The Somerset reporter., 1906-06-07
. A/\ANAAAAATAN NANANANANAAAs
ATrespasser;
4 By HORORE WILLSIE i
8 Copyright, 1906, by P. c. Eastment
By HONORE WILLSIE
Observation-Disclosures

\
Observation-Disclosures
The snow had disappeared from the
valley, hedged upon three sides by
mountains, but far up in the slopes
there were still great white acres of ii.
Grigsby worried great deal about
these snow patches. At night, when
the camp was still he lay awake hour
after hour considering the matter.
The New York stockholders who had
sent the young mining engineer out to
explore and test the mine had given
him no information as to how, when
or where to protect his workingmen.
On Tuesday of the previous week
great wedge of snow and ice had loos-
ened from the peak had hurtled down
the mountain side, gathering speed and
size as ii went, and had killed Jim
Grady, the foreman, without even stop
ping to drop him after the deed was
done.
The oldest inhabitant' told Grigsby
that such would probably De the pro
gramme until spring had set in thor
oughly.
SO for several nights Grigsby wor-
ried. Then on a certain cold, drizzly
morning he called the men from the
mine and set them, one and ALL at
work on his idea The idea consisted
of great " with its apex turned up
the valley, and when completed the en-
CINE house over the mine was to set
snugly in the angle of a great fence
of logs and powders. 1t took three
days to complete the idea and when it
was done Jack Grigsby squared his
handsome shoulders, set his teeth firm
ly on the amber stem of his pipe and
said: There, by gum. I'd like to see
snowslide harm thatn
The oldest inhabtant who stood by
Jacks side, grinned
you've put lot of work on that
thing" he sad.
well, it's worth it," replied Jack.
Huh" answered the old miner, ~
could "a told you something that
wouldn't "a been any work at all and
would "a been just as effective as
thatw
"a nice time to be telling me that"
exclaimed Jack well, what is it?'
The old man pulled "A detected look
ing envelope out of his pocket, after
long search found a stubby pencil and
made few marks on the envelope
back, then walked over to tree and
tucked the paper up on the trunk
Grigsby followed him curiousy. On
the envelope was written
"Avalanches are requested not to
trespass here"
Jack roared. "Wel you're a great
joker"
The old man grinned, but shook his
head. Just as good as your wedge
he answered. You amt seen a real
slide yet You want to move your
mine, that's what you want to do"
Grigsby looked little troubled THE
president of the company and his
daughter are due here this afternoon,
but the weather has been so snappy
lately guess we are safe"
Then to himself as he walked away
"I'd give the world and all to see
Madge, but Then he looked at the Y
shaped rampant. Gee. that would
stand anything" he said.
The visitors were not expected until
late in the afternoon, but it was only
o'clock when the short, fat millionaire
and his dainty, slender daughter dis
mounted from their horses and left
them at the group of shacks on the
mountain side. Then they descended
into the gulch, where the shaft opened.
Now, remember, Madge, no non
sense" the president was putting
These young engineers are all right in
their places. But their places are not
as sOns-in-law Of mine. Seems to me
you've been showing rather a lively in
terest in young Grlgsby."
Madge shifted, but made no reply to
her fathers admonitlons. They were
an old tale, whose moral did not In the
least interest her. Her father took the
chaperonage Of his pretty daughter
very seriously.
Jack Grigsby ran toward them with
barred head and Outstretched hand, but
the president had little time to waste
on greetings.
"What in thunder is that mountain
of rubbish built around the plant for?"
he demanded.
Jack explained the mission of his
cherished idea, but the president shook
his head.
Pooh. poohn' he scoffed. Fearful
looking mess. Better tear it out Don't
need that to keep off a little snow and
ice"
Madge interposed tactfully ooh,
come on" she cried. Il want to see
everything"
The three walked slowly over toward
the engine house, Jack explaining ca
gerly.
where are all the menu" asked
Madge.
"In the mine, even the engineer we
are having some
The oldest inhabltant grasped Jacks
arm.
For heavens sake" he gasped, ring
the bell. It's comm"
The three followed his gaze. Far up
the mountain, at the beginning of the
valley, a roar, and with the roar 1t
seemed as if the whole side of the
mountain was sliding down into the
valley-a great, gray mass, that gath
cred to itself all that barred its path,
huge trees, cabin-blg stones, and al
ways with n roar, increasing in volume