The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1902-07-12

ful prospect with specially good dln-
ne- found the greatest delight in
picturing the JOY and pride OF the old
man In his children, whom he had not
seen for fifteen or sixteen years. The
mother had died some five years be-
fore. Then the farm was sold. and the
brother and sister came into the city,
and any father might be proud OF them.
The son was well made young fellow.
handsome enough, thoughtful and solid
looking. The girl reminded me of her
father The same resolution was seen
ia mouth and jaw, and the same pas
sion sumbered In the dark gray eyes.
She was not beautiful. but she carried
herself we'll and one would always
look at her twice. 1t would be worth
something TO see the meeting between
father and daughter
But fate, the greatest artist OF us all,
takes little count of the careful draw
ing and the bright coloring of our fan
cys pictures. but with rude hand de-
ranges all and with one swift sweep
paints out the bright and paints in the
dark. and this trick he served me when
one June night. after long and anxious
waiting for some word from the west,
my door suddenly opened and Graeme
walked in upon me like a specter gray
and yoiceless My shout of welcome
was choked back by the look In his
face, and | could only gaze at him and
wait for his word. He grlpped my
hand. tried TO speak, but failed 10 make
words come.
"Slt down, old man." ! said. pushing
him into my chair, "and take your
time"
He obeyed looking up at me with
burning sleepless eyes. My heart was
sore for his misery. and / said: Don't
mind. old chap. 1t can't be so awfully
bad. You're here safe and sound at
any rate" And so | went on TO give
him time, but he shuddered and looked
round and groaned.
"N0w. look here Graeme, let's have
it. When did you land here? Where
is Nelson? Why didn't you bring him
upT
He is at the station In his coffin"
he answered slowly.
"ln his coffin?' | echoed, my beauti-
full pictures all vanishing. How was
it,"
Through my cursed folly" he groan-
ed bitterly
what happenedT asked.
But, ignoring my question. he said:
~ must see his children. | have not
slept for four nights. | hardly know
what | am doing, but | can't rest till
| see his children. I promised him.
Get them for me-"
Tomorrow win do. Go TO sleep now,
and we shall arrange everything to-
morrow" | urged.
mo" he said fiercely; tonight, noww
In half an hour they were listening,
pale ana grief stricken, to the story of
their fathers death
Poor Graeme was relentless In his
self condemnation MS he told how.
through his cursed folly" old Nelson
was killed The three-Craig. Graeme
and Nelson-had come rs far as victo-
ria together. There they left Craig
and came on TO San Francisco. IN m
evil hour Graeme met companion of
other and evil days, and IL was not
long till the old fever came upon him
In vain Nelson warned and pleaded.
The reaction from the monotony and
poverty OF camp life TO the excitement
and luxury Of the San Francisco gam
Ing palaces swung Graeme quite off
his feet, and all that Nelson could do
was to follow from place To place and
keep watch
"And there he would sit" said
Graeme in n hard. bitter voice. "wait-
ing and watching often till the gray
morning light, while my madness held
me fast to the table. One night
here he paused moment. put his face
I'm his hands and shuddered, but quick
ly he was master OF himself again and
went on I'm the same hard voice--"one
night my partner and | were playing
two men who had done us up before
l knew they were cheating, but could
not detect them. Game after game
they won till was furious at my
stupidity In not being able to catch
them. Happening 10 glance at Nelson
In the corner, caught meaning
look. and, looking again. he threw me
n signal. knew Mt once what the
fraud was and next same charged the
fellow with II. He gave me the lie
| struck his mouth. but before could
draw my gun his partner had me 10y
the arms. What followed I hardly
know. While was struggling to get
free saw him reach for his weapon.
but as he drew II Nelson sprang across
the table and bore him down. When
the row was over. three men lay on
the floor. One was Nelson. He took
the shot meant for me-"
Again the story paused.
And the man that shot him?"
l started ut the intense ferceness I'm
the voice and. looking upon the girl.
saw her eyes blazing with a terrible
light.
"He is dead" answered Graeme in.
differently.
you killed himg' she asked eagerly.