The Nome nugget., 1904-01-23

wary speculators of New York. through the agency of scheming and interruptions holders of wildcat" mining properties in the Nome and adjacent dis tricts comes to light through conversant with the circumstances told him by one of the parties to the nefarious transaction.
 The plot, as evolved by the rch-schemer of the party. shows him to be possessed of remarkably sourceful, deep and subtle brain, worthy of q much better than that to which he applied it in work ing out the many machinations incident to colossal swindle, of which he was the progenitor and chief actor.
 In the year 19-, in the fall, three men sat in tent on the hillside claim of prominent creek of the Nome district. Two of them were without money and were sharing the hospitality of the third. who had "poke" of about OOO in dust which he had earned in tho upper country" All three had clams-which tho prospector's pick had tered. How to make raise on these "wdcats' be- came the subject of their conversation by day and the theme of their dreams by night.
 Finally the chief consprator, the moneyed man of tho trio who for tho purposes of this conversation will be known as A.. said he had scheme to unfold which he thought feasible, and proceeded to recte his plan to ,his confederates, B. and c. His words fell willing ears and were substantially as fol- lows
 "We have between about fifty claims. You fellows have some moneyed acquaintancss in Now York, through which we will bs able to unload at big figure. will assign my interests in my claims to you. and will play the part of the honest old miner from Nome-one who is thoroughly familiar with the district, and to whom you refer pros pectivs purchasers. Being apparently an uninter- sstsd party my opinion will have great weight, and I can boost with good effect"
 "Your scheme is all right" remarked B., but in order to carry out deal such this money is re. quirsd to create the impression that We arc rich mine owners, and c. and haven't enough to take us to tho outside, lot alone New York.
 II have thought of that" answered A., land will advance enough money to carry the thing through"
 On one of the large outgoing steamers that fall three frs-class passengers might have been pac ing tho deck of the vessel, enjoying fragrant cigars and apparently happy and prosperous, but in reality laden with deep designs in their hearts.
 On arrival of tho steamer in Seattle the trio were among those mentioned by tho newspapers rich mins owners of the Nome district. Their stay in Seattle brief. They dssrou. of repairing to the scene of action. Arriving at New York, B. and C. put up at the Waldorf Astoria, as beftted men of their reputsd wealth. They affected dress suits and top hats. took in tho opera, generously tipped the walters and bell boys, and crsated impression among their friends and acQuaintancss of being tho real thing. A., tho old miner, stopped at less pre- tsntous hotel.
 The "sucksrs" began to nibble, and soon a deal was in progress B. played the leading role of the claim owners. He told the prospective purchasers that hs not particular about selling hs had great faith in his property, but would consider proposition of $30O000 for his half interest in tho claims. c. didn't value his interest high, as he said he had tired of Alaska and wanted to settle down in the States He would sell for 900 cash Tho buyers were referred ta A. being an old miner who would probably know something about the claims. Armed with map of the Nome and adj join- ing districts, with the claims offered for sale the different creeks marked with cross the spsculators hied them to tho modest hostelry where tho honest old minor enjoying rest from his labors. After formal introductions, the wouldbe purchasers launched upon tho mission of thsir visit.
 "You are from the Nome district, arc you not?" asked the spokesman.
 II am," said A.
 "Would you object to giving us few 'ponters regarding certain creeks n that sscton?" qussd the New York man.
 "Why, certainly not; if my information will be of any benefit to you, you arc welcome to it," re- piled A.
 Spreading out his map . table and pointing to cross tho questionsr asksd "What do you think of this claim?"
 (And here is where the schooner showed his cun- ning)
 "'Wildcat property" said A.
 "And this ons?" inquired tho New Yorker
 "No good-nsvsr been prospected," calmly marked A.
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