The San Francisco call., 1906-05-20

the first when these had been flied with
drifting sand or washed by heavy rains.
For mile Or more the road traversed the
hills then descended into the Reese River
Valley, but continued to cling to the base
of the mountains. Rocks loomed on either
side. Cottonwood trees began to appear
and the thick, rank bunch grass on which
cattle fed. Part OF a herd came tearing
down the slope directly in his path, and
drank eagerly Of a small stream trickling
over the stones into a natural basin.
Huge, wild-eyed creatures they were,
branded on the rump, with cleft ears or
dewlaps slit in strings to tell who owned
them. They eyed the intruder suspici-
ously, swerved to one side as they passed
him and went down the ravine with i'm
pulsive, aimless. shutting gait.
A few miles farther the traveller came
upon a deserted stamp mill, as he deemed
it, from the red dust of the crushed ore
covering the roof and sides.
Higher up there was another, like the
first, a rough wooden structure built into
the hin. Then the road made a sudden
turn, and there, cut off from the world. on
a shelf niche, IN the heart of the noun
tain, stood cluster of small houses, built
alike, of rough boards, with square fronts,
doors set thick with windows, and
"stoops" to Offset the slope of the canyon.
One of them was larger than the rest
and on it's stoop lounged a company of
men: red-shirted miners, cowboys In blue
or gray. with heavy top-boots, all smoking
The newcomer alighted, on the wrong
side of the horse, a fact which did not
escape the men on the stoop, and came to-
ward them.
Good evening, gentlemen" he began
with boyish confidence, 'can you direct
me to Frank Henley's-Why, there you
are"' he called joyously, as tall, fair man
~ &ho
Clement Vaughan" cried the other,
hurrytng to meet him. I'VE didn't expect
you for month. I'd have met you. Who
gave you that rack bones to ride? Mar
tin Young, Will Dover, this is my friend
Vaughan. Come in. come in. Mary will
be delighted" Henley led the way into
the house, shouting, MARY, Clements
herei"
Two fair-haired girls, of dozen years
or less, came out of one of the rooms
which led into the hall, their mother
following.
How you've grown!" exclaimed
Vaughan. May, I'd never have known
you And can this be Lillian? All.
Nary he kissed her with brotheriy af-
fection.
Clement I am so glad!" she cried, re-
turning his embrace. then held him, at
arms length and scrutinized him anxious
ly You look better than l expected. /
thought from what you wrote you'd
hardly be able TO take the journey. Our
Nevada air will do wonders for you.
Look at MEL
I'm looking" laughed Vaughan. II
was about to remark that you were
thinner than ever and just as pale"
''She works all the time" grumbled
her husband. when It isn't one thing
it's another-studying. scribbling--'
Mary colored sensitively and he made
haste to add, teaching the girls, tending
baby, and worrying over me-"
Mary looked uncomfortable; there was
an awkward pause and Frank lounged
away murmuring something about that
Chinaman."
THE others have had their supper"
explained Mary. I'VE always eat by our
selves. Do you want to go to your own
room? Where did you get that hat
Clement?'
That" Clement held II off at arms
length and scanned 1t approvingly, 'fs
a concession to the country. lost mine
out Of the window and bought this at