The Green Forest tribune., 1907-03-29

in the day before the last application was received, the last dreary explana- ton made, the last golden promise ut tered. Day after day the crowd surged into the off and out again And it grew not only in size, but in it's ex- actions, for humanity in general is very lnsistent in the matter of its rights when they involve free-for-all schemes. Then the notoriety which the newspapers gave the scheme not only increased the size of the crowds, but 1t brought in a couple of govern ment inspectors, who wanted to know II 1t was being thoroughly explained to each applicant that the non-specula- tive clause in the government con- tract would be rigidly enforced. It also brought in ''plain-clothes man" from Mulberry street, who caused the part ners additional concern.
 They set out upon their task with calous disregard of the consequences. They were sending horde of unfor- tunates thousands of miles away from familiar associations, to mountain fastnesses which in many cases would yield nothing to the blow, and in re- turn they were exacting the only prod uct which made the land worth the acquiring. Summoned to their office the home seekers came one by one and in the private room the question was put to each. Some of them, poor innocentsi were eager and willing to do anything in return for the boon of a promised home. Some had to be coaxed, some wheedled, some threat ened, and few, who saw through the whole business, placated. But on the morning of departure Gimbold and Hochheimer had secured signed op- tions on mineral rights from three fourths of the home-seekers. The rest were considered too risky to approach.
 On the morning of the departure they went over to the railway station. Nothing but the fascination of seeing the last of their handiwork took them there.
 In the depot they were given rous- ing reception, and they beamed from one to another of their dupes, and went among the mothers and their children, helping them to seats in the train and bidding them Godspeed with benign courtesy that was beautiful to behold.
 In the end they were compelled to make speech-Gimbold made it from the rear platform of the train-a speech so inspiring in it's patriotism, so tender in it's pathos, that the en- thusiasm invoked was tremendous, and the people struggled with one an- other to get to the orator. who was forced to retreat into the car. There he met the government inspector face to face. Back of the inspector stood the plain clothes man" from police headquarters.
 And now, MT. Gimbold," began the inspector, without preamble, and now that you have excited those inno- cents until their feelings are at the breaking-point, what do you think they would do to you if l were to tell them that those options of yours rendered their homestead claim invalid?"
 Why, IT." stammered Gimbold, taken aback, ''I-I-dont know what you mean"
 "oh, yes you eo,' replied the inspec- tor, calmly. You have with you signed options on all the ore bodies underlying the claims of these people. Suppose l tell them they have invali- dated their titles?'
 ''I don't believe it, clustered Gim- bold, hotly. It's a point of law-it would have to be proved!"
 Granted said the inspector; "but those fellows wouldn't wait for the law to settle it if I told them of my doubts"
 Well, what are you going to do about it?" demanded Gimbold, revert ing to that time-worn defiance.
 Why, I'm going to tell them, unless you hand over those options'
 "Never!'
 T guess you'd better give them m. Gimbold,' put in the "plain-clothes man.. T don't believe the chief would like it to be found out that you had disregarded his advice"
 Gimbold thought a moment. Then the futility of resistance must have struck him, for with an imprecation he pulled a thick wallet from his pocket and handed it to the inspec. tor.
 The crowd outside surged up the steps and into the car, calling loudly for Gimbold and his partner. The peo. pie wanted to see more of the men who had done so much for them.
 While the enthusiasm was at it's height the conductor called "all aboard" The crowd instantly forgot it's gratitude and rushed for their places in the train.
 Well, what do you think, Hocky?" asked Gimbold at last
 T think" replied MT. Hochheimer, bitterly, T think we have been work ing for the benefit of the poor'