Gilpin observer., 1903-03-19

push this search and may be mis-
taken; all l ask Of you is that you
allow me to furnish the funds you
need. You shall not lack means to
find Paul"
The man watched with anxious eyes
the face Of the girl to read the i'm
preston his great generosity would
make.
1t was favorable, and his delight at
the discovery was almost diabolical.
THANK you, Laura. You have made
me supremely happy by accepting my
favor. will endeavor to find Paul
for you. We will go together, and do
all that can be done to find him."
He bowed and went out. She bow
ed her face in her hands and wept.
"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.
Il say, Miss Laura, was a feller in
here mint ago?" he asked.
YES"
HE looked just like Lakeland"
ut was Lakeland"
I iiet ho I'D
gasted if he's here for any good. He's
after grub stakes. ye kin depend on ct.
Look out for him."
She then told her faithful employe
the proposition he had made, and old
Ben listened carefully to her, and at
the conclusion said:
'T'll bet my head for football that
it's a salted mine he's a-plantin'. Don't
ye bite at his bait, Miss Laura; don't
ye bite"
Laura was more distressed after the
She began to realize how utterly help
less she was.
There was quite a 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 look Of
selfshness, and he chuckled in tri-
umph.
II 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 low groggery in the town he
,, t.
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 a 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 a first-class outfit
cost?"
Cummins reflected a moment and
said:
We'll. | think it will take about two
thousand dollars"
Without returning a word his en-
ployer counted out the money and told
him to 90 and procure it at once.
Cummins and Davis set out, and
next morning reported that all had
been secured.
1T swell" declared the shrewd Mr.
Lakeland. BE prepared to go when
even | give the word
We'll 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
dyke?"
LAS soon as l can. want to go
with the first train"
There are some gentlemen ready
to start in the morning"
Then can get ready. | will go
with them," she declared.
Would you like my services in
securing you an OUTFIT"
"Yes. yes; If you can, secure me
an outfit at once"
"I'll do so. | would as soon start
myself tomorrow as any other time.
You will want Indian porters for your
luggage and a 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
greatbig mouse somewhere. Never
theless Ben went to work nackinr I'm