The Crittenden record. [volume] (Marion, Ky.) 1904-1907, 1904-09-16
JOYCE AND THE
MINE LEASE.
BY FRANK H. SWEET.


young ladies were zealously
guarded from all contact with
the rough outside world; yet this
morning she was tearing down
Snake Rock canyon upon a mus.
tang not three months from the
hands OF bronco buster, a mus.
tang with gaudy, cumbersome
horse trappings that had been
brought up from Mexico more as
curiosities than for use.
But there was no fear nor self.
consciousness in Joyce's face, and
instead Of trying TO check the
mustang her hand went out from
time 10 time To stroke and pat it's
neck encouragingly as her voice
urged II on.
When she left the canyon sbs
struck u more level country, and
here the mustang was let out 10
its full speed. Bedrock was still
ten miles away, and she must
reach il and be- back 10 the mine
before night, and il was already
well on toward noon. As she
swept across the prairie she
broke into ringing class song.
II was the keynote OF her spir.
its, a tribute To the outdoor life
and freedom. and in her eyes was
n dancing buoyant gladness which
flushed her cheeks aud smiled
from her lips.
Bedrock was n one.street town
which began and ended in tents,
with few Imprinted frame build
ings in the center. II was an hour
after noon when Joyce Slipped
from her horse In front Of the Of.
fee OF "Gregg 4 Graw, mine brok
ers and operators" Both Of the
proprictors we're in. and both rose
at her entrance. Young ladies' ~
Joyce's type were not yet com.
mon at Bedrock.
II wish 10 see YOU about the
Snake Rock mine lease" Joyce he.
gun. graciously.
Gregg bowed, but not before the
visitor imagined she saw n swift
glance flash between the partners.
II understand; IL expires In ten
DAYS. ! believe" said Gregg, bland
~. You arr Miss Killian?"
YES: W. wish Ia renew the
lease on the terms YOU proposed
Visiting at Snake Rock camI
with your brotherg" went on
Gregg. Its very picturesque ~
there. hut-er-a little wild foe
on eastern young lady's convcn
iiunalisni, ia think. Are YOU In
business with your BROTHER"
"ln a way. But about the
lease VIII YOU kindl, make II
out ~ soon ~ possible! have
some shopping 10 do In town, aud
II Is q long ride back to camp.
Nv brother will sign the papers
and return them ~ once. There
arr only ten DAYS. and be- wishes
to have the matter arranged with
out delay"
why didn't be- come down him
elf" demanded GraW. hluntly.
"Ilr IL very busy NJ the mine,
and | convinced him that | rould
attend 10 u just as WE'LL" Joyce
answered. "llc said u was Ia BE-
made out at dive thousand Your
own offer"
Grnw laughed aloud. That
Offer was made four weeks ago"
be- said, "and your brother de-.
Clinrd H."
"Nou mean You will not renew
Il Tor thatg"
Exactly"
loycc Lost some NJ her color.
~ the money they had was In.
vested In the mine. aud the leaSr
ran oui In ten days.
"Wrll," she said. slowly. II am
authorized, In Ease You should de-.
cline L. continue YOUR offer. a.
raise the amount tn What was paid
last year. ten thousand"
(which w. must drrlinc. 1" said
Cwgg. suavvly with rial regret.
you understand. And I will add
that W. would decline a hundred
thousand just rs promptly"
"Nou mean that YOU will not ~.
lease on any termsg" the girls
white lips asked.
Exactly. We expect to resume
operations there ourselves"