Washington State journal and Adams County news. [volume] (Ritzville, Wash.) 1906-1907, 1907-01-09

overgrown with a century-old forest
growth Of hemlock and pines.
The drive back would have been glo-
rious only Miriam complained of a
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.
mot home YETI thought not Well,
I'm sorry to bring you bad news, but
you've got to hear it sooner or later
and l may as well 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.
1.-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 60 up. It's penitentiary
offense, you know. He has made piles
of money out of II, but It's bad bust
ness to fool with the United States gov
eminent You'll be well of, 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 curl" 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 a 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 your 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, l
know. Tell these men you have moth
ing to do with 1t. 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. "Ohicer, 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 a 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 spoke
rapidly and earnestly. Dams face, in
spite Of his stern self-control, showed
great emotion as he wrung the 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 q sofa. you were informed
by that cur that 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 4 gold mine of consider
able extent running back in the noun.
tains from Black Cave. I discovered
1t, and I've been working 1t for years
1 have legalized my claim. How much
I have made out Of It IL my concern
I kept my secret not wishing to bring
| into these mountains a horde Of gold.
seekers. You may do a. you please
about It now. Here are my utleA
will sell out and 60 back to my old
home with my daughter a. soon a. shs
Il married."-New Orleans Timei
|