The Monticellonian., 1904-10-20

l 1 est, when a strange but hearty voic' 1 accostcd him. Looking up he saw an old nan, with long hair and an uu- 1 kemDt beard. standing before him. "Ha, l thought I couldn't be mis- taken" the old man cried. I'd re- member that face anywhere. I never 1 forget a good, honest countenance How are you?"
 Joe arose and met the extendel i hand, at the same time looking at the old man in puzzled way.
 "I believe you have the advantage of me, he said T can't just place l you at once"
 So! Don't you remember an old fellow up al Ruggle's Point? A young chap, your friend, named Lewis, beat him out of claim by jumping t while he was sick. He wanted you 10 jump another claim and you refused. Don { you remember?'
 Yes, now I do"
 That was a mean trick in Lewis He made s10,000 out of it. though. Hope he may enjoy it It didn n't hurt me much. Got plenty without that The other mine turned out big Made me rich. How you doing?'
 Well, little slow, I'm afraid
 "So2 Haven't struck anything doV n here, then ?"
 Not yet"
 "Too bad What would you think if I was To tell you that you are rich 9"
 T should think you were joking. ot course" :"
 T never joke You are rich.
 Joe shook his head and smiled sadly.
 Don't believe it eh ." the old man cried
 q can't imagine any possibility by which such a thing could be so, Joe replied
 Cant you2 Do you remember the claim you abandoned up there at the Point9"
 Yes. remember that l ought to. after wasting nearly year on it'
 That claim is still yours, anl there is a fortune in it. It's worth s1000o0 any day prospeeted it and know Been offered that for :, Where's your friend-Lewis 2@
 Hes gone 10 town. Are you sure about that claim of mine2"
 "Of course You can have s100.000 for 1t any day I'm going back. and want you 10 go with me. l just came down for a day or two. Got daugh- ter, and heard she was down at town. Came to meet her Maybe you know her."
 T may. but believe I have forgot ten your name. O. did l ever knoX it?a
 T guess not Everybody called me Shortcut. The way I talk, you know. Remember"
 Yes. Your real name is-'
 Harmon Zach Harmon
 Joe gave a start, and his face paled and flushed. The old man saw noth- ing however, and presently he rattled on:
 T haven't seen my daughter for five years Haven't heard from her for d long time. l 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. man from down he-e told me He said she had come on to hunt me up if was still living. Fine girl, and am anxious 10 find her Do you know her?"
 What is her first name?' Joe asked.
 Jane
 Joe was silent a moment, then he answered. quietly;
 @Yes, think know her At least know a lady of that name ''
 So? Then 1t is my daughter Where is she?"
 Down in town
 "Yes. How far from here?"
 About three miles"
 So? Well, l must get on Anxious to see her. you know. Five years is a long time. I'll see you tomorrow ?
 Joe hesitated a moment, then he said:
 Perhaps I ought 10 tell you some thing before you go, MT Harmon
 Well what is it?"
 Lewis is down there"
 Down there? With my girl, yog mean"
 Yes"
 What for? Want to marry herr"
 "I think so.
 The old mans eyes blazed
 The scoundrel!" be cried. "I'il soon settle him. though Guess she don't know that he robbed me. Why didn't you tell herr"
 "I didn't know who you were. l l never dreamed of you being hel father
 That's SO Well, must hurry. Would you come with me? Wish you would. to show me the way
 "Ill come. if you wish il"
 "Al right, come on"
 They passed out of the guleh 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
 "Can 1 win hero he said to himself Or is il too late?s
 He remembered Lewis air of conf. dence. and he sighed, and in his heart there was a feeling of fear
 This is the house." he finally an-