The new age., 1906-12-22

AL NPADVNN VI lhN huhhihP SNooOAA'
lite boulder into which the cave runs Ii
overgrown with a century-old forest
growth of hemlock and pines.
The drive back would have been glo
riOus only Miriam complained of d
headache, and the horses being nettle
some and the road rough, Dalton's close
attention was required to avoid any
mishap.
1t was growing toward dusk, but Dan
KirkwOod had not returned
Bill Jones slouched up the walk to
the porch steps.
Not home yet? l thought not Well,
I'm sorry to bring you bad news, but
you've got to hear 1t sooner or later
and | may as we'll tell you" he said
sitting down on the top step with an
affectatiOn of ease badly assumed,
while Miriam sprang up and looked
down at him with blazing eyes.
THE revenue officers have been noti-
| fed. They must have arrested Kirk
wood by this time He and his gang
have a still in Black Cave. They'll be
caught red handed. I'm afraid Dan
will have to go up. It's a penitentiary
Offense, you know. He has made piles
of money out of it, but it's bad bust
ernment. You'll be well off, even If he
is in the PEN
With hoarse cry Miriam caught up
her riding whip from the hall table.
Get out of here, you curt she said,
pointing to the gate Its a lie and
you know it. You are spy and an in
former. Dan will look after you when
he gets back"
With caCkle intended to imply in
difference Bill retreated from the steps.
Il thought you'd cut up rough Don't |
like to know where Dads money came
from, do you? Guess they'll bring him
home soon"
He was right there, for a squad of |
revenue officers rode rapidly up to the |
house, Dan KirkwoOd in their midst.
With a low cry Miriam sprang to-
ward him.
Dad! Dad! It's all a mistake, |
know. Tell these men you have moth
ing to do with it. Send them off :" she
cried, her arms around his neck.
Dams face lit up with a strange look
of triumph.
Come into the house." he said, turn
ing to the men with an air of author
ity. Officer, bring your men In, and
that fellow, Also" he added, pointing
scornfully to Bill Jones, who had
stopped when they rode up.
While they were dismounting q road
cart, driven furiously, pulled up before
the steps and Dalton sprang to the
ground.
Il wish to speak to this gentleman
on a private matter. 1t will take but a
few moments" he said, turning to the
officer in command
If it's got nothing to do with this
business"
Nothing whatever"
Dalton drew Dan apart and smoke
rapidly and earnestly. Dams face. in
spite of his stern self-control, showed
Bltdl NLliOIlOh uS 1C WI ullS tie young .
mans hand.
They were grouped in a handsome
room, Dams library.
Gentlemen" Dan said. passing his
arm around Miriam, while Mrs. Carter
sobbed on sofa You were informed
by that cur that 1 made Illicit whisky
in Black Cave. That for years | have
defrauded the government and grown {
rich on Illicit whisky. You are mistak-
en-. There Is a gold mine of consider
able extent running back in the noun
tains from Black Cave. | discovered
it, and I've been working it for years.
have legallzed my claim. How much
| have made out of it is my concern.
kept my secret. not wishing to bring
into these mountains a horde of gold
seekers. You may do as you please
about 1t now. Here are my titles. I
will sell out and go back to my old
home with my daughter as soon as she
is married. New Orleans Times
Democrat.