The Grit-advocate., 1903-03-20

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 mott"
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.Lackland. 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 feller in
here a mint ago?' he asked.
Yes"
"He looked just like Lakeland"
"It was Lackland."
well, Miss Laura, jist be dod
gasted if he's here for any good. Hes
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
I'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
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 unselfsh concern for the
girls welfare gave way to look of
selfishness, and he chuckled in tri-
umph.
Il will have her yet. She will be
wholly in my power. A few weeks
more, another turn of the cards and
the game is NINE"
At a low groggery 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 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 first-class outfit
cost?"
Cummins reflected a moment and
said:
well, think it will take about two
thousand dollars"
Without returning word his en-
ployer counted out the money and told
nd Oft
Cummins and Davis set out, and
next morning reported that all had
been secured.
at iswell," 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
cross the pass and start for the Klon-
| dyke?"
LAS soon as l can. l want to go
with the first train"
There are some gentlemen ready
to start in the morning"
Then can get ready. l will 60
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"
"Tll do so. l would as soon start
myself tomorrow as any other time
You will want Indian porters for youl
luggage and a sled and dogs for your
self. Have Ben Holton pack up al
your effects and be ready" and he
left.
Ben Holton was only stupid fel
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 ur
the goods and preparing for the
journey.