The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-10-21

chuckled Durgan. Well his only himself to thank. Since that young snip of lawyer feller made thim raise me taxes. I've got to ge doin' somethin' to make tn money"
 T thought the chickens were profit ableT' suggested Jim.
 'Divvil a bit." he explained. What I make on the eggs I lose on tn roost- CTS"
 Flows that?" demanded Preston.
 Durgan dropped off the fence.
 Come with me. till I show ye," he offered.
 They passed beyond the little house where Durgan made his home Back of the grounds the long hen-runs ex- tended to the river. Through the net tin. Preston could see that there were half as many hens.
 T make something on the chicks I sell" explained Durgan. "but the eggs just about pay for the reed"
 He looked up expectantly. but Tres tons face only expressed surprise; not the appreciation which Durgan antici- pated. He waited a moment anxiousiy. then came a little closer.
 9Th hens can't crow" he whispered. Now dye see?"
 Preston broke into . roar of taught CT. It was clear enough! The yard was tenanted only by sufficient number of hens to pay the feed bills. The rest of the chicks were the roosters of whose growing Colville had so often complained. Preston had often wonder ed why the yard should nave been so much noiser than other poultry farms Now for the first time he appreciated the refnements of Durgan-s revenge
 Ddrgan, glowing with pride. led the way to the house. where he produced bottle and two glasses. and they pledged friendship-and mutual re- venge. After that it was seldom that a day passed when Preston did not drop in for a chat, and he grew to have an honest liking for the shrewd old man.
 That Durgan had been a miner and a prospector in his younger days Jim had always known. but In the chats that ensued he learned that the old man had been in almost every country on the globe. He fascinated Jim with his stories of adventure. related with the unconcern of one to whom adven- lures was an every day affair. It was several weeks uerore Jim was ready to spring his scneme. Out in Montana he had a rancn on which was sent word to his agent to nave the hole salted, and. when the time was ripe, he induced Durgan to go out and send him a report of the mine. Durgan was willing 70 oblige a friend, so he closed up the little shanty for a time and took tra:n TOT the West. In two weeks his glowing report came back. Traces had been round and the property would be worth developing. Preston promptly wrote back. offering to exchange the Montana land for the Durgan strip.
 Its giving you the best of the game" he wrote, determining after all was over to write Durgan the truth and make things financially right, but I am anxious to have that strip. If you want to exchange even. go ahead
 Back came reply from Durgan, offer ing a bonus, but Tres,on would not hear of 1t. and finally the flat ex- change was made and vne deeds were signed and recorded. That night there was tubilation at the Coiville home, to which Baird was not invited, and, be- fore he left, Preston slipped on Edith S finger the solitaire that would soon be replaced by a plain gold band that should be the outward sign of his vic tory.
 Treston's conscience troubled him, and it was with guiity face that some days before the wedding he stood in his prlVato OlIlCe Wdi'ii Ao ioNtiN' Durgan.
 The little man was resplendent in a suit of black broadcloth. glossy hat and a modest diamond prominent in his scarf Apparently there was no enmity in his heart, for he sprang forward to greet Preston with smile and hear ty handclasp.
 They tell me that you're goin' to he married. Jaimsey," he cried. When Mat Cassidy wrote me rnat, said to mysif that I'd stop off an wish you we'll"
 you knew?" asked rreston in sur prse
 "'ro be sure." was the laughing re- sponse. T could see tha, there was somethin' between you and Miss Col ville-bless her sweet race
 But you don't know now l won her Pat" Jim began, shameracedly "I do that" declared Durgan. sure it was because you got tn roosters an tn pigs off me place where that fresh lawyer couldn't. an showed yourself to be a smarter man than your father in-law that's goin' to oe.' But about that property persisted Preston nervously. Durgan clapped him on the back.
 Don't I know that, too!" he shout l ed. Why. lad. I've dug holes in ths