The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1908-07-30
Jolly supper, and slept-slept al he
had not for months.
CHAPTER xxxlv.
Freedom at Last,

CHAPTER xxxlV.
Freedom at Last.
From all America, from Europe and
from the north. they came to Join that
monster excursion to the front.
San Francisco was awake at last.
New York and Chicago had invaded
her domain. Into her home preserves.
to her very doors, they carried their
audacious fight for business; cut her
territory clean away with their broad.
sword Of low prices. Like other lag
CARDS. she exulted yer the victory
she had tried to make defeat; and
called aloud: Come all good Ameri-
cans, come all the world, help US cele-
brate. Even the Sacramento "Clar-
Ion" In "a burst Of justice resented this,
and announced TO the world the names
of the men, the city, and the two or
three counties that, not only without
San Francisco, but In spite Of her,
had accomplished the achievement of
the age.
Now began to arrive forerunners
Of the event; the polished laurel tie
and its silver plate, with an inscrip-
ton that is to-day historic; the four
h~undred-dollar golden spike, topped
with a nugget as long as itself; the
heavy silver hammer. the gold. silver
and iron spikes from Arizona.
Gregory rushed from n task to
another, sending back to California
the greater part Of his forces and ap-
paratus, that they might pierce other
mountains, conquer other deserts with
new iron highways. Mr.. Croker was
no less busy, flying back and forth
between the Front and SaTt Lake City,
where the horde of visitors increased
each day. Governor Stanford and his
fellow-directors were there also, sleep
lessly planning, organizing, making
capital and influence with tho lead
ers of the great inland hierarchy.
Alfred, quite recovered, was indis-
pensable in many ways, Fastening the
tremendous cleaning, polishing, pre-
pairing, that proceeded steadily among
all concerned, from stoker to presi-
dent.
They were counting the time be-
fore the event by hours. when Alfred,
carrying a telegram and IN open let
ter, hurried up to Mr.. Crocker.
'Tm called suddenly east, to my
father, Mr.. Croker. I wish to be re-
leased, to go Immediately"
What? What, boy? Is your father
dead?"
mo, sir; it's-it's a business mat
ter"
BUSINESS! A business matter?" the
superintendent repeated i~ncredulously.
I'VE can't spare you, Vincent-not for
q month, at least. Settle your busf-
ness by telegraph! Write your tele-
ram-nev mind length-and I'll
frank it for you"
IT'S a matter that l can't send over
the wire, sir"
"Jove! Put it of, then! It'll keep.
I'll let you go the first Of June"
Alfred burst the bonds Of years. Il
can't wait, Mr.. Croker! Not a day!
For nearly eight years I've been an
outcast from home and name. sir. AS
I've hoped for reinstatement at home,
with hand and foot, heart and brain,
I've served this railroad. The girl !
wished to marry, but could not, has
suffered incredibly for my sake. Now
1t is all cleared up. My father tele-
graphs me to come, waits for me In
Saint Louis. And you ask me to de-
lay, Mr.. Croker! To send messages!
l can't do 1t. Not an hour beyond the
first ~all-by-rail train east"
Mr.. Crocker's heart warmed. The
end of the long struggle had already
wiped years from his face. Now the
man fled altogether, and
left a joyous boy.
"By George, Vincent! You shall
go,-go day after tomorrow on the
overland special. And Joy 90 with
you. But come back Don to us. Well
have a good job for you"
Thank you, Mr.. Croker" Alfred
said earnestly, wringing the offered
hand, and fastening off to find Esther.
She was coming down the steps Of
Gregory's car.
Read that" He thrust the letter
into her hand, and stood by her side
while she looked 1t over 1t was
dated at Boston.
Dear Alfred: My Aunt Almira is
dead, and has left me three thousand
dollars. With this I've been able to
pay the last dollar; and my statement