The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1900-01-27

more of the fiery liquor, but he could
not swallow il. His lips moved feebly
and his eyes were turned on Tom in
mute appeal.
IL forgive you. God knows I dol"
whispered the young man huskily, and
fash OF joy on the dying mans face
told him that he was heard and under
stood. Then a single long-drawn breath
followed, and with it Obed Riders
earthly career ended.
There was no desire for sleep in the
little party that night. BY the light
OF the camp fire a grave was dug and
the body of the unfortunate sailor
placed beyond the reach of any wild
animals, and by the time this was done
the dawn was near.
Avery dressed Bowers fingers TO the
best of his ability, the latter grinding
his teeth with pain and rage as he
realized how he had been outwitted the
second time.
His partner, however, took the whole
matter as coolly as il he had not been
caught In any act that might cost him
his life. Ne spoke but once, and that
was TO ask one of his captors to ac-
commodate him with chew of to-
| bacco.
Wouldn't trouble yer, only yer'ye
tied my hands," he explained.
When il was fairly light a council
was held TO determine what disposition
should be made Of the prisoners. This
proved a somewhat difficult matter. To
take them TO Dyea involved a vexatious
delay, for there were no horses rthem
to ride, and TO turn two such desperate
men loose seemed a dangerous thing
to do. Moreover, they would stsrve
without provisions.
After talking the matter over some
time without arriving at any conclu-
sion. Taylor exclaimed, impatiently:
They ought TO be hung, but don't
want the job! We'd better give them
grub enough for a week or two and
turn them loose. We can't be bothered
with them!"
His advice was agreed to by the rest
and the little outfit was at once pre-
pared. When they were ready 10 start
ne walked up TO the two desperadoes
and said:
There's your grub. Take il and light
out. l shall give a full description OF
you to the authorities at Dyea and see
that it is sent TO Dawson. Some body is
sure 10 hang you both before long"
AS he spoke he cut their bonds and
then mounted his horse.
Half an hour later our friends were
well on their way, while the bafiled rob
bcrs were trudging tediously along to-
ward Fort SellSirk in moody silence.
Their plots had failed, and here we
must leave them to their fate.
1t was n happy party that rode into
Dyea five days later. The capitalist was
eager TO close his advantageous bar
| gain, and the business was soon trans
acted. Taylor received a draft for $780,
900 on responsible San Francisco par
ties, and when the bags of gold dust had
been safely deposited on board the
steamer all care was at an end.
1t was the first night out from Dyea
that Tom Scott found Avery alone on
the deck, and in few manly words de-
clared his love for Clara, asking her
fathers permission TO marry her
What does she say?" asked the old
miner, soberly.
Tom blushed like schoolgirl and re-
Piled:
IL haven't asked her yet"
"Then do il, my lad. She's been the
boss this long time. Strikes me you're
pretty sure what she'll say TO ask me
first, you rascal"
But Tom was already gone, and we
! cannot follow him. Suffice il to say
that the other men saw but little of
him for the rest of the voyage.
At Seattle the party decided to re-
main n day in order to procure more
suitable clothing. They went at once
TO a hotel and registered, anu half an
hour later a stranger accosted Tom.
saying:
MIR. Thomas Scott, believer"
Tom admitted his identity, and the
man continues:
| II have been hired by Capt. Scott,
your father, to find you. He is at the
Palace hotel in San Francisco, waiting
for news of you. VIII you wire to him,
or shall do it?'
For n moment Tom was too aston
ished to speak; then he bolted for the
telegraph Office.
| Three days later there was joyful
reunion OF father and son, and all mis-
understandings were explained. The
gold was found to be worth nearly
$4,000, and after n division had been
made the friends separated. Within n
week Clara Avery became Mrs. Thomas
Scott, the two parents being present at
the ceremony.
The wedding trip was TO New Eng
land, which Tom declared should be his
home for the rest OF his days, although
he had found riches elsewhere.
"And what else did you find?' pouts
his bride.
Reader, how would you have an
swered her?
THE END.
|