Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1905-01-21

revived at once and said:
Don't interrupt me. I must be
quick. This wound is burning me up.
Your father got the Alaska fever and
left his ship at Frisco. He gave me
all the money that belonged to the
owners to take to them. / gambled il
away. To hide my crime l said he
ran away with it / saw him In
Dyea-"
What"
Tom stared at him as IL inclined to
think his mind was wandering but the
mate went on:
Hes rich. He's struck gold some
where, and was going home to find YOU.
He was wild when 1 told him you WA
dead and started off for Frisco to sec
you was buried in good shape. That's
all, and it's enough, too"
As he uttered the last words he fell
back exhausted. Tom tried to give him
more of the fiery liquor, but he could
not swallow it. His lips moved feebly
and his eyes were turned on Tom I'm
mute appeal.
Il forgive you'll God knows dol"
whispered the young man huskily, and
q nash OF joy on the dying mans face
told him that he was heard and under
stood. Then single long drawn breath
followed, and with it Obed Rider's
earthly career ended.
There was no desire for sleep "a the
little party that night. BY the light
Of the camp fire grave was dug and
the body of the unfortunate sailor
placed beyond the reach of any wild
animals, and by the time this was done
the dawn was near
Avery dressed Bowers fingers to the
best of his ability, the latter grinding
his teeth with pain and rage as he
realized how he had been outwitted the
second time.
His partner, however, took the whole
matter as coolly as if he had not been
caught in any act that might cost him
his life. He spoke but once, and that
was to ask one of his captors to &C
commodate him with chew of to-
bacco.
Wouldn't trouble yer, only yer've,
tied my hands," he explained.
When it was fairly light q council
was held to determine what disposition
should be made of the prisoners. This
proved a somewhat difficult matter. To
take them to Dyea involved a vexatious
delay, for there were no horses for them
to ride, and to turn two such desperate
men loose seemed a dangerous thing
to do. Moreover, they would starve
without provisions.
After talking the matter over some
time without arriving at any conclu-
a.,
They ought to be hung, but don't
want the job! We'd better give them
grub enough for a week or two and
turn them loose. We can't be bothered
with theml"
bis advice was agreed to by the rest
and the little outfit was at once pre-
pared When they were ready to start
he walked up to the two desperadoes
and said:
There's your grub. Take it and light
cut. 1 shall give full description of
you to the authorities at Dyea and see
that it is sent to Dawson. Somebody iE
sure to hang you both before long"
As he spoke he cut their bonds and
then mounted his horse,
Half an hour later our friends were
well on their way, while the baffied rob-
bers were trudging tediously along to-
ward Fort Selkirk in moody silence.
Their plots had failed, and here we
must leave them to their fate.
1t was a happy party that rode into
Dyea five days later. The capitalist was
eager to close his advantageous bar
gain, and the business was soon trans
acted. Taylor received draft for $780,
600 on responsible San Francisco par
ties, and when the bags of gold dust had
been safely deposited on board the
steamer all care was at an end.
1t was the first night out from Dyea
that Tom Scott found Avery alone on
the deck, and in a few manly words de-
clared his love for Clara, asking her
fathers permission 10 marry her.
What does she say?" asked the old
miner. soberly.
Tom blushed like a schoolgirl and re-
piled:
81 haven't asked her yet"
Then do it, my lad. She's been the
boss this long time. Strikes me you're
pretty sure what she'll say to ask me
first, you rascal"
But Tom was already gone, and we
cannot follow him. Suffice it to say
that the other men saw but little Of
him for the rest of the voyage.
At Seattle the party decided to re-
main day in order to procure more
suitable clothing. They went at once
to hotel and registered, and half an
hour later stranger accosted Tom.
saying:
Mr.. Thomas Scott, believer
Tom admitted his identity, and the
man continued:
II have been hired by Capt. Scott, |
your father, to find you. He is at the |
Palace hotel in San Francisco, waiting
for news of you. viii you wire to him, |
or shall / do it?'
For moment Tom was too aston
ished to speak; then he bolted for the |
telegraph office.
Three days later there was joyful |
reunion of father and son. and all mis-