The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-08-04
A MINE ROMANCE.
BY FRANK H. SWEET.
(Copyright, 1905. by Daily Story Put

(Copyright, 1905. by Daily Story Pub.
 Company.)
 That Is all. believe" said Battle sea as he rose and buttoned his coat across hts breast. T saw the Eng lishman in New York, and he will be on here next week. Have the report very specific, this and that vein out cropping at the surface. so much ore to the ton. and so many tons excavated with but a minimum of expense. He has unlimited money to squander, and is wild to throw it into mine holes; but he likes details. Give it to him In the way of veins and promising indica- tions and computations. And. oh. yes, while about 1t you might take a peep in Faxon's mine adjoining. Make few golden notes about that also. After purchasing from me, the Englfshman may as we'll buy out Faxon. The two mines could be operated as one. We will impress that on him-after we have sold. Old Faxon can't afford to hire a mine expert himself and I shall be glad to help him a little. Make the reports all right. The English man has heard of you and will accept the report without question. You un- derstand?"
 Yes, Clint Bayland understood. and he understood the significance of small roll which Battlesea's hand drop ped careIessly upon his desk as he turned and went out. It was a first installment for his reputation. And Clara Faxon, the most beautiful girl in twenty miles round, was the daugh- ter of the old man whom Battlesea would be glad to help.
 He walked irritably to the window of the office and looked out, not daring to trust his eyes with a second glance at the smallSroll on his desk. He did need the money, sorely, more than he would care to have any one know. And 1t was only an indication of what would come. With Battlesea, who owned more mine and town property than any ten men in the country, as his friend. his prosperity would be assured.
 But somehow, the thought of the prosperity did not give him the pleas ure that 1t ought. Oddly enough his mind went over the snow-clad peaks to the mother he had left in the East and from her to-Clara Faxon. What would they think?
 smart runabout swung up to the office door, and a handsome young fel- low of about his own age raised a of the runabout was Clara Faxon. Clint left the window and went to the door.
 Hello, Bayland," the man called af- fably: ''be busy tomorrow
 Tn the morning, yes But I can spare you part of the afternoon, MT. Deele, If that will do.'
 Nicely. I want you to take run through my mine and make a report of its general characteristics. I haven't opened it much yet, but the indications l think point to a good thing. How ever, there's a rumor of a big syndi- cates buyer approaching and any of us will sell if we can get our price. Say two sharp, and I will be there to go through with you"
 Very well. You may look for me-"
 As the runabout whirled away, Clara Faxons eyes flashed him kindly glance over her shoulder. Of late he had thought her manner a shade more friendly. Perhaps even Battlesea and MT. Deele-But. pshaw! and he turned abruptly and went back Into the office. At the desk he stood for fully minute, gazing down at the roll, the fine wrinkles again coming between his brows. Then with an impatient move ment he swept the roll into his desk and turned the key Some chance visitor might come In and notice 1t lying there.
 The next day his examination of Bat tleseas mine turned out as he feared as an investment. And Faxon's was no better. The cnly difference was that old Faxon believed implicitly In his mine, while Battlesea did not. So in selling, at whatever price. one would be honest and the other a self-conscious swindler.
 From Faxons mine. Clint went straight to Deele's. quarter of a mile away. expecting the same result. But