The Delta independent., 1903-01-16
The k|o1dyke Gold Mystery.
By JOHN r. MUSlcK,
Author Of "Mystsrieus Mr.. Howard" 1.-THE
Dark Stranger" "Chariie Ailendale's
Doable," Etc.
Copyright, 1897. by RoBKRr BoNSxl's soxs.
All rights reserved.
CHAPTER H.
The Storm Bursts.


der could be heard, but it did not dis
turb the young pleasure seekers, who
had come out from Fresno. California,
TO have good time. One tall, grace
full girl whose golden hair and deep
blue eyes would have attracted any be-
holder. was standing in the shadow of
a tree, whittier she had wandered
alone. She took very little interest in
the sports of her youthful companions,
no more youthful. however. than her
self AS she strolled under the shades
OF the pines her pale blue parasol half
concealed a face that was exquisite in
its loveliness.
"Oh, Laura, why are you alone?"
asked pretty, dark-eyed girl leaning
on the arm OF her lover as she passed.
There are plenty of young fellows
who would be glad to take Paul's
place. Shall tell them they can?"
Thank you, Nellie; do not want
them" while u faint smile fitted over
her face.
At this moment another couple
passed where the three stood, their
faces half hidden behind a pink en-
There goes Clarence and Nellie
Bush. People say they are to be mar
ried in the spring and start for the
Klondike."
Laura sighed and her little friend
went on. The gaze OF Laura Kean was
now riveted on Clarence Berry and
Ethel Bush. The rumor that they were
going to that strange, far-off northern
country awakened in her mind new
interest In them. Ethel Bush was one
Of her dearest friends. and Clarence
and Paul had been boys together.
AS Clarence and Ethel sat in the
shade of tree. they built anew their
air castles amid the glaciers and ice
bergs OF the frozen north.
II hope ! don't intrudc." said a
sweet, sllver-likc voice. and. looking
up. they beheld their friend Laura
Kesn standing near. smile on her
pretty face. My excuse for coming
is to discuss your intended journey To
the Klondike. have heard you are
going in tho early spring"
I'VE have 50 decided" Clarence
Berry answered.
u u
accompany you"
Ethel Bush was delighted. and de-
clared II they could find n preacher in
Alaska the wedding would be cele-
bratcd in the frozen north. The three
sat on the green and planned and
talked with increasing enthusiasm. and
Laura. with her pretty face besming
with happiness. arose, left the lovers
to themselves. while she strolled down
the grove. that her mind might con-
jure up her lovers joy and surprise
nt meeting her In those faraway re-
gions.
Unconsciously she strolled deep into
the wood and was lost to the sight OF
her friends, when footstep near
caused her to start in surprise n not
alarm. Before her stood q young man
OF twenty-cight. with pale cast OF
countennncc and keen blue eye. He
was of figure that might have been
called handsome. but TO Laura Kcan
he was repulsive. She gave him
glance and gasped:
Mr.. Lackland!"
Theodore Lakeland had followed
Laura to this picnic and into this wood
with a set purpose In his heart He
was wealthy. young man OF good
family and rcputed ability. but n man
of firm and fixed purposes. To accom-
pl!sh an end he would go to almost
any limit. He had known Paul Miller
long before hc set on for the Klondike
and hated him because he loved Laura
Kean. Why should this beautiful girl.
the only woman whom he had ever
loved. prefer this rude. penniless coun-
try boy to himself?
Mr.. Lakeland failed TO realize what
80 many have in this lifc-that It is
the soul that attracts and not the face
and figure. There is no freemasonry
80 subtle rs the freemasonry of the
soul.
Il am pleased to see you happy. Miss
Kcan," he said. There has always
been something wrong with me. and
while others are happy am sad"
Surely 1t Is morbid fancy" said
Laura. The light was dying out In
her eyes. She made one quick down
ward look at the path, as II wishing
to pass him. He observed her glance
and said:
mo. no. Laura. wait n moment: I
have something of great Importance
to say to you, which must say now.
II have Just been told that you
have decided to go to Alaska in the
spring" He looked earnestly into the
girls glowing face. and added. with
deliberation:
Laura. there are reasons why you
should not undertake such journey"
What reasons?"
"a million natural obstacles are in
tho way"
"1f Ethel Bush can go, why not II"
He did not answer Immediately, but
stood at the side OF the path carelessly
kicking the leaves with the toe Of his
boot. At last he answered.
"J aura n your love hnd bcon