Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-10-12
"Yes, now I do" !"

me much. Got plenty without that The other mine turned out big. Made me rich. How you doing?"
 Well. little slow, I'm afraid"
 "So? Haven't struck anything down here. then?"
 "'Not yet"
 '"Too bad. What would you think if was to tell you that you are rich?"
 T should think you were joking. of course''
 T never joke. You are rich"
 Joe shook his head and smiled sadly.
 Don't believe it, chr" the old man cried.
 "I can't imagine any possibility by which such thing could be so,' Joe replied.
 Cant you? Do you remember the claim you abandoned up there at the Point?'
 "Yes. remember that ought to, after wasting nearly year on it."
 "That claim is still yours, and there Is fortune in it. It's worth $100.00o any day. prospected it and know Been offered that for 1t. Where's your friend--Lewis?'
 "He's gone to town. Are you sure about that claim of mine?''
 "Of course. You can have s1oo.ooo for it any day. I'm going back, and 1 want you to go with me. I just came down for day or two. Got daugh- ter, and heard she was down at town. Came to meet her. Maybe you know herr"
 ''I may. but believe have. forgot ten your name. Or did ! ever know it?"
 .'I guess not. Everybody called me Shortcut. The way I talk. you know. Remember?"
 ''Yes. Your real name is--'' <
 Harmon. Zach Harmon" X Joe gave start, and his face paled and flushed. The old man saw noth- ing however. and presently he rattled on:
 .'I haven't seen my daughter for five years, Haven't heard from her for long time. used to write 10 her back home. but got out of the habit. Not much mail going up there. you know. heard last week she was down here. A man from down here told me. He said she had come on to hunt me up if was still living. Fine girl, and am anxious to find her. Do you know her?' x,
 What is her first name2" Joe asked.
 "Jane." ,
 Joe was silent a moment, then he answered. quietly:
 'sYes, think know her. At least \ know a lady of that name.''
 'So? Then it is my daughter. Where is shef"
 Down in town
 'sYes How far from here?"
 "About three miles,"
 ESQ? We'll. must get on. Anxious to see her. you know. Five years is . long time. I'll see you tomorrow"
 Joe hesitatsd a moment, then he said:
 Perhaps ought to tell you some thing before you go, MT. Harmon
 tsWell. what is it?"
 Lewis is down there.''
 Down there? With my girl. you, mean?''
 "Yes."
 ''What for? Want to marry herr.
 CT think so."
 The old mans eyes blazed
 'The scoundrel!" he cried. "T'il soon settle him, though. Guess she didn't you tell herr"
 "I didn't know who you were. never dreamed of you being her father"
 That's so. Well. must hurry. Would you come with me7 Wish you would. to show mo the~way."
 'T'll come, If you wish 1t" "All right, come or"
 They passed out of the gulch as the night began to fall. They went down the mountain in the darkness There was comparative silence between them Now and then the old man jerked out short sentence and Joe answered. That was all.
 Gan win her?" he said to himself. Tor is 1t too late?"
 He remembered Lewis air of confl- dence, and he sighed. and in his heart there was feeling of fear.
 .This is the house." he finally an nounced. Without making his presence known, the old man threw open the door and walked in. Joe followed. They came upon Lewis and the girl, sitting together, and the former was declaring his love. The old man walked straight up to Lewis and rapped him over the head with his cane.
 "Ha! Scoundrel, villain, thief" he cried. Then, turning to the girl, he add ed: "Jane, don't you know me? I'm your .ather." She gave little glad cry and went to his outstretched arms. There was long and impressive silence, then the old man pointed to Lewis and said:
 "Jane, are you going to marry that man?"
 NO, father" she replied "Never!"
 'FIa! Good! He's scoundrel!" He paused moment, then. pointing to Joe, added: Now, there's man who's hon. est. Do you know him?"
 "Yes. know him, !" she said. softly.