The Black Hills union and western stock review. [volume] (Rapid City, S.D.) 1904-19??, 1907-06-01

house for her brother and his friend.
Beecham followed more slowly, carry
ing the whimpering child. Calman had
been brought in by the time he arrived
and lay on the bed, white faced, but
accomplishing. The mine physician
looked grave.
1.-THE leg is badly crushed" he said.
1--WE can contrive bandages and splints,
but 1 must have some things from the
Springs, and 1 am afraid that they will
come too late. 1t will be at least ten
hours. BY that time it will probably
be necessary to amputate the leg"
Ruth's despairing cry brought Beech
am to her side.
"You love him, don't you?" he de-
manded.
1--WE are to be married when he gets
his raise" she explained.
Beecham looked from her to his lit
tie girl. Even in that moment Ruth
regarded him curiously, for many
| things were to be read In his changing
expression. Then he stretched forth
his hand.
GIVE me that list, Doc" he demand
ed, stretching out his hand for the
memorandum the other had prepared.
| He dartcd from the house and ran rap
idly toward the head of the valley.
An hour later, with torn clothes and
dirt begrimed hands, he was back
again. With the proper dressings Cal
man was soon made easy, and they
turned to look for Beec!.a He and
the little girl were gone.
It was q week before he came again
and Calman was able to see him.
"I'm going away" he announced. II
told you that I'd pay back what Miss
Clare did for my little girl, and I did.
Now I'll tell you how l did it. You
were right about that ore. But I was
in the Golden Crown, just as the judge
said / was.
1.-The Lucky Hole backs up On that
abandoned shaft Z. We blasted through
one day. I don't think you realize
how deep Z shaft runs in. We fixed up
a curtain covered with quartz in case
any one came in, and we used to take
your ore through our tunnel. That's
how 1 could prove an alibi. l cut off
the big trip to the pass and up the
other side.
1--WE made u deed for the Lucky
Hole to your girl. It's to be her wed.
ding present from my little girl. She
had a way the kid liked, and I want
her to have the mine. .You can fix the
tunnel up SO as to,take your ore wag:
n through and cut off the long haul
That'll ha worth something if the
mine itself amt. VIII you shake
hands, Calman? l know I'm an ore
thief and all that, but I'm going tt
make a fresh break for the kids sake
Will you shaker
Calman gripped the hand.
"Why not stay here and work !
outY he asked.
Beecham shook his head.
II want to get away where the.
can't tell the kid about me-" he ex
planned. 1--WE got to make a brant
new start. 1t will help ONE if
know that you two are happy ant
married. 1t will be the first start o
the new try"
He turned to Ruth, but did not offe
his hand.
1.-The kid wanted you to have that,
he said, Offering a tintype. "She's &c
you to thank for this. When l say
her in your arms l realized that Their
were good women in the world, an
the kid has a right to know 'em."
He turned abruptly and left tn
house. Ruth watched him turn int
shaft Z for the last time; then she cam
to Claimants side, but there We're tear
in her eyes for Beecham, who ha
, made 1t possible that she should a
ways be beside her lover.