The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1903-11-27


as you know, but this IN an awfu
pinch. so let II go for $4,000 or $l5, ,OD
n you can do no better. Don't delay.
well, j never thought OF going q
the mint" said Mr.. Matthews, with M
embarrassed grin, but that option ex
pires tomorrow, and ] can't get e
Washington and wire the money n
time" He sighed heavily and asked
the banker 10 write an answer TO the
effect that he could not make the sale
In time, and would leave for the West
at once and carry the gold back with
him.
Mr.. Matthews had never mentioned
the gold 10 his banker friend, and had
not even hlnted at asking assistance
in the pressing emergency, but hu-
man curiosity had been artfully and
naturally awakened. He began 10
question the unfortunate miner, who
seemed so ignorant Of practical busi-
ness matters. Mr.. Matthews. with
manifest reluctance, as Of one who
felt dclicacy In obtrudlng his affairs,
told the story Of the big bar Of gold:
II amt expcctin', OF course, 10 find
anybody who don't know me TO take
this off my hands. There's 50 many
stories foatln' around about these skin
games worked with gold bricks that's
brass. You see, there's three pard-
ncrs Of us, and one OF 'cm is an In
dian. He found the claim. and he's
scared TO death we're gOin' 10 beat
him out Of his share ] brought him
on with me to guard the gold wNlle
! was moseyin' around loOkin' for
brother John | don't carry the gold
In my valse, It's too goldarn heavy,
80 ! left the Indian In Scranton. He's
there I'm hotel with IL. I'd like TO
have you see IL, just for fun, and go
with us 10 get IL tested. We aint
sure just how fine II is"
The banker was interested, ana his
eyes gliMencd. lie accepted the lnvl-
tation to go to Scranton, and they
left by the next train. Arriving at the
hotel, Mr.. Matthews tramped up the
stairs TO the room Of the faithful child
OF the plains, the banker at his heels.
The door was opened without knock
ing, and terrific yell arose from
corner Of the room. A fcrocious look
ing savage, swathed In a red blanket
crouched over O shiny black valise, II
big frontier revolver levelled across
his crooked forearm. He recognized
his "pardncr," and quoted somewhat
but his trigger finger played nervously,
and he continued to glare at the un-
known visitor who stood. gray faced
with fear and shock, while a dialogue
cnsucd that sounded like this
The Noble Redman-"I'ch icndy che
ncosm ujhcnd p lxznqwtha nhctsa"
The Palc-Faccd Pard-"XrwbgsbXyt
.z!l!"
This last volley seemed TO settle the
business The Indian lowered his ar
tillery, and squattcd, dumb and watch
ful on the bed
Then Mr.. Matthews lifted slowly
from its hiding place, stralning and
grunting with the weight Of IT, daz-
cling block of metal at the sight Of
which the bankers eyes stood out like
onions The owner laid it on the floor
and said:
Now, Wen make test Of this hunk
Df gold, and thatll show you what
she's made OF. You take this little
luger yourself. and bore her through,
clean through from top TO bottom, any
where you burned please"
With nervous hands the banker bal
lnced the boring tool, and choosing a
spot nj random, the revolving edges
bit deep into the soft metal A hole
was driven through, and the dust was
swept up into n little heap.
"rll ill this bottle with the filings"
said Mr.. Matthews, "and Wen take Il
10 one of your Scranton jewelers. and
have her tested. You must know n
good Jewelcr in the town"
The banker tucked the heavy vial
in an inside pocket, and the two men
walked up the street I'm front of the
hotel. until they came 10 Il jewelers.
sign. MIR Matthews made a point Of
first. and FASTENED to young
man i'm the rear of the shop. while his
waited few yards nearer
the door.
"IIc tells me that the boss is out, ana
that he is not In shape TO make II
careful test to-day. But were playing
in great luck. He gave me this card
Of IL. l.. Williams. United States Assay
Office, who happens to bc in town to-
day, on business, and he is ut the
Blank Hotel"
Perhaps IL should he explained that
the stranger had asked the jcwclcr
having watch repaired. and received
Il business card OF the dealer. and then.
MS he turned, substituted in his hand
one already prepared of the Govern
mcnt assay expert with the hotel
name written beneath in lead pencil.
They returned 20 the hotel room that
was furnished with the Indian and the
gold brick" The miner decided 20
stay there. while the banker offered
his services, and trottcd chccrfully of
TO find the learned Mr. Williams" nj
another hotel. He found the name ana
room number all correct on the regis
ter, and sent up his card. Back came
Il demand TO know the nature Of his
business. This query was answered hy
Il note, and the expert sent down word
that he was frightfuliy busy ard could
not think of doing the work until the
following day.
The caller with tho precious vial
was persistent. ana finally mcde his
way TO the room. by nrihiuc the bell
hoy. IL was gruf aud forlidding
voice that shouted "Couc in" \ white.