead, leaving it CRIME
streaked, that Mills delivered a speech
which, SO far as recorded, was the long
| est he ever made.
"Rube, boy" he said, were pard-
! ners. Understand? Pardner~. This
/ shot tells whether we find someth;n'
lousy with gold or goes broke ag'in bar
rem rock. In any case, thar's wages due
you, an a-comin'. 1t wouldn't be no
| squar' deal fur me to git rich and you
only to draw pay fer days works; so,
| thar'fore, l. John Mills, miner, as here
tofore and ginerally known, do hereby
make over to you, Rube Jackson, full
haIf-interest in the Millennium, to have
an to hold, an yer heirs an assigns for
/ ever. amen. That's kerrect form,
/ guess. and no lawyers needed nor pa
pers neither"
| Rube grasped the hand of Mills.
"iour words enough for any man, and
/ thank you. You've been good friend
to meme and Sue. /"
There, there interrupted Mills.
'it's nothin', it's all right" He seemed
happy, and triHe embarrassed, con-
cealing the emotions by a sudden dis
play of energy.
Not another word was spoken. Soon
all was ready, an open lamp applied to
the waiting fuse, and the men retreat
ed to the open.
I'm five minutes, pardner," Mills said,
as they went along, well be couple
of them capitalist chaps
And Sue, too" amended Rubc
"Yes, Sue, too," assented the senior
member of the firm. You see, she's
nachelly one of them heirs an as
signs forever which the document
would mention, so be we had one"
He started for the cabin, but Rube lin
gcred. Better come to grub" coun-
seled Mills. THE old hole won't be fit
ten to live in fuI an hour
Rube seemed to assent, but he did
not follow. AS Mills reached the cabin
there was a muffied sound, a tremor of
rock as the granite mountain quivered,
and out from the slope rolled cloud
of smoke. Mills was soon in the cabin
getting supper.
In 90 minutes the coffee had been
made, the bacon fried, and biscuits were
crisping in the oven. Still Rube did not
come. II wonder where he is said
Mills. Boys is so reckless and with
an uneasy feeling be started back up
the trail.
"Rube, come to support" he called.
His voice bounded from side to side
of the canyon, but there was no re-
sponse. The heart of Mills sank with
the thought of impending evil. Calling
again and again, he went to the mouth
of the slope, out of which an acrid
vapor fioated, lowering in the air. I'm
afeard Rube went in.' conjectured Mills,
and hastily removing his coat he
dropped it in powder-keg of water.
swathed ii about his face, and started
blindly down the slope.
AT the foot of it, held down by cruel
block, he found Rube, inert. apparent
ly lifeless. With giant effort he al.
most hurled the block aside, and tax.
ing Rube in his arms, staggered, STUN