Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1901-03-19


spectus Of the Good Samaritan Mining
company. The object of this company
is the purchase Of a claim belonging to
the widow of the gentleman who 30
lately departed from among US. With
the nature Of the ground am not IA
miliar. Its exact location also is un-
known to me. As you may see, the
chances Of laying up treasure, here or
elsewhere, are unnumbered. There are
100 shares for sale at S. EACH" Here
his hand would generally wander to-
ward his holster. How many did you
say you would take?"
The speech had been rehearsed and
varied but little, and the results were
immediate and gratifying, for Gabriel
was q power in the land. The next
evening saw his share list filed and
Gabriel riding up the river road. he
rode rapidly at first, but as he drew
near the Oatman fat the black mare
was checked to walk. Gabriel hung
the reins over the saddle horn, tanning
himself with his sombrero and mop
ping his face with his red bandanna
handkerchief. AS the last turn was
reached he Strengthened himself, and
carefully smoothing the few tight curls
that remained at the back Of his head
he put spurs to his horse and cantered
up to the gate Of the old stagehouse.
The woman was bending over one Of
the flower beds. She heard him and
walked to meet him down the path.
won't you come in?" she asked.
"Thank you, I WILL" replied Gabriel.
"Whoa, there! Hold up now, will
YOU" to his horse. "It's nearly well
you've got now, ma'am, Pm told" he
went on. 81 was most sorry to hear Of
your''-he hesitated-"accident."
She caught at the last word eagerly.
Accident? Yes, twas an accident. 1t
was. He was crazy. He must have
been. He was afraid of death, always
was, an If he had been right in his
head he wouldn't never have done that
that last"
Gabriel looked mystified.
"Made way with himself, / mean,"
she explained, with a shudder. "Its
awful to think about. Yes, I'm most
well-all well-now, thank you," she
added as an afterthought.
Gabriel looked up with relieved
smile. "He was insane, non compos
mentis. His first act proved that, I'm
thinking, far more than the one you're
speaking of. But twas not about that
l came. Your late husband had a min.
ing claim. Perhaps you know Of it.
Had he any heirs besides yourselfT
NO." she replied. "He didn't have
any folks-not in this country anyway.
1 never heard Of no claim, but he
wouldn't have told me. What can do
with it?'
"Sell 1t. A company has been organ
lied, and in behalf Of the shareholders
1 am empowered to offer you the sum
Of $500, the same to pay in full for all
rights and titles to said claim and all
profits and emoluments thereunto ap-
pertaining" Having safely delivered
these words, he smiled in self gratu-
ulatory manner and asked: "Is 1t
enough? Here's the deed all ready"
Her eyes filled as she said simply:
"Must sign it? haven't got no pen,
I'm afraid, or ink"
Father Gabriel rose. "Here's pen
Gil. Twill do as WELL" he said. 1--WE
will dispense with witnesses"
She wrote her name, and Gabriel
counted the goldpieces on to the box
by her side. She sat looking at them,
making no move to take them.
81 can go home now," she said soft
ly, as though to herself. "Home! Back
to my old folks! Home" She timidly
stretched out her hand and touched
the yellow pile as though she was
afraid 1t would vanish, but the hard
metal seemed to reassure her. "Oh,
my goodness! Mercy mel! she cried,
and, embracing the money with both
arms, she rested her forehead upon 1t
and sobbed as though her heart would
break.
Gabriel was nervously pacing the
walk. "Don't, ma'am! Don't" he
begged. you'll 60 home. Sure, tits
far best so. But don't now. You'll
inture Yourself"