The San Francisco call., 1905-04-23
GIH1II'llg Q gyCA

tails. tool" emphasized Biggs. Here's
that deed. Judge. and-yu know what
i would say-'Square for Parks this
time" came in words with mingled re-
gret and Joy, and they clasped hands
that welded the bands of a brother
hood.
This has come in most opportune to
fulfill my business affair with Mrs.
Wllson. thought he. and brought Biggs
on hand a half-hour too soon for din
ner.
This is the circular. which you Will
please read carefully at your earliest
convenience, Mrs Wilson, in regard to
the business matter Itfeferred to-" in
fiecting impressively on the last.
Thank you, I shall do so with pleas
ure," she said, receiving the wrapped
deed.
The exciting rumors of rich strikes
opened the conversation by Mrs. Will
son, apparently more socially.
How would YOU like TO own a
claim?" he inquired.
A sadness crept over her cOuntenance
as she reflected. Though Mr.. Wilson
and L built great hopes on the prospects
of our claim, especially the east ledge
and the trembling voice told more
than words-'I could not have held it
under the incumbrance after my hus-
bands DEATH 1t seems impossible for a
woman to manage such affairs alone,
as a man..
''Wudn't you have trusted me for
business manager" inquired Biggs.
with evident feeling of anxious per-
suasiveness.
Her contidence-lit eyes looked up. II
could not have mistrusted your honor
for one moment, Mr.. Biggs. and were
in possession of the property now you
would be the only person would trust
with my interests" responded she with
undoubtful sincerity.
The wan face grew more interesting
to him than the prospects Of twenty FL
DoradOs. and though the eloquence
with which he thought to express his
immediate intentions again failed him,
the unwelcome and untimely intrusion
of another early bOarder curtailed the
important proceedings
Parks, beside himself with joy. hav-
ing emulated the example of his best
friend, was waiting when Biggs re-
turned from dinner.
What's the verdict?" hastened the
former. having discerned his exonera-
tion in the happy expression Of the man
approaching the office door.
well, pard, there's one thing sure-a
job for both of US. How are you on
mining?" queried Biggs.
Fair was the honest reply. About
the east ledge, what are the pros
pects?'
I'm not familiar with that ledge:
but from late assays of other veins IL is
rich." Biggs informed. You have come
into possession of the adjoining claim
by the will of your late brother, James
Parks?''
That's right. Judge: and how about
the confidence of meeting with ap-
provaL
What will it take to start the
game?'
About five thousand" replied
Parks. thoughtfully figuring in round
numbers, ought to put US about
right
Its a go; start her up and name
luck the password.
IF we tickle the east edge, from
whas would guess, We'll find it cross
ing the line. and when the little
widow joins our company. of which
there seems no doubt. we're got a
mortgage on success, eh?"
Then I'll have wad enough to get
that swallow tall Parks prophesied.
The mere suggestion of swallow
tails started the unmistakable prepa-
rations; but Parks patiently walked
and accompanied the embassy the
greater distance Tell me next the
Wilson district went square Tor
Biggs." were the parting words from
the stanch and inseparable friend
No Interruptions occurred that
night in the court for the little
wilson's were snug and sound in their
cribs.
'sJ firmly believe you were instru-
mental in effecting this deed of gift
Mr.. Biggs.'' said Mrs. Wilson, as the
tears of joy fell upon her pale cheek
and her both hands clasped. with SUI
preme gratefulnesss the hand of the
humanitarian.
II could not have brought that
etout If Mr.. Parks had not intended
IL He has proven himself a worthy
1nan and = true friend
Il know he is a man Of noble
traits and I wish to express my CRATE
fulness to him personally rs he in
town at present."
HE is, Mrs. Wilson," was the clear
rzply.
A profound quiet took possession
of the court for a minute-sudde1ly
broken by the abruptness peculiar in
his nature: Mrs. Wilson, it is M
possible for me to keep house alone:
can 1 persuade you to accept the po-
siticn? mean permanently.
want" 'Lsovet" she assisted with that
sincerity that evinces the mob seness
of the. true woman that you have
at heart OF the whole family. but I
almost feared to hope for reciprocal
tior myself: you seemed to court only
the affections of the children"
sSsssssssssssSssSS0 Mrs. Bizgs?'. he