Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1902-11-20
for you. We will go together, and do

MY heart misgives me-" she sob
bed. "He talks fair and seems hon
est, but something within keeps say
ing: Trust him rot!'"
Ben Holton, who had remained be-
hind to look after her heavier luggage,
arrived at the hotel, and went to con-
suit with his mistress about some
missing packages. On his way to her
room he met Lakeland, and was much
astounded to see a man whom he
thought in Fresno that he was half
inclined to think himself mistaken.
81 say, Miss Laura, was Teller in
here a mint ago?" he asked.
yes"
HE looked just like Lakeland"
1T was Lakeland"
"Well, Miss Laura, jlst be dod
gasted II he's here for any good. He's
after grub stakes, We kin depend on ct.
Look out for him."
She then told her faithful employee
the proposition he had made, and old
Ben listened carefully to her, and at
the conclusion said:
"I'll bet my head for football that
it's sailed mine he's a-plantin'. Don't
We bite at his bait, Miss Laura; don't
We bite"
Laura was more distressed after the
departure of Ben Hollon than before.
She began to realize how utterly help
less she was.
There was quite change in the
expression on Lackland's face after
he left Laura's room. All the benevo-
lence and unselfish concern for the
girls welfare gave way to looh of
selfishness, and he chuckled in tri-
umph.
81 will have her yet. She will be
wholly in my power. A few weeks
more, another turn of the cards and
the game is mine"
At a low GROCERY in the town he
found his two employees, Ben Allen
and Horsa Cummins.
well, how are you faring?" asked
Lakeland.
"Dry!" growled Cummins.
"Come, Cummins, you remember
the obligation imposed on you when
you were employed-you were not to
drink
yes, but that makes me dry" said
Cummins, with wink.
Now, you have both been here be.
fore, have you not?"
Yes"
DO you know where to procure
good outfits?"
Right here is the best place in
Alaska" declared Cummins.
How much will first-class outfit
COST"
Cummins reflected moment and
said:
"Wer, think 1t will take about two
thousand dollars"
Without returning word his en-
ployer counted out the money and told
him to go and procure it at once.
Cummins and Davis set out, and
next morning reported that all had
been secured.
1T iswell," declared the shrewd Mr..
Lakeland. BE prepared to go when
even l give the word
'We1l be ready"
When his hirelings had gone Lack
land went to the hotel and sent up his
card to Miss Laura Kean. She admit
ted him, and he asked:
Miss Kean, when are you going to
cross the pass and start for the Klon-
dyke?"
"As soon as can. l want to go
with the first train"
There are some gentlemen ready
to start in the morning"
Then l can get ready. will go
with them" she declared.
Would you like my services in
securing you an OUTFIT"
Eyes, yes; If you can, secure me
an outfit at once"
"Ill do so. | would as soon start
myself tomorrow as any other time.
You will want Indian porters for your
luggage and sled and dogs for your
self. Have Ben Holton pack up all
your effects and be ready" and he
left.
Ben Holton was only stupid fell
low, but he declared he did not like
the arrangements at all, and smelled
a greatbig mouse somewhere. Never
theless, Ben went to work packing up
the goods and preparing for the
journey.
Laura took her place on the sled,
and the Esquimau with big snow
shoes came to strap her in and draw
the robes and furs over her.
Are you strapped in securely?"
Lakeland asked Laura.
Yes"
do you think you will be comfort
able?"
Il know l shall"
They were soon in the midst of a
driving snowstorm, and Kate Willis
declared that she "just knew that
child would freeze"
They halted before reaching the
summit and camped. Tents had been
brought and every precaution was
taken to provide for the comfort of
Laura Kean. She and Kate were
housed in tent warmed by a gasoline
stove, which made it quite comfort
able.
Next day they resumed their march,
crossed the summit and began the
descent.
Lakeland was often seen talking
with one of the Indians, who spoke
English fairly well, and was big.
burly, Misunderstanding fellow. One
day two men came to their camp.
They held long and earnest confer
ences, and when they went away that
night the man named Ben Allen went
with them. 1t is perhaps needless
to inform the reader that the two men
wara Morris and Nod padPeft WIN